On Tuesday, I found myself considering a rather unexpected thought: Sir Keir Starmer might have a touch of common sense after all.
His stance on various issues recently, particularly defence spending and the aid budget, suggested a level of pragmatism that’s been largely absent in British politics lately.
Although the increase in defence spending is still far from enough and the figures have been somewhat manipulated to look more impressive, there’s something to be said for his decision to use the aid budget to support other essential expenditures.
This move, despite the backlash from some Labour MPs and aid advocates, signals that Sir Keir might just be willing to put the protection of British citizens first, ahead of global charity.
A Glimmer of Realism on the Net Zero Agenda?
This pragmatic shift could also be seen in Sir Keir’s approach to the Government’s ongoing rush towards Net Zero.
The current trajectory, unchecked, could drive the country into economic hardship and make life more difficult for many citizens.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, a staunch advocate for climate change policies, remains committed to the same old strategies that have been criticized for stifling economic growth.
But there are signs that other Cabinet ministers are realizing that Miliband’s approach could prevent the Government from achieving the economic success it desires.
For instance, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is expected to approve a major expansion of Gatwick airport.
This move, which includes making a standby runway permanent and increasing flights, will inevitably lead to higher carbon emissions—at least until more sustainable aviation fuel becomes mainstream.
Alexander has made it clear that she is not in the same camp as Miliband, describing herself as anything but an “eco warrior.”
Likewise, Rachel Reeves has backed the idea of expanding Heathrow’s runway, another policy that will increase emissions but could help stimulate much-needed economic growth.
The Growing Resentment Over Rising Energy Costs
Despite these developments, Miliband’s influence over the Government’s energy strategy is still strong, and it’s a growing concern.
Energy bills are set to rise by £111 from April, and the Government’s goal to reduce bills by £300 by 2030 is increasingly looking unrealistic.
British energy costs are already among the highest in the world. UK businesses face electricity prices that are 50% higher than those in France and Germany, and four times more expensive than in the US.
This situation has led prominent figures like chemicals billionaire Jim Ratcliffe to publicly criticize the government’s energy policies.
While it’s true that the Conservatives closed coal-fired power stations without sufficiently investing in new nuclear power plants, Miliband’s focus on wind and solar power, combined with his opposition to new gas and oil licenses in the North Sea, is exacerbating the issue.
Miliband’s recent comments about the £111 energy bill rise, where he pointed the blame on fossil fuels and vowed to make Britain a clean energy superpower, seem disconnected from the reality of the situation.
The UK still relies heavily on gas, especially for heating through the millions of gas boilers across the country, and there is little immediate hope for a shift away from gas with Miliband’s current policies.
The Real Costs of Miliband’s Anti-Gas Policies
Despite the potential for huge reserves of gas in the North Sea, Miliband remains steadfast in his opposition to new exploration.
This includes rejecting the possibility of extracting gas from a large field under Lincolnshire, which could supply the UK for an entire decade.
Additionally, Miliband has pushed forward plans to permanently close the country’s remaining fracking sites, a decision that many view as both short-sighted and counterproductive.
The Government’s intention to push the adoption of heat pumps over gas boilers is another controversial move.
Heat pumps are significantly more expensive to install and run than traditional gas boilers, making them an impractical option for many households.
Although Miliband has claimed he doesn’t support banning gas boilers, the Climate Change Committee’s recent recommendation to phase them out in a decade indicates that the Government could soon take a harder stance.
The Global Perspective on Gas and Energy
While the UK pushes ahead with its stringent anti-gas policies, the rest of the world isn’t following suit.
Countries like China and India continue to burn coal on a massive scale, and global gas consumption is expected to rise by 60% by 2040, according to Shell.
BP, which once shifted its focus toward renewables, has now refocused on oil and gas production due to the continued global demand.
The reality is that, while the UK may be leading the charge in decarbonization, much of the world continues to rely on traditional energy sources.
In Britain, however, the zeal to adopt policies that severely limit the use of gas could put the country at a distinct economic disadvantage.
The UK, which contributes only 1% of global greenhouse gases and has already done more than most countries to reduce its carbon footprint, is at risk of becoming impoverished by a policy that could alienate key sectors of its economy.
A Critical Test for Sir Keir Starmer
The looming question is whether Sir Keir Starmer will step in to curb Miliband’s more extreme policies, or whether he will let the Labour Party continue down this destructive path.
One immediate test is the future of oil projects like Jackdaw and Rosebank in the North Sea, which have recently been blocked by a Scottish judge.
Miliband is likely to support these blocks, but the Prime Minister must act to overrule him if these projects are to proceed.
Sir Keir has shown a pragmatic side with recent decisions regarding defence and aid spending, but whether he will extend this pragmatism to Labour’s climate policies remains to be seen.
If the Labour Party continues to align itself with Miliband’s zealous Net Zero agenda, it could very well hurt their electoral prospects in the next election.
Will the Prime Minister have the courage to stop Ed Miliband from ruining the country’s energy future? That remains the crucial question.