Starmer Does Not Guarantee Miliband's Future Amid Blair's Net Zero Critique

Downing Street has refused to guarantee that Ed Miliband will remain as Energy Secretary for the full parliamentary term, despite offering firm assurances for other key Cabinet members. The lack of a clear commitment comes amid public criticism from former Prime Minister Tony Blair, who argued that immediate fossil fuel phase-out strategies are impractical and that the net zero debate has become irrational. Blair’s comments were initially seen as undermining Miliband’s position, though his institute later clarified support for the government’s overall direction, including investments in renewables and nuclear energy. Current Labour leaders have responded by emphasizing broad unity around the net zero agenda, highlighting areas of agreement with Blair on issues like carbon capture and clean energy, while also defending the importance of international collaboration. The ambiguity over Miliband’s future and Blair’s intervention have sparked debate within the party and drawn attention to the challenges of balancing climate ambition with pragmatic energy policy.