Energy Secretary Ed Davey yesterday sidestepped questions about the future of UK energy policy after the next election.

His party the Liberal Democrats were dealt a blow in the EU elections two weeks ago, losing seats in the European Parliament, raising the prospect of a similar loss in the UK’s 2015 general election.

If the Lib Dems lose their partnership in the Coalition with the Conservatives, there could potentially be different priorities for energy policy on the cards.

The Conservatives want to cap more onshore wind turbines and Labour has pledged to freeze energy bills.

Meanwhile UKIP’s rise has forced Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron to slip in more EU-averse sentiment.

Asked by ELN whether UKIP’s recent growth in popularity could derail the UK’s closer involvement with the EU, energy-wise, Mr Davey said: “No, I think actually this would be Europe delivering for people in Britain.

“Britain is ahead of the game in many ways and what we’re asking is Europe catching up with the UK.”

He suggested the UK was using its “influence” to make sure Europe adopts “our approach which is technology neutral”.

Mr Davey was speaking after his speech at the Eurelectric conference on Monday (2 June) where E.ON Group CEO and Eurelectric President Johannes Teyssen gave a nod to the UK’s growing anti-EU mood.

Speaking from the podium about EU energy policy, he quipped to Ed Davey, sat in the audience: “We hope from bottom of our heart we have the UK in midst of our debate.”