The landslide Labour victory in the 2024 UK General Election marks a significant turning point for the nation’s policies, ambitions and green transition.

The party’s commitment to delivering on change is clear and their plans to tackle our changing climate are key amongst these ambitions. 

Labour’s comprehensive green policies promise to turbocharge clean power by 2030, enable job creation and prioritise net zero commitments but they have a long way to go to get there.

Here’s a closer look at the key elements of Labour’s climate action plan and what they mean for the green transition: 

Scrapping the onshore wind ban

One of Labour’s first priorities has been lifting the ban on onshore wind projects in England. Onshore wind is one of the cheapest and cleanest forms of energy. A study published in April by Friends of the Earth researchers from the University of Exeter suggests that using less that 3% of land in England for onshore wind and solar projects could produce 13x more clean energy than our present production rates.

By removing the ban, Labour aims to rapidly expand renewable energy capacity, making a substantial contribution to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to a low carbon future.

Ending new oil and gas licenses

Considering the previous Government’s decision to mandate annual oil and gas licensing, Labour has committed to honour existing licences but refrain from issuing new oil and gas licences in the UK.

This milestone step by Labour aims to curb fossil fuel dependency in a bid to transition to clean energy by 2030. By halting new licences, Labour intends to limit the expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure within the country, ensuring that the UK’s energy policies align with its net zero targets. 

Clean, green power by 2030

Labour has set an ambitious target to position the UK as a global leader in clean and affordable energy by 2030. Focusing on changing from mainly focusing on targets for domestic emissions. The recent appointment of Chris Stark will head up this work to support Labour’s promise to deliver the transition to net zero globally.

This involves ramping up investment in renewable energy technologies, enhancing energy efficiency, and fostering innovation in the energy sector.  

Ed Miliband just this week has set about creating Labour’s first changes with new rules on solar panels and the approval of three giant solar farms in the east of England previously blocked by the Conservative Party. Ministers are also looking at bringing in solar-related standards for new-build properties from 2025.

Establishing GB Energy 

A fundamental part of Labour’s climate manifesto was the creation of GB Energy, a new publicly owned entity dedicated to clean energy generation.

GB Energy will focus on expanding solar and offshore wind capacities, ensuring that energy production derives from renewable sources and remains within public control.

This initiative is expected to drive down energy costs to reduce bills for consumers, create new green skilled jobs, and enhance energy security. 

Golden rules for new sustainable development  

With Rachel Reeve’s plan ‘to get Britain building again’ Labour will introduce new ‘golden rules’ to help support housing demand sustainably.  

Working to ensure that new developments benefit both local communities and the environment, these rules will mandate that renewable energy projects and other green initiatives provide tangible benefits to the areas they impact – such as job creation, community investment, and biodiversity protection. 

The British job bonus

The Labour Party plans to support the creation of over 35,000 new jobs in the clean energy sector and its supply chains across England by 2030. Labour intends to encourage economic growth, foster innovation, and ensure that the transition to a green economy is inclusive and beneficial to all regions of the country – particularly now deprived areas of historic industrial significance.   

Heating homes 

An additional £6.6 billion investment in the Warm Homes plan has been promised during the next parliament. This funding is set to be used in upgrading 5 million homes to Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C standards, improving energy efficiency, reducing household energy bills, and lowering carbon emissions.

Global leadership at COP

Placed in a position of renewed leadership at the annual climate COP summits, Ed Miliband, who is set to lead UK negotiations at this year’s summit. He will be expected to help drive international efforts tackling climate change whilst clearly demonstrating progress towards delivering net zero commitments in line with the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

So, what do we at BR think? Natalie Daniels, Sustainability PR Director, comments: “While we need our new Government to be ambitious regarding climate action, we now need action and timescales – there is no time to waste as global warming continues to rise.

Labour’s bold climate action plan to make the environment a top priority is so desperately needed in the transition to Net Zero. Priorities need to be on supporting the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Framework, accelerating the transition to renewable energy to reduce energy bills, and addressing our biodiversity decline by enhancing and enriching our environmental ecosystems. Only this way, will we truly be able to get to decarbonise the sector.”

What do you think? Will Labour be able to deliver on their promises for the green transition? If you need support with your environmental and social impact communications, please do get in touch.