More than 40 progressive economists have written to Sharon Graham, the leader of Unite, demanding she withdraw her claim that Ed Miliband would destroy jobs if he becomes the next chancellor. The intervention marks a deepening rift within Labour over energy policy and the future of the Treasury just weeks before Andy Burnham is almost certain to become prime minister.
Graham, who advocates new licences for North Sea oil and gas extraction, told the Sunday Times that Miliband’s fierce commitment to net zero would be a “noose around the neck” of job creation. “Ed only seems to be interested in one side of the equation, rushing Britain to net zero with almost no thought for jobs, skills and national security,” she said. Unite has also been frustrated by the closure of UK oil refineries and a lack of British jobs in the offshore wind industry.
“Over 40 economists reject Unite chief Sharon Graham's claim that Ed Miliband would destroy jobs, urging her to withdraw remarks.”
In an open letter, academics including Kate Pickett, author of The Spirit Level; Danny Dorling, a geographer; Daniela Gabor, professor of economics at Soas University of London; and James Meadway from the thinktank Verdant, rebutted Graham’s claim. “The climate transition is one of the largest drivers of industrial job creation in the UK economy,” they wrote. “The net zero economy generates output worth over £100bn and employs over a million workers. As the sector expands, these numbers will grow further. The workers driving the green transition need union representation, good wages and champions in government.”
They added: “There is no alternative to the green transition. The effects of climate change are with us now. Miliband is right to oppose further expansion of North Sea oil and gas.” Other signatories include Howard Reed, director of Landman Economics; Ann Pettifor, author and campaigner; and Jo Michell, professor of economics at the University of the West of England.
Miliband, considered a frontrunner to succeed Rachel Reeves at the Treasury, used a speech at London Climate Week on Tuesday to hail the benefits of investment in green energy. “The UK’s clean economy is booming,” he said. The battle over the economic strategy comes as Burnham is expected to become Labour leader on 17 July, with Wes Streeting throwing his weight behind the former Greater Manchester mayor. At his last Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir Starmer defiantly stood by both Reeves and Miliband, praising the chancellor for “breaking from austerity” despite brutal attacks from Tory leader Kemi Badenoch.