Reeves hails opportunity of net zero but faces criticism from green campaigners
Reeves hails opportunity of net zero but faces criticism from green campaigners
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Rachel Reeves has insisted “net zero is the industrial opportunity of the 21st century” as she set out plans to boost growth in a slew of sectors. But her backing for a third runway at Heathrow and road schemes, as well as pledges to reform environmental protections as part of a bid to get homes and infrastructure built, drew an immediate backlash.
In her speech, the Chancellor pointed to green investments by the National Wealth Fund, including £65 million for Connected Kerb to expand their electric vehicle-charging network across the UK and £28 million in Cornish Metals to provide raw materials for solar panels, wind turbines and electric vehicles.
Ms Reeves also said the Government was “removing barriers to deliver 16 gigawatts of offshore wind” in areas like East Anglia and Yorkshire. But she also announced backing for new roads and airport expansion, including a third runway at Heathrow, which critics said could wipe out the benefits of the Government’s clean power plan by increasing emissions.
And the Chancellor faced criticism over plans to reform environmental regulations to prevent delays in development, as she pointed to a £100 million bat tunnel which has been developed as part of the HS2 rail link. Ms Reeves said the Government was reducing environmental requirements for developers paying into a nature restoration fund, so they could “focus on getting things built and stop worrying over the bats and the newts”, and changing the rules to stop “excessive use” of judicial reviews.
