Doncaster MP Ed Miliband shamed in TV interview for not having electric car

Appearing on Good Morning Britain, the Doncaster North MP clashed with presenter Susannah Reid who told him: “Practice what you preach!” in an interview calling for the Government to introduce measures to make electric vehicles more accessible.

The former Labour leader was hailing electric cars and the positive impact they will have on the environment during an interview on the ITV show earlier today.

But the Shadow Business Secretary was left looking sheepish when he revealed he doesn’t own one.

Mr Miliband said: "I believe that climate action can create a better country but it is only going to happen with Government action.

"We are not seeing it at the moment, the Government needs to step up."

Ms Reid asked: "I presume you have got [an electric car] one?"

The Labour MP replied: "I have not yet, it is a work in progress."

Ms Reid said: "What? Practice what you preach."

He responded: "It is a work in progress, we had actually gone out of our way to buy one before lockdown.

"It is going to happen I promise you, I have bought an electric bike but it is on its way."

The GMB host asked: "So you are pushing for everyone to have an electric car and you don't have one yourself?"

Mr Miliband said: "I am pushing to make it accessible."

Ms Reid then interjected: "It is not even accessible to you."

He is calling for an electric vehicle revolution to boost jobs in the car manufacturing industry.

He says his plan would “make owning a zero emission vehicle an option for all” by offering interest-free loans for new and used electric vehicles to those on low and middle incomes.

He also wants to roll out charging points on streets in “left-out” areas in the north and midlands.

And he’ll call for part-financing the creation of three new gigafactories by 2025, providing greater security for the sector and shoring up Britain's global leadership in the electric vehicle market.