Climate Crisis Support
I am passionate about wanting to fight for the correct changes to be made in this country when dealing with the climate and nature crisis. It is clear from the Climate Change Committee’s most recent report that we have not been on track in terms of taking effective action against this serious concern. I therefore completely agree with you – we need to act rapidly and make sure we meet our legally binding climate targets.
However, I am happy to inform you that the new Government has made a strong start since the General Election to help us get back on track. Removal of the de facto ban on new onshore wind in England, approving 1.3GW of solar energy and securing a record-breaking 131 new renewable electricity projects across Britain, are just a few examples to demonstrate the high level of commitment the new Government is showing to prove they intend to deliver on this matter.
Furthermore, the introduction of legislation to establish Great British Energy is a big step in the right direction from the Government when tackling the climate issue. Having a publicly owned company that will own, manage and operate clean power projects throughout the country is something I am personally really excited about.
Beyond this, I am proud to support the Government’s green prosperity plan and its mission to deliver clean power by 2030. This includes establishing a National Wealth Fund, capitalised with £7.3 billion over the course of the Parliament, to invest in partnership with business in the industries of the future. It also includes working with the private sector to double onshore wind, triple solar power and quadruple offshore wind, to deliver cheaper zero-carbon electricity in 2030. Additionally, I support a warm homes plan to invest an extra £6.6 billion over the Parliament to upgrade the energy efficiency of five million homes.
On nature, I support plans to take action to meet Environment Act targets for nature recovery. I believe we should work with civil society, communities and business to restore and protect the natural world. And I support plans to improve responsible access to nature, including planting millions of trees and creating new woodlands. I welcome the new Government’s commitment to expanding nature-rich habitats such as wetlands, peat bogs and forests so families can explore and wildlife can thrive.
For too long we have been used to the previous Government not taking the climate emergency seriously enough when it came to requiring a proactive and effective response. I am so pleased it has taken no time for there to be a change on that front since the new Government was formed in July.
Naturally, I will continue to monitor the developing situation in relation to climate change, ensuring that as a Stourbridge resident you are confident you have a Member of Parliament that sees this issue as a priority, representing the constituency.