In a speech, Ed Miliband, Labour shadow energy minister, warned that Sunak and other ministers are fueling division over the UK’s net zero target rather than addressing the urgent climate crisis.
He also highlighted concerns that the Conservative Party’s approach is causing higher bills. Miliband aims to appeal directly to Conservative voters who may be worried about the party’s shifts on greenhouse gas emissions and anti-green rhetoric.
In a landmark speech at a Green Alliance think tank event in London on Tuesday morning, he said of the Tories, “If the tree on their logo was real, no doubt they would cut it down and challenge Labour to support them.”
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This speech marked Miliband’s first public address on climate since Keir Starmer scaled back Labour’s spending pledge on emissions reduction and green economy development.
Miliband pledged Labour’s commitment to creating conditions for private sector investment in renewables and clean technology. He accused the Tories of missing out on these opportunities due to their focus on appeasing right-wing voices fixated on net zero as a cultural battleground.
“Families across the country are united in their desire for lower bills, cleaner water, and a green and pleasant home that we can leave for our children,” Miliband said.
“Instead of embracing this mainstream majority, Rishi Sunak is willing to give up the fight for lower bills and energy security because he wants to stoke the fires of a culture war.”
