The UK government plans to create a public body to invest in the electricity grid, according to BBC News and BBC Sport. Reuters separately reported that the government plans a law change to allow public ownership of water companies.
BBC News reported that the prime minister will say he wants to reduce energy costs in what is described as his first conference speech as Labour leader.
The Telegraph described the grid announcement as opening up the energy network in a challenge to National Grid. GB News reported that the plans include a 'buy British' approach that prioritises British businesses for contracts to upgrade the electricity grid.
According to GB News, the government has acknowledged that the 'buy British' approach could raise household energy bills, coming as families face their highest energy bills in three years. GB News also reported that new guidance laid before Parliament this month instructs energy regulator Ofgem to place greater emphasis on British jobs and manufacturing when overseeing grid investment, rather than focusing solely on the lowest price.
How each side covered it
Center
- Reuters reported plans for a law change allowing public ownership of water companies.
- BBC News and BBC Sport reported Burnham would unveil a new public body to invest in the electricity grid.
- BBC News reported Burnham would frame the announcement around reducing energy costs in his first conference speech as Labour leader.
“Burnham to unveil public body to invest in electricity grid” — BBC News
Right
- The Telegraph framed the plan as Burnham opening up the energy network in a challenge to National Grid.
- GB News reported the government has admitted the 'buy British' approach could raise household energy bills.
- GB News reported new guidance instructs Ofgem to prioritise British jobs and manufacturing over lowest price in grid investment decisions.
“Energy bills set to rise under new 'buy British' grid plans, Labour admits” — GB News
Questions readers ask
What did Andy Burnham announce?
According to BBC News and BBC Sport, Andy Burnham planned to unveil a new public body to invest in Britain's electricity grid. Reuters also reported plans for a law change allowing public ownership of water companies.
Will energy bills be affected?
According to GB News, the government has acknowledged that its 'buy British' approach to grid contracts could raise household energy bills, which come amid the highest energy costs in three years.
How did coverage differ between center and right-leaning outlets?
Center outlets, including BBC News and Reuters, focused on the announcement of the new investment body and the water ownership law change, while right-leaning outlets, including The Telegraph and GB News, emphasized the challenge to National Grid and potential cost impacts of a 'buy British' policy.
What is the 'buy British' grid plan?
According to GB News, new government guidance laid before Parliament instructs energy regulator Ofgem to place greater emphasis on British jobs and manufacturing when overseeing electricity network investment, rather than focusing solely on securing the lowest price.
Sources · 5 outlet reports
- BBC NewsCenterBurnham to unveil public body to invest in electricity grid
- BBC SportCenterAndy Burnham to unveil public body to invest in electricity grid
- ReutersCenterUK PM Burnham plans law change to allow public ownership of water companies
- GB NewsRight-leaningEnergy bills set to rise under new 'buy British' grid plans, Labour admits
- The TelegraphRight-leaningBurnham opens up energy network in challenge to National Grid