UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband pledged Friday to find “common ground” with the US on key energy and economic issues, including nuclear power, despite sharp divergences about climate policy under the administration of President Donald Trump.
Speaking at the close of a two-day international energy security conference in London, co-hosted by the UK and the International Energy Agency (IEA), Miliband said the UK was committed to working with the US on shared interests.
The conference brought together representatives from 60 countries, amid heightened global concern about energy stability and climate goals.
“The prime minister has shown absolutely the right leadership on this which is that President Trump is the duly elected president of the US, elected on a clear mandate,” said Miliband. “We are the duly elected government of the UK, also elected on a clear mandate. Obviously, there are some differences, but there is also common ground.”
Tensions were apparent during the conference, particularly after Tommy Joyce, the US acting assistant secretary at the Energy Department, launched a blistering attack on net zero policies, describing them as “dangerous” and “damaging.” He claimed they served “our adversaries.”
Despite the rhetoric, Miliband remained optimistic about collaboration, particularly in the nuclear sector.
“The US is interested in a nuclear renaissance, in building new nuclear as part of its energy mix. So is the UK, in small as well as large scale nuclear. Part of our job is to find that common ground, to work together with the US on these issues,” he said. He also hinted at possible cooperation on geothermal power.
The conference was underscored by broader calls for global energy cooperation. Fatih Birol, executive director of the IEA, stressed the importance of multilateralism in energy strategy.
“If you’re an exporter, you have to have an importer -- no country is an energy island,” said Birol. “So, there is a need for cooperation.”
The UK’s stance on climate remains firm, with Miliband dismissing attempts to undermine its net zero commitments.
“Whether it is political parties or other forces that want to take on net zero and the clean energy transition, they need to know this government is not for bending,” he said. “This government is not for buckling. This government is standing firm. And you know what, I think the British people are on that side.”
By Aysu Bicer in London
Anadolu Agency
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