Priority focus on climate and environmental delivery crucial for next parliamentary session

Reacting to the King’s Speech this morning, Rachel Solomon Williams, Executive Director of the Aldersgate Group, said: “It is crucial that the UK Government focuses on delivering on its climate and environmental ambitions in the upcoming parliamentary session. The proposed new mandatory oil and gas licensing rounds announced in the King’s Speech have been justified on the basis that they would support a more secure and diverse energy system. However, there is no evidence that the commodities extracted through these new rounds would be supplied into the UK market, and therefore how they contribute to energy security or lower bills. By contrast, it is clear that domestic renewable energy production supports security and diversification directly, so we welcome the renewed commitment to attracting investment into renewables and reforming grid connections.

Maintaining a priority focus on low carbon generation will be essential for the UK to retain credibility as an international climate leader as we approach COP28. Other nations – along with investors – are looking to the UK to deliver a consistent commitment to delivering net zero, which would be best served by doubling down on the implementation of existing carbon budget plans. In an increasingly challenging economic environment, the UK Government must use the upcoming Autumn Statement to ensure the UK remains an attractive destination for low-carbon investment.”