This article delves into the detailed policies and visions laid out by the key political figures during a recent panel discussion at an event held by Chamber UK and JBP associates on the ‘Future Economy’ in the South West.
An exclusive report detailing the whole event and highlighting key policy recommendations will become available to all Industrial Strategy Research Group Subscribers. To become a Research Group Subscriber or find out more information, please email team@curia.com.
In the lead-up to the forthcoming General Election, the debate around decarbonisation in the South West is intensifying. Various political parties have laid out their visions and strategies to tackle climate change and promote sustainable growth. Among these, the Labour Party, currently leading the polls, has garnered significant attention. However, it is essential to explore the plans from all major parties to understand the broader political landscape.
England and Wales, Carla Denyer, Shadow Minister for Climate Change,
Kerry McCarthy, and Former Cabinet Office Minister, John Penrose.
Green Party Policy
Carla Denyer, Co-Leader of the Green Party in England and Wales emphasised the urgent need for enhanced public transport in Bristol. Despite acknowledging the long-term benefits of an underground system, Denyer advocated for immediate improvements to the bus network, citing the city’s lagging infrastructure. Her proposal includes allowing publicly owned buses, a change necessitating a repeal of prior Conservative legislation. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on private cars and encourage public transport usage.
Denyer also suggested a levy on companies with extensive private parking spaces, using Nottingham’s successful tram funding model as a reference. This policy is designed to generate revenue for public transport improvements, further supporting the shift towards decarbonisation.
Labour Party’s Ambitious Agenda
Kerry McCarthy, MP for Bristol East, outlined Labour’s ambitious plan to transition Britain to clean power by 2030. A central element of this plan is the creation of a publicly owned energy company, GB Energy, intended to offer cheaper, sustainable energy options amidst soaring prices. McCarthy highlighted that a significant portion of Britain’s offshore wind energy is foreign-owned, and Labour aims to nationalise these assets to lower costs and boost domestic investment.
Labour’s strategy also involves substantial investments in green industries, such as funding greener ports and gigafactories, to create sustainable jobs and facilitate a move away from fossil fuels. McCarthy stressed the importance of fixing fundamental issues within the grid and the energy development planning system to support these initiatives.
Conservative Party’s Pragmatic Approach
John Penrose, former MP for Weston-Super-Mare and leader of the Commission for Carbon Competitiveness, detailed the Conservative Party’s approach to achieving net-zero emissions affordably. Penrose highlighted recent local investments, such as the transition to electric buses and the upgrade of the Weston-based bus depot. This £9 million project is part of the Conservatives’ broader plan to decarbonise public transport.
Penrose also endorsed increased spending on walking and cycling schemes, reflecting the party’s commitment to sustainable transport solutions. However, the Conservatives’ strategies are subject to the outcomes of the upcoming General Election, which currently do not favour the party.
The Path Ahead
As the General Election nears, voters are scrutinising the green policies of all major parties. Each party presents distinct strategies: the Green Party focuses on immediate public transport improvements, Labour aims for a comprehensive national clean power transition by 2030, and the Conservatives emphasise pragmatic, cost-effective measures. These differing approaches underscore the varied paths to a sustainable future, with each party vying to prove their plan is the most viable for achieving decarbonisation.
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An exclusive report detailing the whole event and highlighting key policy recommendations will become available to all Industrial Strategy Research Group Subscribers. To become a Research Group Subscriber or find out more information, please email team@curia.com.
This article was written by Chamber’s features writer, Bart Smallman.