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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Sandra Laville Environment correspondent

Who is Miatta Fahnbulleh, the radical-thinking new UK energy secretary?

Miatta Fahnbulleh in Downing Street.
Fahnbulleh’s appointment comes amid speculation that Andy Burnham wants to approve new oil and gas drilling. Photograph: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing/Getty Images

In her first 48 hours as energy secretary, Miatta Fahnbulleh was left in no doubt about the thorny policy decision at the top of her in-tray. Protesters from Fossil Free London met her outside her new offices dressed as firefighters holding placards reading: “We’re already putting out fires, don’t start new ones.”

The MP for Peckham – a radical economist who is outspoken about the climate crisis – is a surprising choice as secretary of state for energy and net zero for those who believe the speculation in Westminster that Andy Burnham wants to approve new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea.

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