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Net Zero by 2050
16 October 2023
Lead MP
Claire Coutinho
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
EconomyClimateForeign AffairsEnergy
Other Contributors: 28
At a Glance
Claire Coutinho raised concerns about net zero by 2050 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Britain has led the world in tackling climate change by cutting carbon emissions in half over the past three decades and boosting renewables from just 7% in 2010 to almost half today. The country has also delivered Europe’s second highest amount of low-carbon investment cumulatively over the past five years, setting the toughest targets among major economies while exceeding every carbon budget target so far. With plans for net zero by 2050, practical and achievable approaches are necessary, as only 7% of people currently view net zero positively in terms of personal finances. Therefore, easing burdens on hard-working individuals includes allowing new petrol or diesel cars until 2035, removing energy upgrade requirements up to £10,000 for property owners, easing transition to clean heating, and raising grants under the boiler upgrade scheme by 50% to £7,500. The UK is investing tens of billions in transforming energy security with a focus on renewables and clean nuclear power, including £20 billion for carbon capture and storage projects creating jobs across multiple regions. Britain boasts significant capacity for carbon storage, operational offshore wind farms, and leading fusion technology. The Government aims to ensure grid infrastructure can support new clean energy by accelerating planning and connections processes, with plans for a spatial plan for energy infrastructure later this autumn to enhance security and economic growth while reducing bills.
David Linden
Lab
Caerphilly
Question
The MP questions the minister about the impact of recent changes on the boiler upgrade scheme and how it will affect consumers’ ability to reduce their energy bills. He cites concerns over potential delays in implementing these measures and asks for clarity.
Minister reply
The minister responds that despite some initial challenges, the government’s reforms aim to make clean heating more accessible through increased grants up to £7,500 under the boiler upgrade scheme, improving affordability for households while maintaining commitments towards net zero targets. She emphasises that these changes will provide significant financial relief and environmental benefits in the long term.
Steve Double
Con
St Austell and Newquay
Question
The MP supports the government’s approach on electric vehicles, acknowledging that many people are still uncertain about making the switch due to upfront costs. He asks for further details on how the government will encourage more EV adoption.
Minister reply
The minister confirms that by extending deadlines and ensuring grants remain generous up to 2035, the government aims to ease consumer concerns regarding initial investment in electric vehicles. She highlights that as technology improves and costs decrease, EVs are becoming increasingly competitive with traditional cars.
Graham Stringer
Lab
Blackley and Broughton
Question
The MP raises concerns about the impact of reducing support for onshore wind farms, particularly in areas heavily dependent on such renewable sources. He requests specifics on alternative measures to ensure energy security.
Minister reply
The minister reassures that despite adjustments in onshore wind policy, substantial investments are being made across various renewable sectors including offshore wind and nuclear power to maintain overall energy security. She emphasises the government’s commitment to a balanced approach in diversifying energy sources.
Ed Miliband
Lab
Doncaster North
Question
Critiques the Government's approach to tackling climate change and cost-of-living crisis, questioning previous failures such as banning onshore wind power, cutting home energy efficiency programmes, and undermining electric vehicle roll-out. Points out that these changes will increase costs for households rather than reducing them.
Minister reply
The Minister responds by defending the Government's record in decarbonising faster than any G7 country and securing £200 billion of investment in low-carbon energy projects since 2010. She mentions North sea oil and gas as a key factor for protecting jobs and criticises the Opposition for their inconsistent policies on coal, renewables, and nuclear power. The Minister also highlights the uncertainty caused by Labour’s plans for Grangemouth, potentially risking thousands of jobs, and emphasises that her Government will prioritise energy security while delivering ambitious net zero targets without forcing families to choose between protecting their finances and the planet.
Question
Welcomes the Minister's focus on accelerating grid access for renewable energy projects. Asks when his Committee can expect a reply from the Prime Minister regarding an offer to contribute to detailed analysis of net zero ambitions, particularly focusing on the impact on five-yearly carbon budgets and the Transport Secretary’s announcement about maintaining the zero-emission vehicle mandate.
Minister reply
Commends Philip Dunne's work on environmentalism and confirms she will respond to him. She acknowledges the Climate Change Committee’s analysis that changes made are not materially different in terms of achieving targets, while also highlighting the significance of grid improvements for quicker electrification of society.
Gavin Newlands
SNP
Paisley and Renfrewshire North
Question
There seems to be no level to which this Prime Minister will not stoop in his pursuit of a culture war. Apart from the reactionary brigade on his own Benches and the flat earthers, he has angered many across the UK, from environmental groups to Tory donors and even Boris Johnson. These legal targets and deadlines have been in place for some time and, accordingly, businesses active in all these sectors will have had investment and disinvestment plans in place for years. Reducing the UK’s energy use by 15% by 2030 was a tough target, but we need tough targets if we are to rise to the situation the planet faces.
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his questions. Let me be clear: there has been no watering down of our targets. We have the most ambitious decarbonising targets of any major economy, and we have not changed those at all. We are resolutely committed to them.
