UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Energy Secretary Ed Miliband calls on Labour to challenge billionaires undermining net zero, pledging 400,000 new clean energy jobs.
As reported by The Guardian, Ed Miliband said Labour is up against a “global network of right-wing billionaires” seeking to derail net zero.
What did Ed Miliband say about net zero and green jobs?
Ed Miliband said a net-zero culture war is being imported by the Tories and Reform UK, stressing the need to accelerate green policies.
He stated,
“Genuinely, I relish this fight on clean energy and net zero. Because that is what politics is about.”
Mr Miliband will bring back the party’s “green new deal,” aiming to tackle both climate change and economic inequality.
The energy secretary aims to create 400,000 clean energy jobs, expanding the workforce by 2030. This will create jobs for engineers, researchers, welders, electricians, and construction workers.
How will Ed Miliband accelerate unionisation in green energy?
In the Labour conference in Liverpool, Ed Miliband will pledge to accelerate green energy unionisation, despite trade union concerns over potential job losses in oil and gas.
The energy secretary will introduce a Fair Worker Charter, mandating fair pay, flexible working, and union access for publicly funded companies.
The final guidelines may include higher pay, benefits, flexible working, and expanded union and new rights for offshore and public body workers.
How did Ed Miliband criticize Reform’s net-zero stance?
Ed Miliband said fighting Reform is about showing how net zero benefits ordinary people. He urged Labour MPs to focus on their values, not Nigel Farage.
He said,
“Reform is now part of a powerful network across the world who want to take away rights for workers, who want to reverse clean energy,” adding, “Elon Musk, he is a poster child in a bad way for this movement, and we have to take that on.”
The energy secretary stated,
“The consensus hasn’t broken down because the British people have changed, the consensus has broken down, because the Tories and Reform have thought, ‘Let’s import the culture war from the US.’”
According to him, Reform’s plan to halt all net-zero investments attacks workers in Hull, Scotland, and Teesside, threatening future generations.
Mr Miliband said Labour should defeat Reform by clearly explaining the challenges facing working people.
He stated,
“They want to say that the problems of the country can be put down to migration, diversity, net zero.”
Mr Miliband added,
“The truth is the reason why people’s living standards are stuck, why growth has been so low, and public services are on their knees, is … trickle-down economics from the 80s, which left us with huge inequality and austerity in the 20s.”
The energy secretary said the green sector is behind on workers’ rights, adding that it developed under the Tories when unions were ignored.
He stated,
“I’m sending a very clear message in my speech on Wednesday, which is we’re putting an end to this. We want to support companies, we want to work with business, but trade unions are an essential partner in building this new economy.”
He said the government is trying to cut bills but acknowledged challenges from aging infrastructure and high gas costs.
How is Ed Miliband responding to criticism and green energy challenges?
Unions including GMB and Unite have slammed Ed Miliband over threats to North Sea employment.
Offshore wind developers will be required to fund a skills program supporting oil and gas workers, apprentices, and school leavers.
Mr Miliband also faces calls to delay the 2030 target, as the National Energy System warns of major difficulties.
He called the 2030 goal
“unbelievably important in galvanising the industry … We wouldn’t have this clean energy jobs opportunity if it wasn’t for 2030.”
The energy secretary acknowledged that Labour MPs are under pressure from constituents, including Greens and Reform supporters. He said his experience as Labour leader taught him to defend core values and beliefs, rather than reacting hastily.
Mr Miliband stated,
“I lost the election in 2015. I decided to stay in politics. The reason I decided to stay is because I thought there were big things to fight for. There’s no bigger thing to fight for than changing our economy. After 30 years of neoliberalism and changing our economy and the Green New Deal climate is an essential part of that.”
He added,
“I don’t care so much what the Greens say or what Reform says. I care about what we say. We should use the power of government to do what we believe. And then you let the chips fall where they may.”
Key facts about the net-zero goal
The UK plans to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Its central mission is to deliver a zero-carbon electricity system by 2030.
The Green Prosperity Plan will use public funds to encourage private sector funding. This strategy supports the government’s clean energy and climate transition goals.
Labour’s 2025 party conference
The Labour conference will be held from September 28 to October 1, 2025, in Liverpool. Its purpose was to set government direction, vote on policies, and tackle political challenges.
Announcements included tougher migration rules, fiscal responsibility measures, and new student maintenance grants. Speakers were Keir Starmer, Rachel Reeves, Shabana Mahmood, Andy Burnham, and Bridget Phillipson.