Labour vows to create 400,000 green jobs and bolster unions in climate push

Labour leader Ed Miliband announced plans to triple the green workforce to 400,000 by 2030, aiming to integrate climate policies with workers’ rights amid political tension over net zero efforts and opposition from right-wing groups.

Labour, led by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, is positioning itself in a robust fight against what it describes as a “global network of right-wing billionaires” dedicated to undermining net zero efforts to curb climate change for their own vested interests. Miliband accused the Conservative Party and Reform UK of importing a divisive “net zero culture war” from the United States, which he argues threatens the UK’s green transition and economic future. Speaking ahead of Labour’s conference, Miliband emphasized the party’s determination to accelerate clean energy initiatives as central to winning broad public support and securing a sustainable future.

Miliband outlined an ambitious plan to create 400,000 new jobs in the clean energy sector by 2030, effectively doubling the workforce in this crucial industry. The planned jobs will span a range of roles, including engineers, researchers, welders, electricians, and construction workers, reflecting a comprehensive approach to building the “green new deal” Labour aims to deliver. This pledge mirrors commitments made previously by Labour, including those by former leader Jeremy Corbyn, who also promised significant job creation through climate investments. Miliband further intends to push for stronger unionisation within the green energy sector to counter concerns from trade unions about potential job losses in established industries like oil and gas, particularly in the North Sea region.

To address labour concerns, the government plans to require offshore wind developers to contribute to a skills fund that supports workers transitioning from oil and gas into renewable sectors. Miliband will announce a Fair Worker Charter, which aims to ensure companies receiving public funds guarantee fair pay, flexible working conditions, and enhanced union rights. This move signals a shift in Labour’s approach, striving to reconcile environmental goals with workers’ rights after years of anti-union sentiment, particularly under Conservative governments. “The renewables industry came of age under the Tories when unions were a dirty word,” Miliband said, underscoring the necessity of union partnerships in building the future green economy.

Despite these commitments, Miliband acknowledged the substantial challenges ahead, especially with rising energy prices driven by the high cost of gas and ageing infrastructure. He defended the government’s 2030 target for decarbonising the grid, despite warnings from the state-owned National Energy System Operator that the goal is difficult to achieve. Miliband argued that the target has been vital in mobilising industry and investment, which have already resulted in record-breaking renewables funding worldwide, exceeding $2 trillion in 2024 according to international reports.

The political context remains fraught, with Miliband highlighting how Reform UK and other right-wing groups exacerbate fears by framing net zero policies as threats to working-class people. He pointedly criticised billionaires like Elon Musk as symbolic figures in this opposition. He contrasted this with Labour’s narrative of addressing inequality and austerity—the real causes of stagnant living standards and underfunded public services—rather than scapegoating issues like migration or climate policy.

Miliband’s stance may not fully satisfy all parts of the labour movement, with unions such as GMB and Unite voicing strong concerns about oil and gas jobs. However, the government’s evolving strategy to balance a green transition with job security, union rights, and economic justice represents an attempt to unite environmental ambition with a broader social agenda.

This campaign to reclaim the climate debate and reshape the economy reflects Miliband’s belief in politics as a fight for core values rather than reaction to opposition. He recalls learning from past electoral defeat that steadfastness on principle, particularly around transformative policies like the Green New Deal, is essential—rather than yielding to opposition narratives or seeking short-term convenience. As Miliband put it, “I don’t care so much what the Greens say or what Reform says. I care about what we say.”

📌 Reference Map:

Source: Noah Wire Services

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score:
9

Notes:
The narrative is recent, published on 29 September 2025. The earliest known publication date of substantially similar content is 21 March 2025, with Ed Miliband’s previous statements on net zero. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/21/government-absolutely-up-for-the-fight-over-net-zero-ed-miliband-says?utm_source=openai)) The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. No earlier versions show different information. The article includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/21/government-absolutely-up-for-the-fight-over-net-zero-ed-miliband-says?utm_source=openai))

Quotes check

Score:
8

Notes:
The direct quotes from Ed Miliband in the report are consistent with his previous statements. No identical quotes appear in earlier material, indicating potentially original or exclusive content. However, some quotes vary slightly in wording compared to earlier reports, suggesting possible paraphrasing. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/21/government-absolutely-up-for-the-fight-over-net-zero-ed-miliband-says?utm_source=openai))

Source reliability

Score:
10

Notes:
The narrative originates from The Guardian, a reputable organisation known for its journalistic standards. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high reliability score.

Plausability check

Score:
9

Notes:
The claims made in the report are plausible and align with Ed Miliband’s known positions on net zero and climate change. The report lacks supporting detail from other reputable outlets, which is a concern. The language and tone are consistent with the region and topic. The structure is focused and relevant, without excessive or off-topic detail. The tone is formal and appropriate for a political report.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary:
The narrative is recent and based on a press release, indicating high freshness. The quotes are consistent with Ed Miliband’s previous statements, suggesting originality. The source is reputable, and the claims are plausible, though lacking supporting detail from other outlets. Overall, the report passes the fact-check with high confidence.