He says he would use a series of major global summits after the 7 May national election to push for action to reduce global net carbon emissions to zero by 2050.

Miliband, a former energy and climate change secretary, insists he remains committed to the green agenda even if it is “not as fashionable” as it used to be.

“I believe tackling climate change is the most important thing I can do in politics for my children’s generation.