Coutinho must put energy into battling Tories on two fronts

NEW Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho faces a battle on two fronts as rival Tory factions fight over net zero.

- Jonathan Walker

Some backbenchers hope to use the Government’s Energy Bill to block the introduction of green levies. 

But in a sign of the divisions within the party, a former minister has joined forces with Labour and Green MPs in a bid to limit the continued use of oil, coal and gas power and force the Government to speed up the adoption of “green” policies.

Officials indicated the Energy Bill will return to the Commons this week, despite Ms Coutinho’s appointment just last week when predecessor Grant Shapps was appointed Defence Secretary.