The idea that the government could cut heat pump support provided by the Boiler Upgrade Scheme as part of a drive to find £2bn for higher defence spending should concern anyone who cares about fuel poverty, jobs, or Labour's promise to improve living standards.

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According to reports, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme could face significant reductions as ministers seek savings to fund defence. The scheme has supported nearly 80,000 heat pump installations since 2022 and helped build a domestic industry growing by more than 25% a year.

The people who would feel the consequences aren’t Whitehall officials or Treasury spreadsheets. They’re families living in draughty homes, the most vulnerable who are already worried about winter bills, and thousands of workers employed across Britain's heating, insulation and renewables sectors.

Nobody disputes the need for stronger national defence. The world is more dangerous than it was a decade ago.........

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