The Answer To Bringing Down Britain's Energy Bills Lies In Our Partnership With This 1 Country, MP Says

Labour promised to cut bills by £300 a year by 2030.As leaders gather in London today for the International Energy Summit, the question on everyone’s mind is security – how we ensure clean, affordable, and reliable power in an era of global instability and supply chain shocks, like those we witnessed following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.One of the most exciting opportunities to achieve this lies in our partnership with Morocco. The Morocco-UK Power Project, recently recognised in TIME Magazine’s World’s Top GreenTech rankings, promises to supply enough clean electricity to power seven million British homes. It also aims to reduce wholesale electricity prices by over 9% in its first year – supporting the government’s Warm Homes agenda – cut UK power sector emissions by around 10% and deliver more than £20 billion in value to the British economy. This project is not only a bold step towards our Net Zero ambitions, it is a strategic investment in the UK’s energy resilience, built with a stable and long-standing partner just across the Mediterranean. It shows what is possible when we think globally and act in partnership.That spirit of partnership extends far beyond energy – to growth, security, and sport. One of the most powerful expressions of that connection came during Morocco’s historic campaign at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. I’ll always remember the scenes in Golborne – in North Kensington – where the streets were filled with green and red flags as the community celebrated Morocco’s incredible journey to the semi-finals, the first African and Arab team ever to do so. It was a powerful reminder of the strong ties between Morocco and the UK, particularly in my own constituency of Kensington and Bayswater, home to one of Britain’s largest Moroccan communities. That’s why I helped to establish Labour Friends of Morocco, to strengthen the ties between Morocco and the UK. This initiative brings together parliamentarians, councillors, and community leaders to create lasting partnerships grounded in shared values and meaningful cooperation. Our aim is to promote stronger diplomatic, economic, cultural, and educational relations between the two countries. Morocco is a nation of strategic importance to the UK. Just a three-hour flight from London, it is a key trading partner, supplying British supermarkets with fresh produce, pioneering renewable energy solutions, and playing a crucial role in regional security. The 80,000-strong Moroccan community in the UK contributes to our culture, innovation, and public life. I am immensely proud to represent this vibrant community in parliament. Joe Powell MP (centre) at the Special Morocco Embassy Iftar with Minister Gareth Thomas MP (left) and Moroccan Ambassador to the UK Hakim Hajoui.The UK and Morocco share a deep historical relationship spanning over 800 years, making it one of the world’s oldest diplomatic partnerships. Today, our economic ties are stronger than ever. Trade between Britain and Morocco grew by more than 60% in 2024 to reach £3.8 billion. Morocco supplies a quarter of the tomatoes in our supermarkets, a fifth of all soft fruits, and 60% of our canned sardines. In return, the UK exports cars, refined oil, and metals to Morocco, demonstrating a mutually beneficial relationship.The potential for greater collaboration on our Net Zero ambition is immense. At a conference in Lagos last November, foreign secretary David Lammyhighlighted Morocco’s expanding role in the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain, recognising the country’s strategic importance in the global transition to clean energy. With strong production capabilities and a key position in Europe’s EV market, Morocco is well-placed to drive innovation and sustainability in the sector. As the UK seeks to deepen trade and energy partnerships, Morocco stands out as a valuable ally, offering exciting opportunities for sustainable growth and technological advancement. But beyond trade and energy, Morocco has also become an increasingly popular destination for British tourists, with over a million UK visitors in 2024 alone. Strengthening ties in tourism, education, and cultural exchange will create more opportunities for collaboration and economic growth. In Kensington and Bayswater, the impact of Moroccan culture is profound, and it is something we take great pride in. Along Portobello Road, local businesses offer Moroccan delicacies, crafts, and textiles, and community centres like the Al-Hasaniya Moroccan Women’s Centre provide vital support to Moroccan and Arabic-speaking women. Our community is a testament to the rich contributions Moroccans have made to British society. With Morocco set to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, we have an incredible opportunity to build on this partnership – not just in sport, but on economic growth, clean energy, and deeper collaboration between our two nations. As Chair of Labour Friends of Morocco, I encourage those who share our vision to join us in advancing a progressive case for closer UK-Morocco relations and strengthening our common bond. Related...Blow For Rachel Reeves As Trump Tariffs Blamed For UK Economic Slowdown'We're Screwed Either Way': Economic Expert Unpacks Consequences Of Trump's Global TariffsRachel Reeves Insists Her Plan Is 'Working' Despite Economic Growth Forecast Being Halved

Comments

Breaking news

'Potentially hazardous void' found under one of Glasgow's busiest streets

RICHARD LITTLEJOHN: We're on the brink of World War III, our cities are hellscapes and the economy's shot. No wonder voters are turning to Reform - I'd vote for them too

Katy Perry's secret humiliation as she's dealt another blow days after her Blue Origin space flight and cancelled tour dates

Thousands of Israelis including freed Hamas hostages and Holocaust survivors join March of the Living through Auschwitz 80 years after Nazi death camp's liberation

Princess Anne shares sweet message of praise for her sister-in-law Queen Camilla - and says she makes a 'huge difference' in her brother King Charles's life

Kanye and Bianca's month-long therapy retreat that's saved their marriage revealed - as friends tell exactly what happened and how she REALLY feels about him after naked stunt: GRANT TUCKER

LIZ JONES: Meghan's glamorous mask had slipped... and this is the ugly truth it's exposed

Pop superstar looks unrecognisable in forgotten role from Orange Is The New Black before music fame - but can you recognise her?

