Green King Charles ‘loves Ed Miliband’s Net Zero agenda’ as energy minister faces humiliation over Labour support for a third Heathrow runway_nhy
His green ideas may be falling out of favour within Labour ranks as the government desperately tries to find a way to grow the economy, but Ed Miliband can still count on at least one friend in a high place.
The Energy Secretary is facing embarrassment over his zealous push to meet Net Zero targets after ministers including Rachel Reeves baked construction of a third runway at Heathrow airport.
However Mr Miliband, the former Labour leader, is still popular with one jet-setting senior public figure – King Charles.
The environmentally conscious monarch is said to ‘love’ Mr Miliband’s efforts to make the UK greener.
The Times today reported that the King had praised Mr Miliband and his work to another senior Labour figure.
This is despite critics warning that they could be disastrous for the economy and could drive up domestic bills rather than reduce them.
Internally, Labour figures are also said to be nervous of his efforts at a time when they are being pilloried over a failure to yet turn round the economy.
Charles’s environmentalism is well-known. Last November, Mr Miliband was among ministers, campaigners and business leaders who attended an international sustainability reception he hosted at Buckingham Palace.
Others who attended included Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Environment Secretary Steve Reed.
The environmentally conscious monarch is said to ‘love’ Mr Miliband’s efforts to make the UK greener.
The Energy Secretary is facing embarrassment over his zealous push to meet Net Zero targets after ministers including Rachel Reeves baked construction of a third runway at Heathrow airport.
The Energy Secretary, who was an outspoken critic of Heathrow expansion when he was party leader, said the idea of him quitting if it was expanded was ‘ridiculous’.
The Energy Secretary, who was an outspoken critic of Heathrow expansion when he was party leader, said the idea of him quitting if it was expanded was ‘ridiculous’.
However, London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan indicated that he will continue his opposition to the scheme, warning that a third runway is incompatible with protecting the planet.
Ms Reeves is expected to use a speech on growth next week to support the plan, as well as an expansion of Gatwick and Luton.
Earlier this week she said that boosting the economy must trump Labour’s dash for net zero.
In the clearest statement yet of the Government’s new priorities, the Chancellor said projects which could boost growth should not be held back because they ‘might add something to carbon emissions in 20 years’ time’.
Asked whether she would choose to prioritise the economy or tackling climate change, she said growth was her ‘number one mission’, adding: ‘It’s obviously the most important thing.’
Charles’ environmentalism is well-known. Last November, Mr Miliband was among ministers, campaigners and business leaders who attended an international sustainability reception he hosted at Buckingham Palace.
Her backing has raised questions about whether her fellow Cabinet members will fall into line or oppose the expansion of the west London airport.
Seven Cabinet members including Sir Keir Starmer, Mr Miliband, and Mr Reed have previously voted against the scheme.
Mr Miliband was expected to be the most vocal government critic, but he insisted he would not quit over the government’s decision yesterday.
Asked if he would consider resigning if the plans go ahead, he said: ‘Don’t be ridiculous, no.’
Buckingham Palace declined to comment.
