Ed Miliband plans to address parliament with a strong stance against politicians who reject net zero policies, labeling them as betrayers of future generations. This move is dubbed “an exercise in radical truth-telling” about the climate crisis. With Reform UK proposing to eliminate all net zero measures and even questioning the science behind climate change, and the Conservatives abandoning environmental targets, Miliband aims to challenge these positions with a stern warning to Members of Parliament.
The energy security and net zero secretary is scheduled to make an annual “state of the climate” address to the Commons, presenting findings from a new report led by the Met Office. This study emphasizes that the UK is already experiencing the impacts of extreme weather conditions and their effects, indicating a severe climate crisis.
Miliband emphasizes his responsibility to inform the British public about the climate and nature crisis honestly, advocating for an annual statement that prioritizes truth-telling. He believes that by being transparent about the known facts, people can be won over to support necessary actions.
The Met Office’s report highlights increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves, along with longer periods of heavy rain leading to floods, underscoring the UK’s vulnerability to climate change. Both Reform UK and the Conservatives have shown opposition to net zero policies, with Reform UK pledging to dismantle such measures and subsidies for renewable energy, and the Conservatives retreating from their earlier commitment to reach net zero by 2050.
Miliband sees his upcoming statement as an opportunity to hold those opposing necessary actions accountable, arguing that dismissing the climate crisis constitutes a severe betrayal of current and future generations. He criticizes the notion that nothing needs to be done as one of the worst forms of betrayal, asserting that such politicians will be judged harshly by history for their denial or inaction.
Despite facing criticism and setbacks, including a significant reduction in Labour’s green investment pledge and the dismissal of a “zonal pricing” plan for electricity, Miliband remains resolute. He argues that the majority of the British public supports net zero policies, positioning himself as a voice for the majority against ideologues who deny the urgency of the problem. Miliband will also highlight reasons for optimism, including a growing global consensus on net zero goals and the potential for the UK to lead in green technologies and policies. He argues against reliance on adaptation alone, citing it as a strategy that will lead to escalating costs without effectively addressing the problem.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jul/14/ed-miliband-net-zero-betraying-future-generations
