Why exactly does Ed Miliband make so many people so angry? At 55, 20 years into his parliamentary career, with rare ministerial experience under both NewLabourand Keir Starmer, and a reputation around Westminster and Whitehall as one of politics’ nicer, more knowledgeable characters, he could be a respected figure in a generally inexperienced government. Instead, he’s this unpopular administration’s most controversial member.“An eco-zealot”, “a net-zero fanatic”, a “nauseating” hypocrite, “a cackling madman”, an “eco-Marxist”, “out of control”, “trashing Britain”, “a recruiting sergeant for the opposition”, the “most dangerous man in Britain” – Miliband provokes rightwing journalists and voters like no other minister. Possibly not since the onslaught in the 1970s on the socialist disruptor Tony Benn, whom Miliband later worked for as a teenager, has a Labour minister been so relentlessly targeted. Even the long-running and complex crisis in Britain’s steel industry has become an opportunityto blame him, despite him being secretary of state for energy security and net zero for fewer than 10 months.Like Benn, Miliband is also undermined by his own side. Anonymous briefings are constantly given to journalists that he is a political liability and about to be demoted or fired. In January, a typical Labour “colleague”told the Sunday Times: “The only minister who really knows how to work the system and get officials delivering what he wants is Ed Miliband … And Ed is the one minister we don’t want to be a success if we want to win the next election.”The government has forced Miliband into real or perceived retreats onairport expansion,electric vehicles, the nationalisation of energy companies and the scale of Labour’sgreen investment. To the disappointment of some environmentalists, he has had to spend much of his ministerial time trying to justify the government’s climate compromises, willingly or otherwise. To critics on all sides, the question is when he will resign – orwhy he hasn’t already.Yet neither his divisiveness nor his survival should come as a surprise. His determinedly upbeat 2021 bookGo Big: 20 Bold Solutions to Fix Our Worldincludes a quote from Machiavelli: “The reformer has enemies in all those who profit by the old order, and only lukewarm defenders in all those who would profit by the new order.” As any rational climate policy unavoidably focuses more and more on restricting big carbon-emitting interests – motorists, airlines, fossil fuel companies – so the policy’s designers and implementers inevitably become the hated or, more subtly, obstructed removers of commercial and personal freedoms. And unlike most Labour ministers, Miliband appears to enjoy upsetting the established order. His speeches are increasingly combative. In interviews, he challenges the assumptions behind hostile questions.Because he was an underwhelming Labour leader in whatseems a distant era, the relatively calm first half of the 2010s, it’s been forgotten by many voters – but not by some of his enemies – that he was a sporadic troublemaker even then:attacking the Murdoch pressover phone hacking, andcorporate “predators”for feasting on the British economy. Despite his old “Red Ed” nickname, his politics are hardly revolutionary: no more than centre-left by postwar Labour standards. But unlike with many centrists, his beliefs are both stubbornly held and open to radicalisation, as has happened in recent years as he has perceived capitalism and the climate developing in increasingly catastrophic directions.Years of being slagged off has also hardened him. He no longer has any illusions that the rightwing media will ever tolerate him. He is often portrayed as alien – a “zealot” – to the supposedly sensible traditions of our politics. Despite the pro-Israel rhetoric now obligatory on the right, this othering still has a hint of the antisemitism that shadowed his leadership, with its endlessly reprinted photo of Labour’s first Jewish leader struggling with a bacon sandwich.Miliband is also an earnest north Londoner who believes in the state, defeated his more rightwing and media-favoured brother, David, in a leadership contest, and then lost what was widely seen as a winnable general election. Even if he was running a less contentious ministry, which may be his eventual fate, plenty of people would find reasons to dislike him.Although, strikingly, that dislike does not extend to the Labour membership. A recent survey for the website LabourList found thatMiliband was their favourite minister, far ahead of rightwingers such as Wes Streeting and Rachel Reeves, and of Starmer himself. That popularity is probably one reason Miliband hasn’t been sacked. But it also generates tensions, reminding the Labour right that its party purge is not yet complete, and highlighting Starmer’s limited rapport with the members. Anti-Miliband feelings are also generated by his ability to work the Whitehall machine. For all the British right’s disdain for socialist dreamers, what it really dislikes is a lefty who get things done.Largely driven by Miliband, trying to maximise his impact while he can,Labour has ended the de facto ban ononshore wind turbines, announced a largeexpansion of solar power, begun legislating to create the state-owned clean power company GB Energy, andstopped grantingexploration licences for new North Sea oil and gas fields. Meanwhile, some of his defeats on climate policy may be more apparent than real. The expansion of Heathrow, for example, will have to meet so many environmental conditions that many observers believe it will never happen.Miliband and Starmer remain quite close. As leader, Miliband cleared the way for him to become an MP. As a minister, Miliband helps him believe he is still leading a progressive government. But those who predict Miliband’s imminent demise point out Starmer’s ruthlessness towards close colleagues when he thinks they have become a problem. In 2021, he removed Miliband’s shadow ministerial responsibility for business. Then, as now, Miliband was winding up powerful people.Yet the world has changed since then. Theclimate crisishas worsened faster than expected. Labour has found being back in office harder than it anticipated. Along with Reform UK and the Lib Dems, the Greens are eroding its support. As the failure of his policies to stop the latter process shows, Miliband is hardly a perfect politician. But being angry or disappointed with him is really a displacement activity. It’s much easier to think about the end of Miliband than the end of the world.Andy Beckett is a Guardian columnist
Why is Ed Miliband a target for all sides? Because he’s a lefty politician who gets things done | Andy Beckett
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Ed Miliband's Controversial Role in Labour and the UK Government"
The Guardian
7.0
TruthLens AI Summary
Ed Miliband, a prominent figure in the UK Labour Party, has garnered significant controversy and animosity from various political factions, despite his relatively cordial reputation in Westminster. At 55 years old and with two decades of parliamentary experience, Miliband has served under both New Labour and Keir Starmer, positioning him as a potentially respected member of the current government. However, he has become a focal point of disdain, labeled with epithets such as "eco-zealot" and "the most dangerous man in Britain." This backlash mirrors the intense scrutiny faced by past Labour figures, notably Tony Benn, and illustrates the challenges Miliband faces as he navigates his role as Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero. His critics, including right-wing journalists and even colleagues within his party, accuse him of being a political liability, often undermining his efforts and questioning his effectiveness as a minister. Despite being relatively new to his position, Miliband has found himself at the center of blame for broader crises such as the turmoil in Britain's steel industry and the government's perceived failures in climate policy.
