Max Wilkinson MP: “All I want for Christmas is the Government to support the Sunshine Bill”

EMBARGO: Immediate release

Off the back of the UK’s shortest day of the year, Liberal Democrat MP for Cheltenham, Max Wilkinson, is asking for the Government to commit to a “sunnier future” by backing his Sunshine Bill as ‘a Christmas gift to the nation.’ 

His Private Members Bill (PMB), The New Homes (Solar Generation) Bill - aka, the ‘Sunshine Bill’ - would see solar panels installed on newly built houses as a standard practice, helping to protect homeowners and renters from fluctuating energy bills and reducing pressure on the national grid, while reducing emissions. 

In a letter to Angela Rayner, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, and Ed Milliband, the Secretary of State for Energy, industry experts from across the worlds of energy and housing development have urged the Government to support Max’s Bill. 

Their letter outlines how the Sunshine Bill will lower energy bills for families across the country, while upholding the Government’s own commitment to renewable energy. 

The second reading of the Bill is due to take place on January 17th. If it passes, it will move to committee stage where it will receive cross-party scrutiny. 

Cheltenham MP Max Wilkinson said: 

“All I want this Christmas is for the Government to support the Sunshine Bill. Lower energy bills would be the perfect gift not just for me, but for the nation. 

“It is sheer absurdity that this isn’t already the standard for all new homes. It is a vital step toward tackling the climate crisis and saving money for households. 

“Not only will this initiative help our country towards renewable energy goals, it will also ease the pressure of fluctuating energy bills for thousands of families who are feeling the burden of the on-going cost of living crisis. 

“Following the shortest day of the year, it’s time the Government finally commits to a sunnier future."

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

Letter to Angela Rayner and Ed Milliband from industry specialists here:

Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP

Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government

Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government

2 Marsham Street

London

SW1P 4DF

Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP

Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

55 Whitehall

London

SW1A 2HP

RE: our support for the Sunshine Bill

Dear Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State

The twin crises of high energy bills and climate change present this country with many challenges. But there

are also a number of solutions that could be relatively easily implemented. One of those solutions is the

inclusion of solar energy on newbuild residential accommodation.

The New Homes (Solar Generation) Bill, a Private Members’ Bill proposed by Max Wilkinson MP, is due for its

second reading in the House of Commons on 17 January. Known by its supporters as the Sunshine Bill, this

commonsense solution would set a new default standard that all new residential development would include

solar power generation.

We believe this Bill is in line with your government’s commitment to renewable energy generation and the aim

to lower the cost-of-living for householders.

Taking this one simple step would pay back to new homeowners, via lower energy bills, in just a few short

years, helping protect homeowners from high and fluctuating energy bills. Pressure on the wider grid would be

reduced and the likely outcome would be a reduction in the country’s emissions too, in line with climate

change targets.

British people’s support for this measure is overwhelming and crosses party political allegiances. It is a

strikingly popular policy, with recent polling showing 74% of the public support mandating solar energy

generation in new homes.

We, the undersigned, urge you to support the Sunshine Bill at its second reading.

Yours sincerely

David Cowdrey

Acting CEO

The MCS Foundation

Asif Rehmanwala

Chief Executive

Ecotricity

Roger Mortlock

Chief Executive

CPRE – the countryside charity

Matthew Hart

Director of Residential New Build

E.ON Next

Paul Hutchens

Chief Executive

Eco2Solar

Rob Boughton

Chief Executive

Thakeham

Chris Hewlett

Chief Executive

Solar Energy UK