Andy Burnham has appointed Miatta Fahnbulleh as Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, replacing Ed Miliband. Critics warn she may be even more extreme than her predecessor.
Fahnbulleh's Radical Past
Fahnbulleh, a close ally of Burnham and former head of the New Economics Foundation think tank, has previously called for net zero emissions by 2035—15 years ahead of the 2050 target—funded by higher taxes and borrowing. She has also advocated for higher charges on households using more gas and electricity, and a levy on frequent flyers.
Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice branded her an "eco-zealot". Fahnbulleh has described new fossil fuel projects as "irresponsible and shortsighted" and wants even tougher windfall taxes on UK oil and gas producers.
Miliband's Legacy
During the 2024 election, Miliband claimed his green transition would cut £300 off average household energy bills, a figure that proved unrealistic as bills surged. Green levies add £11 billion a year to bills, with the Office for Budget Responsibility projecting £18 billion by 2030, costing the average home £450-£500 annually. Miliband also blocked new North Sea drilling, increasing reliance on imports.
Pressure for Pragmatism
Burnham faces pressure to revive North Sea oil and gas production from unions like GMB and Unite, and former PM Tony Blair. Deputy leader Lucy Powell has hinted at "a more pragmatic approach". Blocking domestic oil and gas forces Britain to import more, often with a bigger carbon footprint. Reversing that could unlock £50 billion of investment, generate £13 billion in tax receipts, and support thousands of jobs, according to Offshore Energies UK.
Polling shows almost 70% think Britain should prioritise North Sea oil and gas production. Whether Fahnbulleh will show more sense than Miliband remains to be seen.
