Ed Miliband's tenure as Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero has been marked by a sense of quiet confidence, not least because his department has managed to achieve what many thought was impossible: making tangible progress towards the UK's ambitious climate agenda. The 2030 decarbonisation target, once a pipe dream, is now within reach thanks in large part to Miliband's efforts. His team's swift lifting of the onshore wind farm ban, streamlined consenting for offshore wind and solar farms, and grid connection reforms have secured record levels of renewable energy contracts.
The perceived success of his tenure has, however, created unexpected tension within Labour ranks. Some critics argue that Miliband's effectiveness has made him a liability to those who wish to undermine his policies. While other departments grappled with pressing issues like economic growth, NHS strikes, and education problems, Miliband's team was able to 'get things done' at an impressive pace. Ed Matthew from the E3G think tank suggests that this very success may be the reason behind the criticism.
Miliband's commitment to net zero has put him at odds with powerful vested interests, including the fossil fuel industry and parts of the Conservative Party. The industry, along with Reform UK, is lobbying new Prime Minister Andy Burnham to approve new drilling projects in the North Sea – specifically the Jackdaw gasfield and Rosebank oilfield. If reports are true that Mr. Burnham is preparing to announce these approvals, it would be a personal blow for Miliband, who championed Labour's manifesto pledge against new licences, albeit with a loophole for existing planning applications.
Despite this potential setback, proponents of the UK's energy transition argue that the 'energy revolution' Miliband instigated during his time in office is now unstoppable. The clean power target he set was never just about meeting a specific goal but about driving growth in the clean economy – crucial for economic growth, reindustrialisation, energy security, and reducing household energy bills. Progress has been made, including the warm homes plan to lift approximately one million families out of fuel poverty through insulation and clean energy installations, as well as the initiation of a new nuclear programme for small modular reactors.
Miliband's move to the Foreign Office is seen by many as an opportunity for him to continue advocating for global climate action, leveraging his extensive knowledge and experience in this field. His initial actions as Energy Secretary in July 2024 demonstrated a clear intent – lifting the onshore wind farm ban was just the beginning of a long-term plan to decarbonise the UK's power sector.