The debate around climate change took a fiery turn this week after a prominent Labour donor suggested that denying climate change should be treated as a criminal offence.
His remarks came as Energy Secretary Ed Miliband doubled down on Net Zero goals, slamming the opposition for what he called “unpatriotic” resistance to climate policies.
Dale Vince Calls Out Climate Denial and Praises Miliband’s Approach
Dale Vince, a well-known green energy businessman and one of Labour’s biggest backers—donating £5 million ahead of the last general election—made headlines after he posted on X (formerly Twitter) that climate denial should be punishable by law.
His argument? The harm caused by slowing down Net Zero progress is simply too great to ignore.
Backing Ed Miliband’s call for honesty about the climate crisis, Vince wrote: “Good move from Ed, it’s time to tell it like it is.
I’d make climate denial a criminal offence—given the incredible harm it will cause, even by slowing down progress to Net Zero.”
Miliband Pushes for a National Climate Wake-Up Call
Ed Miliband addressed MPs with urgency in Parliament, echoing the warnings from the latest Met Office report.
The report outlined how the UK is experiencing rising temperatures, increased rainfall, and more frequent extreme weather events.
In an interview with The Guardian, Miliband said he wanted climate statements to become an annual tradition—”an exercise in radical truth-telling.”
He told MPs: “The central England temperature series shows recent warmth has far exceeded any temperatures observed in at least 300 years.”
He also highlighted the devastating toll that climate change has already taken, citing around 10,000 excess deaths due to heatwaves in England over the past four years.
On top of that, he pointed out that the UK is now among the most nature-depleted countries in the world.
Accusations of “Unpatriotic” Resistance Stir Heated Debate
Miliband didn’t hold back when addressing critics of Britain’s climate efforts.
“To those who say Britain cannot make a difference—I say you are wrong.
Stop talking our country down. British leadership matters,” he said passionately.
But that line of attack didn’t sit well with everyone.
Conservative energy spokesman Andrew Bowie hit back, calling Miliband’s accusations “ridiculous.”
He argued that throwing around terms like “unpatriotic” only polarizes the conversation and alienates the public.
Tories Warn Net Zero Could Leave Brits Worse Off
Bowie also took issue with how the Met Office report was used, accusing Miliband of turning it into a political weapon.
“It’s shameful,” he said. “The Secretary is using this report to distract from the fact that Labour’s plans could impoverish the British people.”
He stressed the importance of a balanced approach, saying: “We need to decarbonise in a way that creates energy security and prosperity—rather than forcing industry abroad and leaving families poorer.”
A Proposal to Power Churches and Mosques with Solar Panels
Amid the debate, Miliband floated an interesting idea—using the state-backed GB Energy to help religious buildings like churches and mosques go solar.
While details remain limited, the proposal signals Labour’s interest in community-based energy initiatives as part of their wider climate agenda.