Ed Miliband, the energy secretary under Keir Starmer, has been described as the most successful minister in the current government, according to climate thinktank E3G. After a tenure marked by rapid progress on decarbonisation, he has now moved to the Foreign Office.
Record of achievement
Within 72 hours of taking office in July 2024, Miliband lifted the ban on onshore windfarms and began consenting offshore wind and solar farms, while reforming the grid connection queue. Auctions for low-carbon generation secured enough to supply about 23 million homes, and the warm homes plan aims to lift about 1 million families out of fuel poverty. A new nuclear programme for small modular reactors is also under way.
Last month, the government announced that the private sector had committed about £100bn to the UK’s clean technology sector. Alongside that, there is a plan to support 400,000 people into low-carbon jobs – more than double the number employed in the declining North Sea basin.
Attacks and opposition
Miliband has faced relentless attacks from rightwing media, the fossil fuel industry, the Conservatives, Reform UK, and even sections of the Labour party. He has been labelled a “net-zero zealot” with a “messianic” devotion to climate action. The fossil fuel industry has lobbied for new drilling in the North Sea, including the Jackdaw gasfield and Rosebank oilfield.
Despite the opposition, Ed Matthew of E3G said: “His detractors won’t like to admit it, but Miliband has been the most successful minister under the Starmer administration. Perhaps that is why they have attacked him so viciously.”
Impact on energy prices
Miliband’s reforms have added about £150 off bills for the average household, while about 6 million families on low incomes will gain about £150 more through the warm homes discount. However, fossil fuel price rises from the Ukraine invasion and the Iran war have offset these savings. The UK’s privatised power market means electricity prices are set by gas-fired power stations, which can be highly profitable for them but disastrous for consumers.
Move to Foreign Office
Miliband’s move to the Foreign Office will prevent him from following through on decoupling gas and electricity prices. It remains to be seen whether his replacement, Miatta Fahnbulleh, will continue with such enthusiasm. However, his international allies are cheered; the fight to limit the climate crisis is a global one, and the US departure from the field, coupled with uncertainty in Europe, and China and India’s flirtations with Russia, have left a leadership vacuum.
Teresa Ribera, a vice-president of the European Commission, said: “He is, by some distance, one of the most skilful and respected negotiators I have ever worked with, and one of the most honest and principled politicians I know. He commands respect in international institutions and among the world’s most influential governments, but equally among developing countries, workers, scientists and business and civil society leaders.”
Mohamed Adow of Power Shift Africa said: “On the international stage, Miliband is seen as someone who understands that ambitious climate action and economic renewal can go hand in hand. Climate diplomacy is built on relationships, trust and persistence, and countries notice when senior ministers are prepared to engage directly. Putting [him] at the heart of government would send a positive signal to the rest of the world.”
