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Nov 22, 2019

election, labour, lib dem, liberal democrats, manifesto, net zero

REA comments on Party Manifestos

Commenting on the Conservative Manifesto, Dr Nina Skorupska CBE FEI, Chief Executive at the REA said:

“There are policies in the Conservative manifesto that the renewable and clean technologies industry can fully support and if enacted, would progress the UK towards our Net Zero targets.

“The manifesto picks up on a number of important issues; including restating their commitment to reaching Net Zero, outlining plans to re-affirm the UK as a global leader in mitigating climate change through COP26, improving energy efficiency and tackling plastic waste.

“Despite this, the Conservative manifesto lacks the detail, ambition and wholesale systems change the sector has been calling for, with a number of key components to achieving Net Zero absent. Resource efficiency, food waste collections and support for local authorities in tackling climate change are not mentioned despite being fundamental elements of the Conservative’s own landmark Environment Bill. Similarly, the manifesto lacks details on any plans to decarbonise heat despite it being one of the greatest challenges and largest contributors to carbon emissions in the UK.

“Overall, we welcome the increased environmental commitment shown in the Conservative’s manifesto which will move the UK in the right direction. Nevertheless, if the Conservatives are to meet their own Net Zero target by 2050, as promised, they must implement clear, detailed and structured plans to decarbonise all sectors of the economy, including heat, resource management and transport without delay”

Commenting on the Labour Manifesto, Dr Nina Skorupska CBE FEI, Chief Executive at the REA said:

“Labour’s manifesto represents the level of wholesale systems change that the REA and the wider sector have been calling for. We welcome the ambition and that renewable energy and clean technology is at the heart of it.

“The breadth and depth of their renewables and clean technologies policies would see a complete transformation of the energy system rooted in governmental and fiscal accountability, genuine ambition and unequalled commitment to a just transition. The pledge of one million green jobs, climate apprenticeships and bursaries for BAME and women alone demonstrates Labour’s dedication to ensuring the vast economic opportunities renewables present are felt across the UK.

“However, there are areas where the manifesto falls short. In particular, we urge Labour to utilise all the technologies available to decarbonise, including Bioenergy technologies which currently provide the majority of renewable heat and transport. Other vital areas that lack sufficient detail include waste management, and the restoration of soils and natural capital.

“As time is of the essence, Labour must be able to guarantee that achieving our Net Zero targets takes precedence over the reorganisation of the energy sector.”

Commenting on the Liberal Democrat Manifesto, Dr Nina Skorupska CBE FEI, Chief Executive at the REA said:

“Implementing the policies outlined and the manifesto would transform the energy system and we are pleased to see a number of REA calls reflected in that.

“To achieve Net Zero we need organised and focused accountability within Government and creating a dedicated department and Treasury position will achieve this. Similarly, nationwide decarbonisation needs nationwide involvement and encouraging local councils to drive forward renewables projects is the first step to achieving this.

“Further clarification though, is needed when it comes to policy. There is a lack of detail on how to effectively support local authorities in achieving Net Zero, no policies dedicated to ensuring a just transition and an over dependency on the electrification of heat. All the tools in the toolbox are needed to decarbonise, including Bioenergy technologies which currently provide the majority of renewable heat and transport.

“The level of ambition outlined in the manifesto is commendable but the Liberal Democrats must ensure that the inherent reorganisation of Government operations does not become a distraction at a time when urgent action is needed”

—ENDS—

For more information or to request an interview, please contact:

Hayley Allen

External Affairs Officer

020 7981 0862
[email protected]

Notes to Editor

 

About the Renewable Energy Association (REA)

The REA is the UK’s largest trade association for renewable energy and clean technologies with around 550 members operating across heat, transport, and power. The REA is a not-for-profit organisation that represents renewable energy and clean technology companies operating in over fourteen sectors, ranging from biogas and renewable fuels to solar and electric vehicle charging. Membership ranges from major multinationals to sole traders.

For more information, visit: www.r-e-a.net