Rightwing populists target Miliband and net zero at London’s ARC conference
The Alliance for Responsible Citizenship conference draws thousands of delegates to oppose green policies, multiculturalism, and abortion rights, with heavy backing from US fossil fuel interests and Trump-aligned donors.
Populist and rightwing figures have intensified their critique of British net zero policies and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband at the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (ARC) conference in London. The event, attended by more than 4,000 delegates from 85 countries, has become a focal point for opposition to green economic strategies, multiculturalism, and abortion rights, drawing speakers from across the US, Europe, and Australia.
UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described Miliband as a “villain” responsible for deindustrialisation and poverty. Speaking to Tory peer Philippa Stroud, one of the conference’s co-founders alongside Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson, Badenoch urged that Miliband be kept away from the “levers of power.” Her remarks reflect growing hostility on the right toward Miliband, who has been mooted as a potential chancellor in a government led by Andy Burnham.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, a former fossil fuel executive appointed by Donald Trump, labelled the UK’s energy strategy a “tragic mistake” that had impoverished citizens. Wright, who believes the climate crisis threat is exaggerated, predicted that a change in UK leadership would radically reverse energy policy to align more closely with the United States. He noted that major European countries are aware of their “energy mistake” and are seeking to pivot away from current strategies.
The conference, dubbed an “anti-woke Davos,” is heavily funded by US fossil fuel interests, major Trump donors, and anti-abortion groups. Analysis by the climate investigations outlet DeSmog identified Australian-born billionaire Anthony Pratt as a donor, noting his significant contributions to Trump-supporting political funds. Other backers include Howard Energy Partners and Heyco Energy Group, both of which helped fund last year’s event.
Beyond energy policy, the event has drawn together activists and politicians hostile to immigration and multiculturalism. US state department officials are reportedly seeking to interfere in Britain’s debates on abortion rights and online safety regulations. Reform leader Nigel Farage is scheduled to address the conference on Wednesday, further cementing the event’s role as a gathering for rightwing populist figures.