'Bring on the fight' over net zero, energy secretary Ed Miliband tells critics

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🗞️ Driving the news: UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to net zero at the close of the International Summit on the Future of Energy Security, declaring, “bring on the fight” to critics
• Amid pressure from domestic political opponents and the U.S. delegation under the Trump administration, Miliband stressed that clean energy represents both a national security imperative and an economic opportunity

🔭 The context: The UK’s clean energy transition has come under renewed scrutiny, with political figures like Nigel Farage and U.S. officials labelling net zero goals as “dangerous.”
• Nevertheless, the UK government has positioned net zero as central to its economic and energy policy, particularly as renewable electricity has become cheaper than gas
• Despite this, the benefits have not fully reached consumers due to market structures that still peg electricity prices to gas costs — a reform the government aims to address

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The UK’s resolve to lead on clean energy, despite geopolitical resistance, reinforces the global momentum toward decarbonisation
• Maintaining strong net zero targets from influential economies is crucial for achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement, reducing reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets, and promoting innovation in renewables and grid infrastructure

⏭️ What's next: The UK will continue pursuing structural reforms in the energy market to better pass clean energy savings to consumers, while also navigating trade negotiations with the U.S., where climate policy remains politically divisive
• The summit’s conclusion, with over 60 countries reiterating support for the clean energy transition, sets the stage for renewed multilateral coordination heading into COP30

💬 One quote: “This government is not for bending, this government is not for buckling, this government is standing firm,” — Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, responding to criticism of the UK’s net zero agenda.

📈 One stat: Renewable electricity in the UK is now cheaper than gas, yet remains priced in tandem with gas due to current market structures

See on illuminem's Data Hub™ the sustainability performance of National Grid and its peers EDF, and SSE

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