Robert Goodwill
Con
Scarborough and Whitby
Question
Even before Dogger Bank comes on stream, the UK is leading the world in offshore wind generation. I hope that in due course we will also lead the world in nuclear generation. If we are to charge up all those electric cars and power all those air source heat pumps, we will need an awful lot of electricity at peak times. We will also be producing a lot of electricity at off-peak times. Does the Secretary of State agree that hydrogen will have an important part to play in powering heavy vehicles and heating homes? If we are to do that, we need to make sure that our gas grid does not become a stranded asset, because we might need to press it into service.
Minister reply
I thank my right hon. Friend and he makes an excellent and correct point. While making sure that we grow our intermittent energy sources such as solar and wind, we must also have a stable baseload underneath that.
Barry Gardiner
Lab
Brent North
Question
I value the cross-party consensus that this country has enjoyed for the past 20 years, which is responsible for some of the strenuous targets that the Secretary of State has outlined. However, I was disappointed by the Prime Minister’s statement and, indeed, the tone of the Secretary of State’s remarks today. In the spirit of cross-party consensus, will she set out a hierarchy for the utilisation of the 10 MW of low-carbon hydrogen that the Government have now committed to, so that the limited supply of hydrogen power is delivered first to high-energy users such as those in the steel, ceramics, glass and cement sectors who need the extra heat that electricity cannot provide?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right that hydrogen possesses enormous potential when it comes to our industrial sectors.
Vicky Ford
Con
North East Cambridgeshire
Question
When the new Select Committee on Energy Security and Net Zero first met, the first thing we did was to have huge roundtable days with over 50 different stakeholders from the sector. Time and again, those stakeholders talked about the tardiness of getting planning approval and access to the grid, so I absolutely welcome action that will deliver cleaner, cheaper and more secure energy. I also get the point about needing carrots, not sticks, for electric vehicles. In my constituency, those with driveways pay only 5% tax on their electricity, but those who do not have a driveway have to pay 20% tax. That is true all across the country, so will the Secretary of State join me in pushing the Chancellor for those carrots to be fair carrots?
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend is a huge champion of all environmental issues, and I look forward to speaking to her Committee in due course.
Caroline Lucas
Green
Brighton Pavilion
Question
Honestly, this statement takes Orwellian doublespeak to new levels. It must have set some record for the largest number of misleading statements in the smallest amount of space. I do not know how the Secretary of State has the gall to stand at the Dispatch Box and say that this is about easing the burden on hard-working people, when she knows that all the evidence shows that what has been announced will increase costs for ordinary people.
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Lady for that question, but if she had any constituents living in properties off the gas grid, it would be clear to her how worried people were about those policies.
John Redwood
Con
Wokingham
Question
The Secretary of State is right that, in order for this to work, green products need to be affordable and attractive. What study has her Department made of the attractions of synthetic and sustainable fuels as another option, compared with batteries? They may be easier for many of these users.
Minister reply
I thank my right hon. Friend for that question—we have spoken about this issue before.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab Co-op
Vauxhall
Question
In the words of my constituent Adam: “In Vauxhall these climate policies would help local parents like us to pay our energy bills this winter and keep our children safe and warm. Without these policies children in London face a bleak future as the climate crisis does irreparable damage to the world around them.” Like many other Vauxhall residents, Adam is deeply concerned about the impact of the Government’s delays and about the world we are leaving for our children. Does the Secretary of State not understand that these delays run contrary to the aim of making the lives of the next generation better than the lives that we all enjoy today?
Minister reply
We do understand the importance of energy efficiency.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Question
Given the small scale of UK emissions compared to China's annual increase, there is a need for pragmatism. There are planning applications for solar farms around Gainsborough totalling 15,000 acres. Can we change the planning presumption against building solar farms on land graded 3b and instead prioritise rooftops, car parks, and warehouses?
Minister reply
I agree with the need to build solar farms in more appropriate places, which is why I announced that it would be easier to build them on industrial rooftops, car parks, and warehouses.
Claire Hanna
SDLP
Belfast South and Mid Down
Question
Is the Government aware of Northern Ireland's lagging behind in climate issues due to the collapse of the Assembly before meaningful action was taken? Is the single electricity market being adequately supported?
Minister reply
We care about climate change, delivering ambitious targets. We regularly consult with Northern Irish counterparts regarding the single electricity market.
Jason McCartney
Party Unspecified
Constituency Unspecified
Question
What more can be done to incentivise public EV charging points provision by companies and councils?
Minister reply
The most important thing is getting the grid working. We will continue to ensure that electric vehicle adoption remains accessible.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Question
Can landlords offset spending on insulation against income tax bills to encourage better home energy efficiency?
Minister reply
We are investing £6 billion in this Parliament and another £11 billion by 2028 for insulation. The policy of allowing tax breaks was not pursued due to the potential increase in rental costs.
Mark Pawsey
Party Unspecified
Constituency Unspecified
Question
Is there a stronger case for delaying dates on home heating than automotive sector changes? Is grid reinforcement urgent?