Miliband's divisive nature is compounded by his own party's ambivalence towards him, as some Labour members express concern over his success potentially jeopardizing their electoral chances. His recent initiatives, including the promotion of renewable energy and the cessation of new oil and gas exploration licenses, have drawn both support and criticism. Interestingly, while he is unpopular among certain political circles, Miliband enjoys considerable backing from Labour's membership, showcasing a disconnect between party leadership and grassroots support. His ability to navigate the complexities of Whitehall and implement progressive policies, despite opposition, highlights a unique aspect of his political persona. As the climate crisis escalates and the political landscape shifts, Miliband's future remains uncertain, yet his presence continues to provoke strong reactions, reflecting broader tensions within the Labour Party and the UK's political discourse.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents a critical examination of Ed Miliband, a prominent figure within the UK Labour Party, highlighting the controversies that surround him and the polarizing reactions he elicits from various political factions. It delves into the reasons behind his unpopularity, both from the right and within his own party, and discusses the broader implications of his role in the current political climate.
Public Perception and Political Targeting
Miliband is portrayed as a scapegoat for a range of political issues, illustrating how he has become a target for right-wing critics who label him with extreme terms. This reflects a strategy to undermine him by framing his environmental policies and political actions in a negative light. The article suggests that this targeting might stem from his effectiveness and determination to push for green policies, making him a threat to those who oppose significant climate action.
Internal Party Dynamics
The piece indicates that Miliband is not only criticized by the opposition but also faces challenges from within his party. The anonymous briefings from Labour colleagues suggest a fear of his success, as it could complicate the party's strategy leading up to the next election. This highlights a significant rift within Labour, where the desire to win elections may conflict with the party's more progressive ideals.
Manipulation and Media Framing
The language used in the article, including the extreme descriptions of Miliband, hints at a potential manipulation of public sentiment. By labeling him with terms like “eco-Marxist” and “the most dangerous man in Britain,” the media might be attempting to create a narrative that fosters fear and division among voters. This framing could be seen as a deliberate effort to sway public opinion against him and distract from other pressing issues, such as the ongoing crisis in the steel industry.
Potential Impact on Society and Politics
The ongoing critique of Miliband could have significant implications for the Labour Party's future, especially as they prepare for upcoming elections. If internal divisions and external criticisms continue to undermine Miliband’s position, it may weaken the party's ability to present a unified front on environmental policies. This could affect voter perception and ultimately influence the electoral outcomes.
Support Base and Community Reactions
Miliband's policies and image may resonate more with progressive and environmentally conscious communities, who may view him as a champion for climate action. However, the backlash from conservative circles indicates a divided public opinion, suggesting that his support is concentrated among specific demographics while alienating others.
Economic Implications
The article does not directly address economic impacts, but the ongoing debates about climate policy and energy nationalization could influence investor confidence in related sectors. Companies tied to energy and green technology might be affected by the political narratives surrounding Miliband, especially if they align with his vision for a sustainable future.
Global Context
In the broader context of global politics, the discussion around climate change and environmental policy is increasingly relevant. Miliband's role in the UK could mirror debates in other countries regarding leadership on climate action, thus connecting local issues to global trends.
Use of AI in Content Creation
It is unlikely that AI was used in the creation of this article, given the nuanced understanding required to portray political dynamics accurately. However, if AI tools were involved, they may have influenced the article's tone and framing to align with certain narratives, potentially steering public perception in a specific direction. The article is credible in its reporting of Miliband's controversies and the political landscape but may exhibit bias in its choice of language and framing. The combination of targeted criticism and internal party dynamics presents a complex picture of Miliband's current standing within UK politics, reflecting deeper ideological divides.