Badenoch Demands PM Act to Curb Miliband and Ease Cost of Living Pressures
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has issued a stark warning, urging Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to rein in his Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, to effectively tackle the escalating cost of living crisis and reduce bills for British families. With the war in Iran intensifying pressure on already strained household budgets, Badenoch turned up the heat on Starmer to overrule what she termed his 'dogmatic Energy Secretary' and unlock untapped energy reserves in the North Sea.
Mounting Pressure on Government to Reverse North Sea Ban
In a forceful column for the Daily Mail, Badenoch accused Starmer of lacking backbone, suggesting he should have dismissed Miliband long ago if growth and bill reduction were genuine priorities. 'If Starmer had a backbone he would have sacked Miliband long ago,' she wrote. 'If he was truly serious about "growth" being his number one priority, he would have appointed someone else to the job. If he was actually determined to tackle the cost of living and bring down bills for British families and businesses, he would have shown Miliband the door.'
Pressure is mounting on the government to reverse the ban on new exploration in the North Sea as costs spiral and fuel supplies dwindle amid the Middle East crisis. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has added to speculation of a Cabinet rift by expressing happiness about drilling due to job creation and tax benefits, though she appeared to reference existing projects. Unions, led by the GMB, have also piled pressure on Labour, highlighting internal tensions.
Confusion Over Jackdaw and Rosebank Projects
Recent reports indicate that Miliband might approve the development of the Jackdaw gas field but remains opposed to the UK's largest untapped oil field at Rosebank, which he previously labeled an act of 'climate vandalism'. Badenoch welcomed what she called a 'partial and belated U-turn' but criticized the lack of clarity on Miliband's approvals. 'Once again Starmer is being pulled helplessly along for the ride while the real leader of the Labour Party makes the actual decisions that matter,' she added.
However, a spokesman for Miliband hit back, stating, 'Kemi Badenoch can throw around insults but it won't cut people's bills or deliver energy security. Ed is getting on with the job, driving clean, homegrown power that delivers growth and protects families from volatile fossil fuel markets.'
Energy Experts Join Calls for North Sea Approval
Energy experts have echoed Badenoch's calls, urging the government to approve major North Sea gas fields like Jackdaw to ensure energy security. Lord John Browne, former chief executive of BP, asserted that Jackdaw should 'absolutely' be approved, emphasizing, 'we don't have enough diversification today to take care of crises'. David Whitehouse, chief executive of Offshore Energies UK, added, 'This is not an either renewables or oil and gas scenario. We urgently need greater supplies of secure, domestically produced energy including oil and gas, which will remain a critical part of the UK energy system and economy for decades.'
Their intervention follows a Times report suggesting Miliband is inclined to approve Jackdaw, though a source close to him dismissed this as 'pure speculation', noting decisions are due in autumn. The Jackdaw project has been pending since 2024 after a High Court ruling invalidated a previous licence over carbon emission concerns.
Government Denials and Ongoing Uncertainty
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero denied the speculation, stating, 'The speculation today is wrong. No decisions on Jackdaw have been made - it is incorrect to suggest otherwise. The developers have confirmed the process is ongoing, and the independent regulator has recently requested further information before any final decision can be taken.' A source close to Miliband described claims about blocking Rosebank and approving Jackdaw as 'unfounded speculation', adding that decisions will be made 'in an appropriate and timely manner'.
As the debate rages on, the focus remains on whether the government will prioritize energy security and cost reduction or adhere to stricter environmental policies, with British families caught in the crossfire of this political and economic showdown.
