Climate Community Responds – AirQualityNews

Labour’s unexpected landslide victory in Thursday’s election means the UK has seen its first change of government in 14 years.

In the short campaign period allowed by the snap election, Keir Starmer disappointed many in climate and environmental circles by not moving as far away from Tory policies as they thought he should. So this morning we examine the reaction to Labour’s landslide victory, a reaction we might describe as “cautious optimism”.

This page will be continuously updated throughout the day.

Jane Burston, CEO of the Clean Air Fund: ‘Air pollution is the biggest environmental threat to our health. It is linked to up to 40,000 premature deaths a year in the UK, costing the NHS up to £20 billion a year. Meeting the World Health Organisation’s interim air quality targets could boost the UK economy by £1.6 billion a year.

“Air pollution is a key public health issue in the UK. Stronger, better enforced air quality laws are widely supported and should be integrated into the new government’s approach to public health and net zero emissions.

“Cleaning up our air is an opportunity to tackle some of our biggest health and climate challenges at the same time. By introducing the Clean Air Act, the Government will put equality and community at the heart of its policy, improve health outcomes, reduce inequality and support economic growth. We look forward to working with the new Government to deliver this world-leading legislation.

“Internationally, the UK also has a unique opportunity to champion clean air while taking action to improve global health, mitigate climate change and drive sustainable economic growth.”

Stuart Lemmon, CEO of climate change consultancy EcoAct: “This result represents a real opportunity for the UK to regain its lead in the global race to net zero emissions and shows the country’s strong commitment to effective climate policy. The incoming government has secured a strong climate mandate, with Ed Miliband’s commitment to ‘seize the climate moment’ and the creation of a new Labour Office for Net Zero Emissions showing real promise moving forward.

“But just as businesses must meet clear standards to develop concrete and credible climate transition plans, government must also move beyond promises to delivering a robust, actionable roadmap to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. We need a shift from words and policies to delivery and collaboration, with government offering a clear roadmap for businesses, rather than placing the onus of decarbonisation squarely on companies.

“The challenge is not just about tackling carbon emissions; the country urgently needs frameworks and guidelines on adaptation, nature conservation and biodiversity, areas that have been neglected so far. Government policies must not only support but also encourage businesses’ transformation efforts, offering clear directives and ambitious subsidies for eco-friendly and green investments. With 2030 just around the corner, the government must create an environment in which the transformation is not only feasible, but actively progresses and is in line with international climate goals.”

Sam Hall, Director of the Conservative Environment Network (on X): This looks like it will be a terrible result for the Conservatives. We will comment on this tomorrow, but it is clear that the Prime Minister’s strategy of downplaying environmental issues has not changed the party’s fortunes. To rebuild, we need to re-present a positive Conservative vision of the environment.

Mike Childs, head of policy at Friends of the Earth: “With Labour seemingly heading towards a huge majority, this will hopefully mark the end of the disastrous fourteen years of dithering, delay and rollback that have defined the Conservative brand of environmentalism. Labour’s plans for climate and nature are far stronger than those of its predecessors, but they need to go even further if we are to get the country back on course to deliver on our key objectives.

‘If exit polls are to be believed, the party cannot rest on its laurels and remember that it was elected on a ticket promising change. With such a huge mandate, it should feel emboldened to implement truly progressive policies.

“The good news is that many of the solutions to the interconnected crises we face, on climate and nature, the economy and our crumbling health system, are one and the same. Labour must now seize the huge opportunities that investment in green growth can deliver: lower bills, healthier, happier communities, hundreds of thousands of new jobs in clean industries and a safer planet for future generations.”

Mark Chapman, founder of Zero Carbon Forum: ‘Today, the UK voted for a new government. Labour has made a commitment to clean energy and has pledged to decarbonise the energy system by 2030, which is a positive and necessary step. However, the energy transition will reduce around half of man-made greenhouse gas emissions.

“The other half can only be addressed by transforming to a regenerative food system and adopting a circular approach to how we make and use products and materials. The food and drink industry, which accounts for 35% of the UK’s carbon emissions, requires rapid and deep emissions cuts if we are to avoid the worst effects of the climate crisis. The impacts of climate change and extreme weather are already being felt across the hospitality and brewing industries through higher energy costs, disrupted supply chains and unpredictable sales.

“At Zero Carbon Forum, we are working with over a third of the UK hospitality and brewing sectors to deliver the changes we need to ensure our restaurants, bars and pubs can be enjoyed for generations. We are moving as quickly as we can, but Government has a key role to play in lowering the barriers and unlocking the opportunities that climate action creates. There is more to do than just the energy transition. We are asking Government to support the food and drink industry across the value chain.

“We hope the new government recognises the importance of a regenerative, net zero food and drink industry and commits to delivering sustainable, long-term outcomes that support the UK’s prosperity and resilience.”