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Miliband Defends UK-California Clean Energy Pact After Sharp Criticism by Trump
UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband stands by a new climate and clean technology agreement signed with California’s governor, rejecting former President Trump’s attack and underscoring economic and environmental benefits.
The United Kingdom’s Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, has robustly defended a landmark clean energy and climate cooperation agreement with California’s Governor, Gavin Newsom, after it drew pointed criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Miliband, speaking in London following the signing of the memorandum of understanding on February 16, reaffirmed that the pact — designed to deepen collaboration on clean technology, carbon pricing and climate adaptation — aligns with the UK’s strategic economic and environmental priorities.
The memorandum, negotiated in the presence of government officials from both sides, aims to accelerate joint research, investment and deployment of renewable energy solutions, while facilitating access for UK firms to the Californian market and attracting new capital into the British clean energy sector.
California’s economy ranks among the largest in the world, and the agreement includes commitments to technology sharing in areas such as offshore wind, energy storage and low-carbon innovation.
Trump publicly disparaged the deal, calling it “inappropriate” and disparaging Governor Newsom in personal terms, arguing that the United Kingdom should avoid partnerships he views as linked to policies he opposes.
In response, Miliband emphasised the UK government’s view that strong international partnerships strengthen domestic industries, lower energy costs and support job creation.
He said that collaboration with California — alongside other international partners — is integral to the UK’s drive toward net zero emissions and energy security.
Supporters of the agreement, including business leaders involved in clean technology investment, welcomed the increased certainty and momentum the pact brings to UK-California relations, while highlighting the potential for substantial economic returns as global demand for low-carbon solutions expands.
Miliband’s defence of the agreement reflects wider UK policy commitments to a transition to clean power and reinforces his broader argument that international cooperation is essential in addressing climate change and fostering economic growth.
Miliband, speaking in London following the signing of the memorandum of understanding on February 16, reaffirmed that the pact — designed to deepen collaboration on clean technology, carbon pricing and climate adaptation — aligns with the UK’s strategic economic and environmental priorities.
The memorandum, negotiated in the presence of government officials from both sides, aims to accelerate joint research, investment and deployment of renewable energy solutions, while facilitating access for UK firms to the Californian market and attracting new capital into the British clean energy sector.
California’s economy ranks among the largest in the world, and the agreement includes commitments to technology sharing in areas such as offshore wind, energy storage and low-carbon innovation.
Trump publicly disparaged the deal, calling it “inappropriate” and disparaging Governor Newsom in personal terms, arguing that the United Kingdom should avoid partnerships he views as linked to policies he opposes.
In response, Miliband emphasised the UK government’s view that strong international partnerships strengthen domestic industries, lower energy costs and support job creation.
He said that collaboration with California — alongside other international partners — is integral to the UK’s drive toward net zero emissions and energy security.
Supporters of the agreement, including business leaders involved in clean technology investment, welcomed the increased certainty and momentum the pact brings to UK-California relations, while highlighting the potential for substantial economic returns as global demand for low-carbon solutions expands.
Miliband’s defence of the agreement reflects wider UK policy commitments to a transition to clean power and reinforces his broader argument that international cooperation is essential in addressing climate change and fostering economic growth.
