Politics Unpacked Is Ed Miliband In The Driving Seat?
Mar 24, 2026
Charlotte Ivers, Sunday Times TV critic known for sharp cultural takes, and Patrick Kidd, seasoned Times columnist and political analyst, join Hugo. They debate Ed Miliband's sway over energy policy and North Sea drilling. Conversations cover government messaging on panic buying and petrol, defence procurement headaches, contested community grant rules, and what makes British TV sell overseas.
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Depoliticise Energy For Practical Decisions
- Treat energy policy as practical infrastructure rather than identity politics; pick pragmatic, evidence-based options.
- Charlotte urges avoiding cultural framing and focusing on what’s practical and sensible for supply and net zero.
Energy Became A Culture War
- Energy and net zero have become culture-war signifiers, driving polarization beyond technical debate.
- Charlotte compares it to vaccine identity politics: positions become identity markers, obscuring practical decisions.
Starmer Listens To Experienced Ministers
- Patrick recalls Starmer consulting experienced ministers like Miliband and Ed Davey, showing Starmer listens to seasoned voices despite being newer to Parliament.
- He cites talk that Miliband influenced Starmer on Iran and that ministerial experience gives weight.