Miliband denies role in solar farm linked to donor Vince

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband clarified in Parliament that he did not participate in the approval of a solar farm in Lincolnshire linked to Labour Party donor Dale Vince. The 524-hectare Heckington Fen site, which is expected to generate 500 megawatts of energy, received government approval in January and could power over 100,000 homes. This response came after Conservative shadow frontbencher Joy Morrissey questioned him about potential conflicts of interest and whether he would refer himself to an independent adviser on ministerial standards. Miliband emphasized that he recused himself from the decision-making process and criticized the Conservative Party for opposing renewable energy initiatives. The government's efforts to expand solar farms have accelerated since Labour took office last year, with multiple projects already approved in Lincolnshire. Miliband's statements highlight ongoing political tensions regarding energy policy and transparency.