Climate Plan

The Government must deliver a strategy that meets the UK’s international pledge to cut emissions by 81% by 2035. This must be done fairly, ensuring that the burden falls on the biggest polluters rather than ordinary people who are already struggling with rising costs.

My Liberal Democrat colleagues and I have long championed stronger, more urgent action to tackle the climate and nature crises. These challenges are interconnected, and we must address them together with ambition and determination. That’s why we backed the Climate and Nature Bill, a bold proposal to make the UK a global leader in environmental protection. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Liberal Democrat MP Roz Savage, the Bill secured an early opportunity for a Second Reading in Parliament after she was selected in the Private Members’ Bill ballot.

Disappointingly, the Government refused to support the Bill, despite Roz’s constructive efforts to negotiate. However, her persistence has secured important commitments, including:

• Restoring nature: ensuring that environmental recovery is at the heart of policy. 
• Accounting for emissions and nature impacts overseas, so we don’t outsource our environmental responsibilities. 
• Improved public engagement: giving communities a stronger voice in shaping climate action. 
• Closer collaboration between the committees responsible for nature and climate change. 
• Stronger cooperation between DEFRA and DESNZ, including an annual statement on climate and nature progress, informed by NGOs and campaign groups.

Roz will continue to play an active role in this vital work, and my colleagues and I will keep pressing for the ambitious climate action our country urgently needs.

I have already will continue to raise these concerns directly with government ministers; Urging them to ensure the upcoming climate plan is ambitious, properly funded, and fair. They must not repeat past failures.