14/18
Energy and Net Zero Policies
Move: Starmer’s government has doubled down on net zero, with Energy Secretary Ed Miliband banning new North Sea oil and gas licenses and pushing state-run GB Energy. 

The Budget included £100 million for carbon capture despite its unproven scale.

Criticism: 
This is accused of undermining UK energy security and jobs—25,000 in oil and gas—while raising bills (up £149 in 2024) via green levies. 

The Mail and X posts decry reliance on imported energy (40% of gas from Norway) as China and India burn coal unabated. 

Miliband’s policies are seen as dogmatic, risking blackouts (National Grid warned of tight margins in 2024) and economic competitiveness for unachievable targets.

Counterpoint: 
Starmer touts it as future-proofing the economy, but critics note the lack of a costed transition plan, with 
Reeves admitting fiscal constraints limit green investment.