** PM recommits UK to Net Zero by 2050 and pledges a fairer path to achieving the target that eases the financial burden on British families **
I welcome the Prime Minister's speech today on changes to our country's approach in tackling climate change and achieving Net Zero. He acknowledged the frustrations and concerns of the public, often raised with me by Bolsover constituents, and outlined a new vision for our country's sustainable future. We need an approach to Net Zero by 2050 that brings people with us and is properly transparent about the choices involved. The Government will not force families to make expensive upgrades to their homes especially when people are still struggling with the cost of living.
The Prime Minister emphasised that while we are committed to Net Zero by 2050, it's time for a more transparent and pragmatic approach. Key highlights include:
- Transition to Electric Vehicles: We all recognise the importance of EVs but the transition should be consumer-driven, with petrol and diesel cars available until 2035, and second-hand sales unaffected.
- Home Heating: Changes to home heating will be gradual, with no forced boiler replacements. After 2035 if your boiler comes to the end of it's life you will need to replace it with a greener alternative. Additionally, a 50% increase in grants for boiler upgrades was announced.
- Energy Efficiency: Plans that would have mandated expensive upgrades for property owners in just two years will be scrapped. Energy efficiency measures will remain subsidised but not imposed.
- Responsible Green Policies: Proposals like taxing meat, new flying taxes, and government-imposed car-sharing quotas have been, rightly, discarded, ensuring a more practical, and workable, approach to environmental policies.
- Infrastructure and Innovation: The Prime Minister highlighted investments in green infrastructure, energy grid reforms, and significant funding for innovation in green technologies to position the UK as a global leader.
- Oil & Gas: The Government will continue to support new oil and gas in the North Sea so we are less reliant on foreign imports. To ban new North sea oil and gas now would be irresponsible, cause prices to rise and jeopardise the end goal of net zero by 2050.
This marks a welcome shift toward a more inclusive, informed, and balanced approach. Read more: https://www.gov.uk/.../pm-recommits-uk-to-net-zero-by...
