The energy secretary has also refused to state his personal position on the Rosebank oil field, another project he has previously opposed for environmental reasons.
He argued that he has “different responsibilities” now as a government minister than he did in opposition, when he described the development as “a colossal waste of taxpayer money” and “economic vandalism”.
There will be a “proper process”, he said, so the decision is made in a “fair and objective” manner.
Neither were resignation issues, Miliband said, adding “What I’m about is making a massive difference now – this is the fight of our time”.
He said he “utterly reject[s]” that there is a choice between economic growth and net zero, arguing that clean energy provides “the biggest economic opportunity of the 21st century” for jobs and the planet.
On energy bills he said “I fear bills will keep rising” unless there was a transition to “clean home grown power we control”.
Miliband was also asked about the launch of a consultation on plans to ensure all rental properties have an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of C or above.
He accepted adding extra insulation to rented accommodation would increase bills for landlords, who may pass that cost onto tenants in the form of higher rents.
However, Miliband said the move was the “fair” thing to do and was backed by tenants’ associations worried about damp, mouldy homes and high energy bills.
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