Net Zero chief Ed Miliband is ‘furious’ at Gulf trade deal talks because he thinks their oil production is anti green
NET Zero Minister Ed Miliband has tried to sink Britain’s trade talks with the Gulf – because he thinks their oil production undermines his eco agenda.
‘Red Ed’ has been lobbying No10 and the Treasury warning it would undermine the government’s mission to make Britain a “clean energy superpower”, The Sun on Sunday understands.
But he was rebuffed and told the mission to get Britain’s economy growing trumps the green agenda.
A source said: “He expressed his concerns to the Treasury and No10 and appealed to them – but he did not win.”
Another said: “He is always lobbying.”
Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds is currently in the Gulf as he hopes to ink a trade deal with the oil-rich bloc in the New Year.
The Gulf includes Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar. Britain’s trade relationship with the bloc is already worth a whopping £57 billion.
The King and Queen of Qatar are coming to Britain in December for a full-blown state visit.
The oil pumped in the Gulf powers the world economy.
Cutting it leads to fuel shortages and global recession – as happened during the 1973 oil crisis.
Mr Miliband previously spearheaded Labour’s old plan to splurge £28 billion a year on green projects.
Sir Keir Starmer killed off the policy before the election, fearing it was too expensive and a flop with voters.
Miliband’s allies said he does not oppose the trade talks.
A Government spokesman said: “We’re seeking a modern trade deal with the Gulf and negotiations are moving at pace.
“Economic growth is this government’s driving mission and trade deals like this one, which we estimate could boost the UK economy by £1.6bn, have an important part to play in that.”