Ed Miliband says ‘I’m 100% up for a fight with Nigel Farage’ over urgent issue – and Starmer is too
The Ener

Ed Miliband, the UK’s Energy Secretary, has made it clear that he’s ready to go head-to-head with Nigel Farage over the country’s plans to fight climate change. He gave a strong promise that the UK’s goals to reach Net Zero – which means reducing harmful carbon emissions and moving toward clean, renewable energy – will not be pushed back or changed. He also said Prime Minister Keir Starmer is fully supporting him in this effort.

Miliband made these comments during an interview at a solar energy site in Hull, where thousands of solar panels help power a nearby hospital. He challenged Nigel Farage and his Reform UK party, who have been criticizing Net Zero and calling it a foolish plan that could raise living costs for ordinary people. Miliband responded by saying that it’s Farage who is being unreasonable, calling his views “ideological and extreme.”

He said that if Farage wants a public debate where he argues in favour of fossil fuels like oil and gas – which are expensive, polluting, and bad for long-term energy security – then Miliband is more than happy to have that discussion. He explained that Labour is offering something better: affordable, clean energy that creates good jobs, reduces people’s bills, and helps protect the environment for the next generation. He believes most people agree with this approach and are tired of the scare tactics used by those who oppose climate action.

Miliband also pointed to public surveys which show that most people in the UK support climate action and especially back the target of reaching Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050. But he knows that promises and targets are not enough. People want to see real results that benefit their daily lives.

That’s why he highlighted the solar farm he was visiting. It has 11,000 panels and provides enough electricity during the summer to run Castle Hill Hospital without needing energy from the main power grid. That alone saves the NHS up to £200,000 every month. Miliband used this as an example to show that switching to clean energy doesn’t just help the planet – it also saves money and supports public services.

He said the government’s plan is focused on cutting costs for people, not raising them. He stressed that their mission is to make the clean energy transition affordable for ordinary families. “It only works if it helps people financially,” he said, making it clear that economic fairness is at the heart of the plan.

Miliband also talked about how the clean energy shift is about more than just climate change. It’s about building a stronger economy, creating new and better jobs, and protecting the country from energy price shocks like the one seen when Russia invaded Ukraine, causing gas and electricity bills to shoot up.

Despite reports that some members of the government might disagree on this issue, Miliband said Keir Starmer is fully committed. He said the Prime Minister believes in climate action not just for moral reasons but because it’s the right thing to do for the economy, for families, and for future generations. He said Starmer has made clean energy a key part of his government’s identity and is determined to lead Britain into a greener and more secure future.

Miliband’s message was clear: the Labour government isn’t backing down. They believe that investing in clean energy will protect people’s wallets, create jobs, and help save the planet – and they’re ready to fight anyone who tries to stand in the way.