Ed Miliband, the Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary, has declined to reveal his personal view on the controversial third runway at Heathrow, despite Labour’s public backing of airport expansion.
Under Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s push for economic growth, the Labour government last month confirmed its support for a larger Heathrow. Yet when pressed on whether his personal position had shifted since he blocked a similar move in 2010, Mr Miliband invoked collective responsibility, calling himself “part of the decision-making process” and insisting he “abides by” the government line.
Mr Miliband emphasised that approval for Heathrow’s expansion may still be “some years off”, pending strict assessments of carbon budgets and local environmental standards. Speaking on Sky News, he added that Heathrow must present viable plans if a third runway is to go ahead. The issue highlights the government’s struggle to reconcile economic ambitions with its environmental agenda, while Mr Miliband himself refused to reiterate his past opposition.
Questions over the proposed Rosebank oil field – a project Mr Miliband previously called “a colossal waste of taxpayer money” – saw him again refrain from giving his personal opinion. Instead, he argued that ministers must follow “proper process”, with decisions taken “in a fair and objective manner”.
Rejecting the idea that the UK faces a stark choice between economic growth and the pursuit of net zero, Mr Miliband portrayed clean energy as “the biggest economic opportunity of the 21st century”. He also announced a consultation aimed at ensuring all rental properties achieve at least a C rating for energy performance. Landlords could face higher renovation costs, which might be passed on to tenants, but Mr Miliband defended the policy as “fair” and essential for tackling damp, mould and spiralling energy bills.