Ed Miliband on Greta Thunberg
TL;DR
Ed Miliband clearly shows great admiration and respect for Greta Thunberg's climate activism and its impact on political discourse.
Key Points
He listened to her address to MPs in April 2019, subsequently asking the government to declare a national climate emergency.
Miliband acknowledged that what was done in the past regarding climate policy has been proven by science not to be enough.
He was photographed sitting next to Greta Thunberg while she addressed a climate change group meeting within the Houses of Parliament on April 23, 2019.
Summary
Ed Miliband has demonstrated strong support and admiration for Greta Thunberg, particularly when she addressed Members of Parliament in Westminster. He was present when she delivered a powerful speech in April 2019, listening intently as she confronted politicians about their failures on climate change. Miliband recognized her role, stating that she and other young strikers "have woken us up" and "held up a mirror to our society," acknowledging that past efforts were insufficient based on current science.
This supportive stance is evidenced by his presence alongside her and his subsequent actions, such as asking the government to declare a national climate emergency following her address. His past role in climate policy, including leading the UK delegation at the 2009 Copenhagen summit, provides context for his engagement with youth activists. He has been pictured looking on in admiration at the activist, suggesting a positive ongoing view of her influence on the climate agenda.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ed Miliband holds a highly positive and supportive position regarding Greta Thunberg and her climate activism. He has publicly praised her for forcing politicians, including himself, to confront failures on climate action. The former Energy Secretary sees her as an important catalyst for greater ambition.
Yes, Ed Miliband met with Greta Thunberg and was present for her address to MPs in the UK Parliament in 2019. He was seen listening attentively to her criticisms of political inaction. He reportedly recognized that her generation has taught politicians an important lesson about the climate crisis.
Ed Miliband stated that Greta Thunberg and other young strikers "have woken us up" and "held up a mirror to our society." He recognized the importance of her impact on raising the political agenda on climate change. He thanked her and the other young people for their efforts.
Sources7
You all deserve someone who looks at you the way Ed Miliband looks at Greta Thunberg
Ed Miliband: Heat pump farce? Greta Thunberg has gone too far
The Greta Thunberg effect: at last, MPs focus on climate change
Greta Thunberg: The Rise and Fall of Her Relationship With The Political Establishment?
GBR: Greta Thunberg Addresses Parliament Climate Change Group Meeting
Ed sees Greta Thunberg, but Labour insiders tell DAN HODGES Sir Keir Starmer made a HUGE mistake giving Miliband free rein on his demented Net Zero crusade
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.