‘Green Day’ delays – UK risks becoming ‘sick and dirty man of Europe’ warns IPPR

Commenting on reports that the government is to dilute and delay energy policies planned to be announced as part of so-called ‘Green Day’, Luke Murphy, IPPR associate director and head of its work on climate, nature, and energy, said:

“This should be the moment to seize the economic opportunities of the global green race but instead the government’s dithering risks the UK becoming the ‘sick and dirty’ man of Europe once again.

“To compete with our international counterparts, we need a step change filling the close to £30bn annual gap in investment needed to reach net zero and restore nature, and committing to a modern industrial strategy. That means investing in clean homes, transport, and industry.

“There appear to be some welcome though minor measures, consultations and reannouncements announced today, but the government must urgently bring forward its plans now postponed till later in the year. The UK needs to change course urgently, before it's too late.”