Ed Miliband’s Net Zero crusade is driving wedges within Labour and raising fears of power cuts that could leave the Government in the dark – literally and politically – says Dan Hodges in the Mail. Here’s an excerpt:
Miliband’s green zealotry was again on display last week after it was reported he was preparing to challenge Rachel Reeves’s – belated – growth strategy. The embattled Chancellor found herself ambushed as the Energy Secretary led the charge against her plan to give the go-ahead to a third runway at Heathrow.
Though he insisted he had no plans to resign over the issue, Eco Ed’s opposition is well documented. In 2018, he voted against the proposals, declaring: “We owe it to future generations not just to have good environmental principles but to act on them. That is why I will be voting against the third runway at Heathrow.”
His principles have obviously become a little more flexible since taking office. But several colleagues are becoming increasingly alarmed at the influence he is having within the Starmer administration.
“Before the Election, Keir basically did a deal with Ed,” another minister revealed to me. “He said, ‘Look, I don’t want you to have too much of a public profile because it’ll remind people too much of the past. But I’m going to give you Energy, and you can have free rein to do what needs to be done.’”
The problem is that Miliband is now exercising that freedom with a vengeance. And as he ploughs ahead with his cherished Net Zero agenda, some analysts are starting to question whether the National Grid can keep up.
Two weeks ago, the National Energy System Operator (NESO) – the body responsible for the operation of the electricity system – was forced to issue an Electricity Margin Notice, essentially warning that the U.K.’s demand for power was coming dangerously close to exceeding supply. Although NESO claimed there was never a serious risk of power cuts, respected energy consultant Kathryn Porter revealed the “near miss” represented the tightest day in the energy market since 2011. …
Last week, the Unite trade union announced it was ramping up its ‘No Ban Without A Plan’ oil and gas campaign. According to General Secretary Sharon Graham: “Labour needs to reverse its irresponsible policy banning all new oil and gas licences irrespective of the impact on jobs.” …
There is no doubt his passion for protecting the environment is real. But if his strategy fails – or can only be delivered by hammering the jobs and livelihoods of working people – Net Zero will become as politically toxic as the Poll Tax or university tuition fees.
I asked one of Miliband’s colleagues if he thought he understood how high the stakes were. He shrugged.
“You have to understand, there are two Eds. Actually, there are three. There’s Ed the former New Labour adviser, who is well aware of the necessity of public support. There’s Ed the former party leader, who thinks he now has the chance to reshape politics. And there’s Ed the minister, who sees himself as the new Greta Thunberg. The question is which one will come out on top.”
Worth reading in full.
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