Ed Miliband has been accused of "killing UK industry" as manufacturers warn soaring energy costs are pushing historic British firms to the brink.
Industry leaders say high electricity prices and environmental charges are leaving companies struggling to compete, with fears growing over the future of thousands of jobs.
The head of Ceramics UK launched a scathing attack on Mr Miliband, accusing the Energy Secretary of damaging British manufacturing through what he described as "insane" environmental charges.
Rob Flello criticised the Government’s decision to consult on widening the Supercharger energy discount scheme, arguing ministers could extend the programme to the ceramics sector immediately without any formal review or new legislation.
"Wake up and realise climate change is a global issue not a domestic one and stop killing UK industry on the altar of carbon," Mr Flello said.
The trade body represents a sector that directly employs more than 20,000 workers across Britain.
Mr Flello also warned that historic Denby Pottery faces collapse without urgent intervention after the 217-year-old Derbyshire manufacturer fell into administration.
"This lack of an announcement means the industry has to cling on by its fingertips for that bit longer," he said.
Ed Miliband continues to push for Britain's Net Zero 2050 target | GETTYThe ceramics chief cautioned that other companies in the sector could follow the same fate, with elevated energy costs and environmental levies pushing firms to breaking point.
Government officials have encouraged ceramics businesses to participate in the Supercharger review and provide evidence when the consultation opens.
British ceramics manufacturers have poured £750million into cleaning up their operations and transitioning to greener energy sources in recent years, according to Mr Flello.
The ceramics industy employs more than 20,000 people and generates over £2billion a year in sales | DENBY POTTERYYet he argued these domestic producers face an uneven playing field against overseas rivals who continue burning coal and disregard worker welfare.
"In just one example, while UK brick makers operate to the highest standards, they are up against competitors in countries like India where almost three-quarters of workers are in conditions linked to some form of slave labour, they are still using coal and have poor health and safety records," Mr Flello said.
Mr Flello expressed hope that incoming leadership would take a more pragmatic approach to environmental policy.
"Whoever comes in as the new prime minister, I hope they bring some sense into the whole carbon discussion," he said.
Denby Pottery closes manufacturing after 217 years as over 100 jobs lost | GETTYThe Ceramics UK chief accused the Government of abandoning its core supporters, stating it was "as if they have turned their backs on the people who put their faith in the Labour Party."
A government spokesman said: "The Government will continue to engage with the industry, trade unions and the sector’s main trade association, Ceramics UK, to better understand their challenges."