Columnist Stephen Pollard has sharply criticized Ed Miliband's political record, suggesting that his appointment as Chancellor by Andy Burnham would be detrimental to any government.
Pollard asserts that Miliband's career, spanning over a decade as a minister, Labour leader, and Energy Secretary, is marked by "repeated and consequential failure." He points to Miliband's tenure as Labour leader, during which he altered the party's leadership election rules in 2014. According to Pollard, this change paved the way for Jeremy Corbyn's succession, leading to a period of "extremism, factionalism, and an antisemitism crisis" within the party.
Stance on Syria
The columnist also highlights Miliband's role in the 2013 decision regarding military action in Syria. When then-Prime Minister David Cameron sought parliamentary approval to join the United States in limited military action following the Syrian government's alleged use of chemical weapons, Miliband led Labour MPs in voting against the motion, which ultimately failed. Pollard argues this decision had global repercussions, emboldening Bashar al-Assad and signaling to the international community that chemical weapon use might be overlooked.
Domestic Policy and Net Zero
Miliband's judgment on domestic social policy is also questioned. Pollard references a 2017 podcast episode where Miliband reportedly promoted arguments of the trans activist movement, dismissing critics and platforming a doctor whose clinic prescribed hormones to children. Pollard characterizes this as an example of "ideology first, practicality second."
The Net Zero agenda is presented as another area of concern. Pollard contends that Miliband's focus on Net Zero has contributed to high energy prices in Britain while having minimal impact on global emissions. He notes that Britain accounts for approximately 0.8 percent of the world's carbon emissions, yet Miliband has opposed new North Sea oil and gas exploration, even though his own plan for decarbonizing the National Grid by 2030 relies on gas power. Pollard contrasts this with Norway, which continues to exploit its oil and gas reserves for revenue and energy security.
Miliband's target of a clean power system by 2030 is described as "effectively dead," with solar energy installations falling short of the required annual pace. The estimated cost of the green transition is projected to rise significantly, with Pollard suggesting that Miliband prioritizes ambitious targets over affordability, competitiveness, and energy security.
Pollard also touches upon Miliband's 2010 leadership bid against his brother, David Miliband, suggesting it demonstrated a willingness to betray individuals for personal gain. He speculates that Keir Starmer has learned this lesson, as Miliband was reportedly among those urging Starmer to step aside, while simultaneously signaling support for Andy Burnham for the Chancellor position.
Pollard concludes that if Andy Burnham appoints Miliband as Chancellor, it would signify an endorsement of a political record he deems "marked by abject failure at home and abroad," and would require the country to believe that outcomes will somehow differ this time.