Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has vowed to “double down” on the Government’s environmental agenda, whilst accusing opponents of the move to net zero of “making up nonsense and lies”.
The cabinet minister has faced mounting criticism from political rivals and some trade unions who argue his green policies are putting jobs in traditional industries at risk.
The UK remains legally committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, a target originally established under a previous Conservative government.
In a strongly worded statement, Miliband warned that abandoning the net zero agenda would not only risk “climate breakdown” but would also “forfeit the clean energy jobs of the future”.
In a strongly worded statement, Miliband warned that abandoning the net zero agenda would not only risk ‘climate breakdown’ but would also ‘forfeit the clean energy jobs of the future’
PA
The Energy Secretary emphasised that the case for clean energy transition goes beyond climate concerns.
“It is the social justice case too – it is working people who pay the greatest price for our energy insecurity,” Miliband stated.
Opposition to the net zero agenda has been vocal from across the political spectrum.
Despite her party’s previous commitment to net zero while in government, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has warned the target cannot be achieved without potentially bankrupting the country.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has been even more critical, describing the policy as ‘net-zero lunacy’
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Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has been even more critical, describing the policy as “net-zero lunacy”.
Farage told the BBC that the net zero agenda could become “the next Brexit – where Parliament is so hopelessly out of touch with the country”.
Miliband has faced particular scrutiny over the situation at British Steel.
The government recently passed emergency legislation to take control of the company amid concerns about its Chinese owner Jingye’s plans.
Beijing has accused the government of “politicising trade co-operation” and suggested the situation has raised doubts about Chinese investment in the UK.
Trade unions including the GMB and Unite have expressed concerns about the potential loss of thousands of well-paid jobs in the oil and gas sector.
Miliband has sought to reassure union leaders by declaring that green energy generation will provide “good unionised jobs of the future”.
