The Green Party’s co-leader, Adrian Ramsay, has strongly criticized Labour’s approach to economic growth, arguing that prioritizing it over environmental and climate concerns is “extremely dangerous.” Ramsay, who represents Waveney Valley and is one of the five Green Party MPs elected in July 2023 with the party’s best-ever result, expressed disappointment with Labour’s recent actions and policies.
Labour has recently approved airport expansions and plans to change planning rules to reduce nature’s priority. Additionally, Labour ministers have downplayed the importance of protecting wildlife and have indicated that economic growth is more important than achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. There are also concerns that funds intended for green projects might be redirected for defense purposes.
Ramsay argues that the government’s stance is misleading and unsafe, highlighting the importance of green spaces for both people’s wellbeing and the environment. He asserts that it is possible to develop sustainably without harming nature, and points out that Labour is committed to restoring 30% of land and sea in the UK for nature by 2030. Ramsay criticized Labour’s framing of growth versus nature, suggesting that this narrative attacks communities that are working to protect their environments.
Ramsay questioned whether former Prime Minister Boris Johnson was more environmentally friendly than current Labour leader Keir Starmer, citing early positive signs from Johnson on renewable energy targets that are now being undermined by decisions such as airport expansions. Ramsay’s tenure as an MP has not been easy, with criticism coming from Ed Miliband, the energy secretary, who has accused him of opposing renewable energy infrastructure.
Miliband’s accusations led to Ramsay being labeled the “UK’s nimby-in-chief” after he pressed for alternative discussions on the construction of 520 pylons in his constituency. Ramsay defended his actions, insisting he represents his constituents who want to explore alternatives before construction.
Before becoming an MP, Ramsay served as a Green councillor and worked for renewable energy campaign groups. He rejects the “nimby” label, stating that his career has been dedicated to climate action and renewables.
The rightwing Reform party has also voiced opposition to pylons and net-zero initiatives, which Ramsay claims the party uses to deceive the public with policies that would undermine the NHS, allow foreign plutocrats to influence democracy, and halt the push for net-zero carbon emissions.
There are rumors that Labour is considering relaxing requirements for new homes to be powered by renewables. Ramsay called any weakening of these plans an “absolute outrage,” arguing that solar panels and renewable heating systems should be standard in newly built homes, with the only explanation for not doing so being political concessions to developers.
Ramsay pledged to continue challenging Miliband on these issues, specifically calling on Labour not to pursue major airport expansions or oilfield developments such as the new Rosebank field. He also pointed out the importance of focusing on energy efficiency and insulation in homes to reduce energy consumption, and criticized Labour’s stance that economic success and nature protection are in conflict, a stance that has led environmentalists like George Monbiot to suggest Labour might be worse for the environment than the Conservatives.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/15/green-leader-adrian-ramsay-labour-growth-v-nature-framing-is-an-outrage
