On the environment and climate change, I suspect that future generations will think there was too much timidity, too much fear of upsetting business. Basically, New Labour was very nervous about regulating business, or requiring it to do anything, even when there was a very clear social or environmental case for doing so.

In this quote, Geoff Mulgan critiques the political approach of New Labour in addressing environmental and climate change issues. He suggests that future generations will view the political leadership of the time as being too timid, especially in their reluctance to challenge business interests. Mulgan argues that there was a significant fear of upsetting business sectors, which led to a lack of bold action despite clear evidence of the need for strong regulation to address pressing environmental concerns.

Mulgan emphasizes that, even when there was a clear social or environmental case for taking action, the government under New Labour was hesitant to implement necessary policies. This hesitation is seen as a failure to properly balance economic interests with the urgent need for sustainable practices. The reference to being "nervous about regulating business" points to the broader challenge of balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility, especially when businesses and industries might resist regulations that could impact their profits.

The quote highlights a broader concern about political leaders being overly cautious when it comes to enacting environmental policies that might be seen as disruptive to the status quo. Mulgan suggests that this timidity may have been shortsighted, as more assertive regulation could have led to earlier and more effective solutions for combating climate change and preserving the environment. His critique suggests that political leaders were often unwilling to confront the power of business in a meaningful way, even when the need for action was urgent.

Ultimately, Geoff Mulgan’s statement serves as a reflection on the missed opportunities for stronger action on environmental issues during a time when such action was necessary. By expressing concern that future generations will judge the lack of regulatory measures harshly, he calls attention to the potential long-term consequences of political timidity in the face of environmental crises.