The 2024 party conference season unfolded in a new political climate. With Labour now in power, the government pledged to deliver on its promises and move beyond past pessimism, offering a vision of hope and renewal. The Conservative Party found itself in a transitional period, focused on electing a new leader after their significant electoral defeat. Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats, buoyed by recent electoral gains, sought to consolidate their relevance in the political arena. As discussions unfolded, the theme of sustainability and the journey towards Net Zero emerged as a key topic for all parties, revealing stark contrasts in their approaches.
Labour Party Conference: Climate Justice as Social Justice and Economic Justice
At the Labour Party Conference, the message on Net Zero and sustainability was bold and ambitious. Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, stressed that the Labour government had already taken significant strides in renewable energy policy. He pointed to Labourโs removal of the onshore wind ban, the expansion of solar power, and the reinvigoration of offshore wind energy as evidence of Labourโs proactive approach. He emphasised that their energy policy was underpinned by the principles of social, economic, and climate justice.
โWarmer homes, lower billsโthat is the difference a Labour government makes,โ Miliband declared, reinforcing that the shift to clean energy is also a pathway to lifting over a million families out of fuel poverty. Prime Minister Keir Starmerโs announcement of GB Energy, a publicly owned energy company to be based in Aberdeen, further exemplified Labourโs commitment to transforming the UK into a renewable energy superpower.
โThe British people know our mission to make clean energy a superpower is the way to social justice, economic justice, climate justice.โ
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband MP
Conservative Party Conference: Balancing Environmental Goals with Economic Prudence
In contrast, the Conservative Party presented a more cautious approach towards achieving Net Zero. Leadership candidate and former Secretary of State for Business, Kemi Badenoch, highlighted the need for a realistic plan, arguing that setting targets without a detailed roadmap would be counterproductive. “We are conservatives; of course, we want a better environment, but we need to do it in a way that doesnโt bankrupt our country,” she remarked. Badenoch called for the involvement of the private sector and the use of technology to drive progress on Net Zero, stressing that it shouldnโt come at the expense of the economy.
Leadership candidate, Robert Jenrick MP echoed this sentiment, expressing concern over Labourโs plans to phase out gas and arguing against what he described as “crazy interim binding targets.” While he agreed on the need to reduce emissions, he positioned himself (and the Conservative Party) as a protector of the working class, vowing not to achieve environmental goals at the cost of industrial decline and higher living costs.
โSetting a target without a plan, doesnโt make sense, we do it again and again, we have to stop it.โ
Kemi Badenoch MP
Liberal Democrat Party Conference: Renewables as a Solution to Both Economic and Environmental Crises
Liberal Democrat leader, Ed Davey MP took a different stance, arguing that investing in renewable energy is not only crucial for tackling climate change but also for addressing the cost-of-living crisis. “The best way to deal with the cost-of-living crisis is to invest in renewables,” Davey proclaimed. His argument was rooted in the idea that dependence on fossil fuels, such as gas and coal, has exacerbated economic instability, and that renewables offer a path to stabilising energy bills and reducing the UKโs vulnerability to external price shocks.
Davey also emphasised the need for stronger policy frameworks to encourage technological advancements and investment in clean energy. He acknowledged the importance of engaging constructively with Labour on climate change goals, while cautioning that the Liberal Democrats would not hesitate to hold Labour accountable if they felt ambitions were falling short.
โPart of the cost-of-living crisis has come from being dependent on gas and coal and all the fossil fuelsโ
Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Ed Davey MP
Final Thought
This is just one of the articles that features in the next edition of the Chamber UK journal, which will be published later this month! This special is centered around the theme of Net Zero and sustainability, and poses the question of whether Labour is on the right track?
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