Paper calls for ‘bold’ clean era government action

Endorsed by those within carbon-intensive industries to climate think tanks, the released paper calls for “bold action” within the first 100 days, also emphasising that the UK is “falling behind” compared to its counterparts.

Joining Suez, signatories include businesses such as National Grid and Cemex; climate organisations E3G, Green Alliance and Aldersgate Group and academic outfits Cranfield University and the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership.

The briefing says that industry and manufacturing, contributing 9.3% of UK GVA, faces a “precarious future”, if action is not taken. The report noted that countries like the US “race ahead” with initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act.

Key priorities include a comprehensive green industrial strategy, support for high electricity costs and an accelerated rollout of carbon capture and low carbon hydrogen.

‘Urgent’

Martin Casey, director public affairs, communications and social impact, Cemex said: “These ten recommendations provide the new government with clear and straightforward advice about what needs to be urgently done to deliver industrial decarbonisation whilst enhancing the competitiveness of UK businesses and re-skilling the workforce to ensure delivery.”

Rachel Solomon Williams, executive director, Aldersgate Group, said: “Businesses have been consistent in calling for a credible industrial strategy that places decarbonisation at its core. In an increasingly competitive global landscape, the UK needs certainty and stability to drive much-needed investment and spur economic growth.”

Laith Whitwham, senior policy advisor at E3G, said: “Industry and manufacturing play a major role in the UK economy, but their future lies in the green markets of tomorrow, not high carbon markets that have long been uncompetitive.”

Roz Bulleid, policy director at Green Alliance, said: “Labour put green economic growth in big bold letters in its pitch to voters and won a huge mandate in the general election. The new government is acting quickly and decisively on its campaign promises, but the reality is that years of U-turns and hesitation have dented investor confidence in the UK’s green transition and frustrated many of our leading firms.”