Displaying items by tag: net zero targets

Keir Starmer has unveiled multi-million-pound clean energy investment deals as he heads to the COP30 climate summit in Brazil. The agreements, worth over £115 million, include £15 million for a new operations centre at the Port of East Anglia, £100 million for Belfast Harbour to deliver two Irish Sea wind farms, and Statera Energy’s plans for a major battery site in Greater Manchester. Downing Street says the projects will create more than 600 skilled jobs, describing them as 'national renewal in action’. Starmer said the UK will continue leading on climate action, promising to champion future generations and working people alike. Energy secretary Ed Miliband called clean power 'the engine of Britain’s economic renewal’. Yet critics question Labour’s ability to meet its net zero goals after scaling back international commitments, including rainforest protection funds. Conservative and Reform UK leaders argue that net zero targets are unrealistic and harmful to UK industry. See also the world article about the Earthshot Prize winners.

A rift within the Labour Party has surfaced over reported plans by Rachel Reeves to approve a third runway at Heathrow and expand operations at Gatwick and Luton airports. While she emphasises economic growth as the Government’s priority, several high-profile Labour figures, including Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and London mayor Sadiq Khan, have voiced strong opposition. Burnham argues that prioritising airport expansion in the South could hinder infrastructure investment in northern England and concentrate growth in London. Khan cites concerns about worsening air quality, increased noise, and the impact on London’s net-zero emissions target by 2030. Key Labour figures, including  Keir Starmer and Ed Miliband, spoke against Heathrow’s expansion while they were in opposition. Reeves has countered criticism by stating that Britain’s reluctance to approve major projects has stalled economic growth. The debate highlights tensions between economic ambitions and environmental sustainability within Labour’s leadership.