Ed Miliband just went too far – even Keir Starmer has had enough now | Personal Finance | Finance


Miliband lives in a fantasy world. His claims simply donโ€™t stack up. During the election, he insisted his net zero would create 600,000 jobs and cut household energy bills by ยฃ300. Instead, they’re destroying jobs and businesses, and adding hundreds of pounds to our gas and electricity costs.

He also keeps claiming new North Sea drilling wonโ€™t cut bills. Thatโ€™s dishonest because it ignores the wider economic benefits of domestic oil and gas production. More jobs, more tax revenues, more exports, plus an improved balance of payments, stronger pound, lower inflation and greater energy security.

Despite all those benefits, Miliband would rather we import oil and gas from abroad than use our own. Even if it means buying it from Vladimir Putin and funding his murderous war regime. Miliband isnโ€™t just pushing a ruinous energy policy that’s helping to impoverish the nation, heโ€™s also a serial backstabber.

Right now, he’s openly manoeuvring against Starmer while desperately trying to jemmy Andy Burnham into No 10. In doing so, heโ€™s inflaming Labourโ€™s growing civil war. This time, he may finally have overplayed his hand.

Labour activists adore Miliband because they see him as a man of principle, even if his main principle appears to be wiping tens of billions off Britainโ€™s economy. But the cabinet is now revolting.

According to The Times, Starmer is under mounting pressure to torpedo net zero. Ministers are lining up against Miliband, furious at his refusal to acknowledge the economic benefits of domestic oil and gas production. Blairโ€™s intervention has strengthened their hand. Ministers are sick of hearing Miliband insist drilling โ€œwonโ€™t take a penny off billsโ€ while ignoring all the wider benefits it would bring.

And hereโ€™s whatโ€™s really changed. Normally, Starmer caves to Miliband. Not having any opinions of his own, he usually caves into those with the strongest one. But with Miliband now in open revolt, even our weak-kneed PM is preparing to take a stand.

Miliband has finally gone too far. If Starmer had any authority, or any guts, heโ€™d sack him today. That may be too much to ask. But the revolt has started, and this time Miliband had better watch his own back. His enemies are growing in strength. And they’re coming for him.

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