Farage spreads net zero lies.about steel, warns Miliband

Ed Miliband has hit out at Nigel Farage, accusing him of spreading nonsense and lies” by appearing to blame the government’s net zero policy for the crisis in the UK steel industry.

- JABED AHMED

In a strong criticism of his political rivals ahead of next month’s local elections, the energy secretary claimed that both Reform UK and the Conservatives were willing to spread falsehoods to further their “ideological agenda”.

The cabinet minister also warned that if an anti-net zero agenda was followed, it would not only risk “climate breakdown” but “forfeit the clean energy jobs of the future” in Britain.

In an article for The Observer referring to price rises that began in 2022, the former Labour leader wrote: “Our exposure to fossil fuels meant that, as those markets went into meltdown and prices rocketed, family, business and public finances were devastated. The cost of living impacts caused back then still stalk families today.”

Following government action to take control of British Steel from its Chinese owners earlier this month, Reform leader Mr Farage accused Mr Miliband, whom he has repeatedly referred to as “Red Ed”, of pursuing “net zero lunacy”.