Commenting on the publication today (Thursday) of the
government’s updated strategy to reach the UK’s targets for net
zero emissions, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak
said:
“This century, the nations that lead the way in getting to net
zero will be the most successful in delivering good jobs for
everyone. But this strategy falls a long way short of the
ambition needed to seize this opportunity for Britain.
“Investment in clean energy, green tech and new ways of
delivering energy intensive products is still far too low. And
workers lack the guarantees that existing jobs will be protected,
and new green jobs will good, unionised jobs.
“Reaching net zero is a collective enterprise of the whole
nation. If we approach it that way – including a genuine voice
for working people – we can create a much more prosperous future
for everyone. But this looks like a strategy influenced more by
Conservative Party friends and donors than the interests of
working people in the UK.”
On the government’s ‘energy security plan’, also published today,
Paul added:
“These piecemeal measures don’t add up to a national plan on the
scale needed. Not for our net zero target, nor for protecting
jobs and industry.
“Conservative ministers can’t even get their act together on the
low hanging fruit. The home improvements scheme to reduce energy
use and cut bills covers less than a tenth of the social housing
that needs it. And there is no reassurance for energy-intensive
industries that cannot cope with spiking energy prices.
“The overall approach is fundamentally flawed because it leaves
families at the mercy of the same energy firms that have been
ripping them off. The British public should own our future green
energy supply. That’s how we can make sure that our energy is
secure and affordable for all.”
