Labour’s victory in the general election is poised to mark the beginning of the UK’s transformation into a green and low-carbon economy, campaigners and experts have stated. With a clear mandate from the electorate, Keir Starmer, the next prime minister, is under significant pressure to take bold action on climate change and environmental protection.
Greenpeace attributed the Conservative party’s electoral downfall to their inconsistent environmental policies, describing them as “as popular with voters as a root canal.” This sentiment was echoed by other environmental groups and experts who have highlighted the urgent need for the new government to prioritize net zero goals and the preservation of nature.
The Green party’s best-ever performance, quadrupling its parliamentary representation, further underscores the public’s demand for robust climate action. Ed Matthew, campaigns director at E3G, emphasized the importance of transitioning away from oil and gas to alleviate the cost of living crisis. He stressed that Starmer’s landslide victory provides a historic opportunity to accelerate climate action and invest in the future industries.
Mike Childs, head of policy at Friends of the Earth, highlighted recent extreme weather events as a stark reminder of the urgency of the situation. He called on the new Labour government to make the environment a top priority, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies to tackle the deteriorating global climate.
Edward Davey, UK head of the World Resources Institute, pointed to Labour’s potential to lead both domestically and internationally on climate issues. The party’s ambitious plans include reforming planning to boost renewable energy projects, enhancing public transport, promoting heat pumps, and improving home insulation. Additionally, a “just transition” to support workers shifting from fossil fuel industries to greener sectors is deemed crucial.
Experts, including Bob Ward from the Grantham Institute, have called for a detailed roadmap to achieve the UK’s legally binding net zero target by 2050. The previous Conservative government lost credibility on climate issues by weakening policies despite their statutory commitments.
Areeba Hamid, co-executive director at Greenpeace, urged Starmer to capitalize on the economic and energy independence opportunities presented by renewable energy and green jobs. She also warned against complacency, noting that votes for the Greens and Liberal Democrats indicate a public appetite for even bolder climate action.
As Labour embarks on its new mandate, the pressing responsibility to lead on climate, development, and nature will define the UK’s future trajectory in the global race to net zero.