BRYONY GORDON: Why there's nothing worse than a husband who won't argue back!

Comments

Similar News

UK’s clean power push ‘route to energy security’, says Ed Miliband

Ed Miliband 'considering' regional energy pricing

The UK says at an energy summit that green power will boost security, as the US differs

Miliband confirms he could charge homes in the South more for electricity

Zonal energy pricing will not go ahead if it raises bills, Ed Miliband says

Ed Miliband Angrily Clashes With Wilfred Frost Over Soaring Bills: 'You Can't Flatly Deny My Point!'

Government to decide on 'postcode pricing' plan for electricity bills by summer

Live in the South? You could pay more than Northerners for energy! Ed Miliband says 'zonal' power pricing is on the table - but insists it WON'T push up bills

Voices: Poll of the day: Should how much you pay for energy depend on where you live?

PM backs ‘homegrown clean energy’ as Government pushes back on net zero critics

Scots gran 'left in the dark' by energy supplier amid looming meter switch-off

What is Ed Miliband’s ‘postcode pricing’ plan for energy bills and how would it work?

The £1bn rail project that could transform a major UK city

Sir Keir Starmer unveils £2bn carbon capture deal creating 2,000 jobs

Dumfries and Galloway great-grandmother fears losing power due to ageing meter switch-off

Falkirk Council tighten up fuel procedures to cut £1.2 million annual spend

UK edges towards post-Brexit youth visa deal with EU

Inchcape warns that car supply could be impacted by US tariffs

Plans to ‘dim the sun’ sparks conspiracy the government is ‘changing the weather’

Breaking news

'Potentially hazardous void' found under one of Glasgow's busiest streets

Girl, 14, charged after 'serious assault' at Aberdeen school

Woman ‘illegally aborted baby then took foetus to hospital in a backpack’

Chainsaw-wielding man goes on strange spree killing trees worth $347,000

Girl, 10, suffocated after being swept away in mudslide on school trip

Brazil former President Bolsonaro's health has worsened, doctors say

Voices: Addiction, misinformation and bullying: Why Independent readers want phones banned in classrooms

Farage sparks furious backlash after claiming children with special educational needs are ‘over diagnosed’

US automakers will face easier federal rules in the race with China to develop self-driving cars

Federal judge temporarily blocks Trump’s push to end DEI in K-12 public schools

‘We’ve gone from helping earthquake and flooding victims to clearing up Birmingham’s bin bags’

Estranged husband arrested 25 years after woman left her boyfriend’s house and was found dead in her Camaro

PM backs ‘homegrown clean energy’ as Government pushes back on net zero critics

Only 15 percent of young people believe U.S. is on right track under Trump, poll finds

Namibia's new president announces free university education starting in 2026

Two boys, 15, arrested on suspicion of murder after elderly couple found dead in house fire

Singer Kehlani dropped from Cornell concert for 'antisemitic' sentiments

Reeves to say global trade should provide ‘security for working people’

Reeves moves to appease Trump with new vision for global trade

FTSE 100 edges to three-week high as oil firms gain value

Trump targets popular Democrat fundraising group as he preps order to crack down on foreign money in elections: report

Judge bars Trump from denying federal funds to ‘sanctuary’ cities that limit immigration cooperation

Harvey Fierstein to be awarded special Tony Award for lifetime in the theater

'SNL' to close out its 50th season with Scarlett Johansson and Bad Bunny

It’s a s*** show’: Department of Transportation scrambles to keep staff who accepted resignations

Nintendo Switch 2 preorders see 'overwhelming' demand, frustrations for hopeful buyers

What to expect at Pope Francis’ funeral from Vatican rituals to iron-clad security and world leaders attending

11-year-old girl helplessly stuck in the middle of fight between mom and hairdresser trying to chop off her braids

Trader Joe’s is opening 21 new stores across the US: Here’s where they are

NY attorney general’s lawyer urges Justice Dept. to reject Trump official’s call for criminal probe

Trump team may have violated another judge’s order by moving Venezuelan to Texas for deportation

1-year-old is killed after being hit by two cars while following family dog into the street

Outrage as mourners take ‘disrespectful’ selfies with Pope Francis’ open casket

Men's Shed groups help planet by reducing their carbon emissions

Teenage girl charged after schoolgirl 'stabbed' at Aberdeen high school

'Our greatest ever player': Jamie Vardy to leave Leicester City

Footballer jailed for causing death of cyclist in car crash

Death of football-loving Pope comes as president of club he supported faces corruption claims

Large parts of UK set to be warm and sunny early next week

'I tried M&S £8.50 pistachio chocolate bar - the luxe twist surprised me'

Manchester Airport passenger 'mortified' after realising what he'd taken through security

Iconic Tom Ford perfume that ‘receives so many compliments’ has 20% off in rare sale

Nigel Farage blasted over 'fake news' claim about children's health

'Enough is not being done' say Harry and Meghan as they discuss protection for children

'I'm a doctor - here's why some people are more at risk of hair loss on weight loss jabs than others'

Prince William admits surprise at King Charles decision as he's mobbed on return to duty

Major plan to switch off kids' social media while they're at school being looked at

Expert urges men to call doctor straight away if this symptom happens on toilet

Mirror's Daily Digest: Our top stories from jailed footballer to soap stars getting engaged

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle join bereaved families demanding social media action

Banish ants and flies in your home this summer using just one natural cure that they hate