The UK government is reportedly planning to relax its 2030 electric vehicle sales targets, potentially lowering the mandate for pure EVs from 80% to 50% and allowing a larger share for hybrids. This move follows intense lobbying from the car industry and unions concerned about job security and manufacturing penalties.
Allies of UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves are warning against Ed Miliband potentially succeeding her, fearing he would "torpedo" her position if Keir Starmer is removed as PM. They criticize Miliband's economic policies, contrasting them with Reeves' perceived market stability.
Analysis of policy stances for potential UK Labour leadership contenders: Andy Burnham, Wes Streeting, Angela Rayner, and Ed Miliband, covering nationalisation, constitutional reform, public services, taxation, and environmental policies.
Wes Streeting plans to launch a leadership challenge against Keir Starmer on Thursday if he secures enough MP support, prompting a scramble for an opposing candidate, potentially Ed Miliband or Angela Rayner, amid Labour's internal turmoil.
Keir Starmer set to face challenge as former minister says she will trigger race if no cabinet minister comes forwardUK politics live – latest updatesMPs from Labour’s left are expected to urge Ed Miliband to consider a leadership bid in the coming days, as Keir Starmer faced the prospect of a definite challenge from his MPs next week.Following grim results for Labour in elections on Thursday, former minister Catherine West said that if no cabinet ministers went public by Monday, she would launch a bid to end the impasse. Continue reading...
Plaid Cymru set to take power in Wales and SNP to retain it in Scotland, but Reform made big gains in both nationsElection 2026 live: latest news updatesFull results from England, Scotland and WalesThe polls were terrible, the predictions dire and even one of his predecessors as Labour leader, Ed Miliband, had reportedly told Keir Starmer he should set a timetable for his resignation.But for the prime minister, as polls closed in Wales, Scotland and many regions of England, there would be no consideration of such a course. “To all the Labour members and volunteers who have supported local campaigns across the country: thank you,” he posted on X late on Thursday. “Together we will build a stronger and fairer Britain.” Continue reading...
The UK government's plan to de-link gas and electricity prices is a heavily diluted version of the more radical 'pot zero' proposal and will likely deliver only modest savings for consumers. While older wind and solar farms under the renewables obligation scheme receive around £200/MW/h compared to £91 for new projects, the reform only swaps the wholesale element to fixed-price contracts, not the legacy subsidy portion. Energy secretary Ed Miliband offered no bill reduction forecast, with savings dependent on take-up and likely to be modest under normal conditions.
Ed Miliband has revealed he warned David Lammy that Peter Mandelson's appointment as UK ambassador to Washington could "blow up", expressing concerns about Mandelson's links to Jeffrey Epstein and his lobbying firm's Chinese and Russian business ties. Mandelson was sacked after nine months following disclosures about his relationship with the late financier and child sex offender. The Guardian revealed he failed initial security vetting, which was overruled by the Foreign Office, leading to the sacking of FCDO permanent secretary Oliver Robbins.
Ed Miliband has a rare chance to do for the climate what Nye Bevan did for health: create something future generations will be proud ofIt looks unlikely that Labour will emerge as the largest party at the next general election (though it’s by no means impossible). If just one term is Labour’s destiny, what legacy will it leave behind? There is already in the making one great success that can’t be reversed, the transition to homegrown clean energy. This is a true “taking back control” escape from the clutches of febrile oil and gas markets. Indeed it might become such a political success that it could rescue Labour’s electoral fortunes.Historically it may come to be recognised as equivalent to the 1948 creation of the NHS, with Ed Miliband the Nye Bevan of our day. He has fought his cause in much the same ruthless way Bevan did. He faces the same ferocious (and politically deranged) opposition from the right, who will have to eat their hats over rejecting renewables. Just as the NHS is a prime reason for pride in Britain, we can expect the same national pride in homegrown energy independence, freeing us from rollercoaster markets and mercurial foreign oil and gas dictators: Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump or ayatollahs.Guardian Newsroom: Can Labour come back from the brink?On Thursday 30 April, join Gaby Hinsliff, Zoe Williams, Polly Toynbee and Rafael Behr as they discuss how much of a threat Labour faces from the Green party and Reform UK – and whether Keir Starmer can survive as leader. Book tickets here or at guardian.livePolly Toynbee is a Guardian columnist Continue reading...
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband will this week announce a package of new clean energy policies in response to the energy crisis triggered by Donald Trump's conflict with Iran. The measures include accelerating the warm homes plan for solar panels and electric vehicles, expanding solar on public land, and delinking gas and electricity prices to reduce consumer bills. Miliband will argue the era of fossil fuel security is over and clean energy must come of age, while facing pressure from Conservatives to increase North Sea drilling.
