Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Miliband, was put to the test by Climate Squad yesterday. Volunteer, John Northall, tells us they checked out his driving skills and asked some educational questions.

The event

The public rally, hosted by DECC and Friends of the Earth Manchester, was Ed’s last before travelling to Copenhagen. So it was the public's final chance to be heard before one of the most important climate conferences the world has ever seen. Our volunteers were there to make sure Ed understood young people's ideas, concerns and experiences.

We told him all about Climate Squad, what we have been up to, and why we thought he should check out COPArt.

Asking the panel a question

There was a panel discussion - the chance to formally question Ed and representatives from The Guardian, Friends of the Earth and the Co-operative Group.

A heated debate ensued with some really powerful views and questions on Copenhagen being dealt with by the panel. One of our youth volunteers even rose to the occasion, asking Ed what will be done to instill hope and guidance to his college friends? The volunteer suggested Labour returned to its original Education, Education, Education policy to tackle climate change without leaving young people out of the loop.

Ed considered this and replied that it is important young people know how they can help and do not feel helpless. I think that initiatives such as Climate Squad can help young people to do this, but currently the Government are not succeeding.

Ed's driving!

There was also the chance for some casual chatting, but we didn't want to waste this. So, we sat Ed down in our eco driving simulator to see how efficiently he can drive.

After a hesitant start, and some questionable speeds, he learnt how to drive more fuel efficiently, and luckily more safely too. However, judging from his score, I suggest he sticks to the back seat and lets his chauffeur do the driving. I wonder if Conservative Greg Clark would manage any better...? Get in touch if you want a go, Greg.

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