Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh has drawn criticism after downplaying concerns about the financial impact of the government’s net zero policies on British households. The remarks come amid ongoing debate over the costs and benefits of the UK’s green transition.

Fahnbulleh, a prominent ally of Prime Minister Andy Burnham, spoke at an event in Westminster where she expressed disappointment with rival parties’ stance on net zero. She described the opposition from Reform UK and the Conservative Party as “quite sad,” citing the erosion of a previously broad political consensus on climate action. Fahnbulleh said she was “really concerned” about their approach and lamented the loss of cross-party cooperation at a time when the UK has experienced visible effects of climate change.

Reform UK’s deputy leader Richard Tice responded sharply, accusing Fahnbulleh and the government of maintaining an “ideological net zero obsession” that burdens families and businesses facing rising costs. Tice called for the government to abandon what he described as “reckless net zero fantasies” and instead prioritise domestic energy sources such as the Rosebank oil field. The government recently approved development of the Jackdaw field but has held back on opening Rosebank, a decision that has drawn criticism from some conservatives and former officials alike.

Fahnbulleh’s background includes prior advocacy for substantial government expenditure on achieving net zero. Before her election, she worked at the New Economics Foundation, which promoted investment equivalent to 5% of GDP for green initiatives. In 2021, she publicly supported spending £30 billion annually for the net zero transition and backed the UK’s contribution to a £100 billion climate finance fund for developing countries.

Opponents argue that such ambitious climate spending strains household budgets, especially as energy prices and living costs rise. Supporters, including Fahnbulleh, contend that long-term climate action remains essential despite short-term challenges. A Reform source accused the Energy Secretary of minimizing the financial hardships many families face due to the government’s policies.

The debate highlights the growing political divide over the pace and cost of the UK’s environmental commitments amid broader economic pressures, with net zero policy continuing to be a contentious issue in the run-up to the next general election.