Donald Trump has delivered a stinging rebuke to Ed Miliband, raising questions about the energy secretary's fitness to become chancellor under a future Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The US president has long opposed Miliband's net zero agenda, calling his ban on new North Sea drilling licenses 'ideologically driven' and warning it undermines Britain's economic and defence interests.
Trump's criticism of Miliband's energy policy
Trump has previously described the North Sea as a 'treasure chest' and urged Britain to 'incentivize the drillers, FAST'. Miliband ignored the advice, pressing ahead with policies that include shutting down domestic oil and gas production while investing heavily in wind turbines, solar panels, and carbon capture technology. Critics argue this has led to some of the highest energy costs in the developed world, despite Miliband's pledge to cut bills.
Labour and union backlash
Even Labour-backing unions have turned against Miliband. Unite's Sharon Graham described his policies as an 'absolute disaster zone'. Green energy tycoon Dale Vince has also questioned Miliband's 'economic competence' and his grasp of 'the basic notion of value for money', accusing him of wasting taxpayer funds on pet projects.
White House warnings
Senior officials in Trump's administration are reportedly warning that making Miliband chancellor would be a huge mistake, according to The Times. They argue that additional tax revenues from North Sea drilling could help fund Britain's defence. Burnham, who owes Miliband for clearing his path to Number 10, now faces an impossible choice between pleasing the White House and satisfying Labour activists.
Conclusion
Harvey Jones argues that Burnham should keep Miliband away from the Treasury, where he would 'wreak havoc', and suggests making him US ambassador instead, where 'the Yanks would know exactly what to do with him'.
