Comment on fifth carbon budget

Commenting on the announcement that the Government intends to accept the level of the fifth carbon budget as recommended by the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) [1], Graham Stuart MP said: “The UK has for many years been a leader on climate change, both within Europe and globally, and Conservatives have played a leading role in establishing that leadership. Approving the fifth carbon budget is an important signal that the Government’s commitment to tackling climate change is going to be maintained, which is essential when the natural world is giving such strong signals over the growing impact of the problem.

“More importantly it also gives businesses and investors confidence in the direction of travel for policy in the UK. Investors have been shaken by the Brexit vote, so a vote of confidence like this is absolutely vital at this time. The low-carbon sector has grown strongly under David Cameron’s premiership, becoming an important part of the overall economy and, whatever shape leaving the EU takes, we need to ensure that this growth continues."

Marylyn Haines Evans, Chair of Public Affairs Committee, National Federation of Women's Institutes said: “It’s really good news that the Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling climate change. This is important both for future generations, and also for the British wildlife and countryside that our members care so much about.

‘We need to move to 100% clean energy within a generation. This is not only a good thing for climate change but will also benefit our health, cutting deaths from air pollution.”

Richard Black, Director of the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, said: “The biggest energy issue facing the government now is lack of investor confidence. All investors want to see a smooth, predictable playing field in front of them, but over the last year they’ve been thrown one curve ball after another – and that’s making energy more expensive.

“Against the backdrop of the £1.7 trillion national debt, a likely Brexit penalty on fuel costs and the fact that many of our power stations are past their sell-by date, reducing the cost of building new kit is obviously a pragmatic thing for the government to do.

“Accepting the Committee on Climate Change’s recommendations for the Fifth Carbon Budget will go some way to restoring investor confidence and so controlling costs. It won’t be enough on its own, but it’s a first step."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. The Committee on Climate Change: fifth carbon budget: https://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/the-fifth-carbon-budget-the-next-step-towards-a-low-carbon-economy/

2. Graham Stuart and Marylyn Haines Evans both sit on the advisory board of the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU): http://eciu.net/about/advisory-board