<img src="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/politics/2024/02/08/TELEMMGLPICT000365556839_17073800575050_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqpVlberWd9EgFPZtcLiMQf0Rf_Wk3V23H2268P_XkPxc.jpeg" alt="Politics latest news: Dropping £28bn green pledge is 'Labour's most stupid decision', says ex-Blair adviser" width="100%" height="auto"><div class="articleBodyText version-2 section"> <div class="component article-body-text " data-test="article-body-text"> <p>Sir Keir Starmer dropping his flagship £28 billion a year green investment pledge is the “most stupid decision the Labour Party has made”, a former senior adviser to Sir Tony Blair said.&nbsp;</p><p>John McTernan, who was Sir Tony’s political secretary in No 10, said the move was “very disappointing” and asked: “What is the change Labour now offers?”.&nbsp;</p><p>Sir Keir Starmer is set to formally abandon the £28bn figure <a class="ck-custom-link" href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/02/07/keir-starmers-labour-abandon-28-billion-green-investment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">today</a>, arguing that Labour can no longer promise to borrow that amount a year.</p><p>The Labour leader will say the party is still committed to borrowing to invest, but, according to a senior Labour source, he will no longer stand by the £28bn number.&nbsp;</p><p>Asked if axing the number was the right move, Mr McTernan told the BBC’s Newsnight programme: “It is probably the most stupid decision the Labour Party has made.”&nbsp;</p><p>He added: “This is a decision that we have to make now to decarbonise our economy and it is one which stands for a purpose, a great purpose, a grand purpose. Great parties have great causes. If you don’t have a great cause, you want to change from this Government, sure, but change to what? What is the change Labour now offers? It is very disappointing.”&nbsp;</p><p><strong>You can follow the latest updates below.&nbsp;</strong></p> </div>
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Sir Keir Starmer dropping his flagship &pound;28 billion a year green investment pledge is the &ldquo;most stupid decision the Labour Party has made&rdquo;, a former senior adviser to Sir Tony Blair said.{ai:summary}<p>Former senior adviser to Tony Blair, John McTernan, criticizes Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer for dropping the £28 billion green investment pledge. McTernan deems it the most stupid decision, lacking a clear alternative from Labour. #politics</p>