Sir John Redwood has issued a scathing challenge to Labour’s Energy and Net Zero Minister Ed Miliband, demanding answers on what he describes as the “self-defeating” policies driving the party’s green agenda.
In a hard-hitting series of questions, Sir John accuses Miliband of pursuing initiatives that will harm the UK economy, cost jobs, and paradoxically increase global carbon emissions.
Redwood’s concerns highlight the potential consequences of Labour’s energy strategy, calling for clarity on issues affecting energy production, vehicle manufacturing, and the cost of achieving net zero by 2030.
The Key Questions:
1. New Oil and Gas Exploration:
Why do you insist on stopping new oil and gas from U.K. fields? It means more imports which raises world CO2 especially with LNG, slashes tax revenues and loses us well paid jobs.
Sir John criticised Labour’s opposition to new oil and gas projects in the UK, arguing that this policy would force the country to rely on more expensive imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG), which produce higher emissions. He warned that such a move would also slash tax revenues and cost Britain “well-paid jobs.”
2. Petrol and Diesel Cars:
Why do you insist on high fines for each additional petrol and diesel car sold by U.K. companies when you can import a nearly new vehicle from abroad to get round the tax? Why do you want to force the closure of so many U.K. factories making petrol and diesel cars whilst overseas competitors will carry on making them?
Questioning Labour’s push to penalise UK carmakers for producing petrol and diesel vehicles, Redwood pointed out that nearly-new imports from abroad could easily bypass such restrictions. “Why do you want to force the closure of so many UK factories,” Redwood asked, “while overseas competitors will carry on making them?”
3. Battery-Powered Cars:
Why do you want people to buy battery cars? If I did buy a new one lots of CO 2 would be released making the raw materials and vehicles. I would plug it into a grid unable to supply more wind power so you will need to burn more gas in a gas power station to recharge it. Silly self defeating idea.
Redwood expressed scepticism over Labour’s push for battery-electric vehicles, noting the high CO2 emissions generated during their production. He added that the current energy grid would struggle to support a large-scale transition to electric cars without increasing reliance on gas-powered stations, calling the policy a “silly, self-defeating idea.”
4. Renewable Energy Costs:
Why do you tell us renewable power will be cheaper? You have to subsidise renewable investments and give them priority over gas fired electricity. You need to account for the costs of a big expense on more grid capacity and on stand by power.
Labour’s promises of cheaper renewable energy also came under fire, with Redwood pointing out the hidden costs of subsidies, additional grid capacity, and standby power for when renewables fail to deliver. He challenged Miliband to account for these expenses.
5. Heating Costs:
Why do you tell people and businesses to switch from gas fired heating, when electricity is four times the cost per unit of energy? Low income households will be unable to afford decent temperatures and factories will be uncompetitive and close.
Sir John raised concerns about Labour’s advocacy for a switch from gas-fired heating to electricity, which is currently four times as expensive per unit. He warned that low-income households would struggle to maintain adequate heating and factories would become uncompetitive, leading to closures.
6. Net Zero Costs:
What is your estimate of the total cost of getting to net zero CO 2 from electricity generation by 2030. Will we pay through higher bills, higher taxes or both?
“How much will achieving net zero by 2030 cost?” Redwood demanded, questioning whether the burden would fall on taxpayers, energy bills, or both.
7. Aviation and CO2:
How will you stop CO 2 from jet planes taking you and others on holiday or to international conferences and work meetings?
Highlighting Labour’s apparent silence on aviation emissions, Redwood pressed Miliband on how he plans to address CO2 from jet planes used for holidays and international conferences.
8. Government Vehicle Fleet:
When will all government owned, financed or subsidised vehicles be battery ones?
Redwood also asked when the government would commit to converting all taxpayer-funded vehicles to electric, suggesting Labour’s rhetoric on green policies hasn’t translated into action within their own ranks.
9. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS):
Why go ahead with carbon capture and storage? It raises industrial costs, driving more out of business. It is opposed by many Greens.
Sir John criticised Labour’s support for carbon capture and storage technology, which he says increases industrial costs, drives businesses overseas, and is even opposed by many environmental groups.
10. Energy-Intensive Industries:
Do you want us to import most things like petro chems, steel, glass ceramics that need lots of energy to make? That adds to world CO 2 whilst losing us many jobs.
Finally, Redwood asked whether Labour’s policies would lead to the UK becoming reliant on imports for petrochemicals, steel, glass, and ceramics—industries that require significant energy inputs. “This would increase world CO2 while costing us countless jobs,” he warned.
Public Backlash
Sir John Redwood’s pointed questions reflect growing concerns among Conservatives and industry leaders that Labour’s ambitious climate targets are unrealistic and economically damaging. Critics argue that the party’s policies risk undermining the UK’s energy security and competitiveness while placing an undue financial burden on families and businesses.
Labour’s Response
The Labour Party has yet to respond directly to Sir John’s questions. Ed Miliband has previously defended Labour’s energy policies, asserting that bold action is needed to combat climate change and modernise Britain’s economy. However, critics argue that the costs and unintended consequences of these policies have not been fully addressed.
With the UK grappling with a cost-of-living crisis and growing scepticism over net zero deadlines, Redwood’s questions are likely to resonate with many voters seeking a balanced approach to tackling climate change without sacrificing economic stability. Whether Labour can provide clear and satisfactory answers remains to be seen.