During a Q&A session at the Hay festival, Ed Miliband criticized the climate activist group Just Stop Oil for “alienating people” from their cause. While acknowledging the urgency of addressing the climate crisis, Miliband emphasized the need for strategic and inclusive tactics to bring people along on the transition to a sustainable future.
Highlighting Labour’s progressive stance on banning new oil and gas licenses, Miliband emphasized the importance of a fair and managed transition, especially for workers in existing fields. He expressed Labour’s commitment to following scientific evidence in shaping climate policies and pledged to lead the way in achieving zero-carbon energy by 2030 if Labour wins.
Miliband underscored the significance of domestic leadership in driving global change, pointing out the increasing cost of inaction compared to the cost of transitioning to renewable energy. He urged for a united front in navigating the challenges posed by climate change.