Minister reply
We agree that grid reinforcement is important and have seen increased inquiries since the boiler upgrade grant was announced.
Alex Cunningham
Party Unspecified
Constituency Unspecified
Question
What clarity can be provided regarding carbon capture initiatives which are needed for industrial progress?
Minister reply
We have set out a £20 billion package and will continue to work on providing further details later in the year.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Question
Will the Government revisit the zero-emission vehicle mandate to include synthetic fuels?
Minister reply
We are consulting on synthetic fuels for aviation and may consider them more broadly, but our position on the ZEV mandate remains.
Cat Smith
Lab
Lancaster and Wyre
Question
Will the Secretary of State look again at reversing decisions that affect private renters' energy bills?
Minister reply
Our goal is to improve energy efficiency, but asking families to spend £10,000 on home updates could lead to rental increases and shortages in the private sector.
Holly Mumby-Croft
Party Unspecified
Constituency Unspecified
Question
Can businesses making investment decisions be reassured about the timescales for grid connection plans?
Minister reply
We will set out a geo-spatial plan to look at planning and different connection points, aiming to speed up the process.
Ben Lake
PC
Ceredigion Preseli
Question
What reassurances can be given about learning from September’s offshore wind auction failure and ensuring future investment?
Minister reply
We are looking at challenges faced by the sector and will ensure that we support floating offshore wind.
Patrick Grady
SNP
Glasgow North
Question
What role does she see for the concept of 20-minute neighbourhoods in helping the United Kingdom to meet its net zero targets?
Minister reply
The point of our proposals is to make sure that people have choice, that we can bring people with us and that people can live their lives in the way they want to. We can enable them through decarbonising the power grid and giving them alternative options, so we can make sure that we can get to our net zero targets in a way that is practical and achievable for families.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
At the Democratic Unionist party conference on Saturday past, the Ulster Farmers Union had a leaflet on achieving net zero. Can the Secretary of State outline how we will meet our international obligations in terms of net zero with this rollback and how firms and farmers that have already invested in green policies and procedures will be able to compete with those who can go full steam ahead with older practices and no incentives whatsoever to change?
Minister reply
We are not rolling back from our targets at all; I agree with the Climate Change Committee’s assessment that there is no material difference between the projections in June and the recent assessments it made post the announcements. Farmers will be supported by our agriculture policy, the landmark Agriculture Act 2020 and the Environment Act 2021.
Richard Foord
Lib Dem
Honiton and Sidmouth
Question
Last winter the taxpayer covered around half the cost of British people heating their homes, amounting to £39.3 billion between last October and this March. With 33% of properties with a loft lacking insulation, how concerned is the Secretary of State about future taxpayers’ costs of rolling back insulation plans?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman is right to point out that we spent £40 billion helping people with their energy bills last year. On insulation, when we came into power 14% of homes were energy efficient and now it's 50%. We are spending £6 billion in this Parliament, a further £6 billion to 2028 and £5 billion through the Great British Insulation Scheme to make sure that our homes are energy efficient.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Question
I welcome the Government’s belated recognition that net zero policies are costing individuals in their pockets, costing jobs and producing huge profits for the eco industry. But is she not concerned that maintaining the legal target for 2050 will be used as a weapon to delay important decisions on airport expansion, new roads, and oil and gas licences?
Minister reply
We are confident we can meet those targets; there are opportunities in the transition ahead of us including jobs, investment and exporting British products. We want to do this in a sensible way that protects families and household incomes.
Andrew Bridgen
Con
North West Leicestershire
Question
Is she slowing down the Government’s headlong dash to net zero because of waning public support? How can she maintain public support for policies that will make our constituents poorer, colder and less free while allowing China to increase its emissions?
Minister reply
The climate transition presents huge opportunities in terms of jobs, investment and improving energy security. We will focus on these but do it in a way that protects finances and families from clunky and clumsy unimplementable policies.
Shadow Comment
Ed Miliband
Shadow Comment
The shadow criticises the government’s approach as delaying action on climate change rather than addressing the cost of living crisis. Citing examples such as banning onshore wind, cutting home energy efficiency schemes, and mishandling offshore wind auctions to raise bills instead of lowering them. The Climate Change Committee’s analysis indicates that recent cancellations of net zero measures will increase household costs for both energy bills and motoring expenses. Additionally, the CCC notes that without insulation regulations for landlords, renters' energy bills would significantly decrease but these savings are being negated by policy changes. Concerns over undermining electric vehicle roll-out also highlight increased long-term costs rather than savings. The government’s track record on meeting 2030 targets is questioned given their own watchdog stating significant off-track progress in June and lack of evidence supporting current assurances of target adherence. Business uncertainty about future policies undermines investment opportunities, while winter energy affordability issues persist without proper efficiency rollouts or wind bans lifted. Lastly, the shadow emphasises maintaining a fact-based debate on net zero to avoid misleading statements previously made by government officials.
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