Skidmore Review of UK’s net zero strategy published today

The UK Government has published Chris Skidmore MP’s independent review of its strategy for achieving net zero by 2050 – our target which is set in law.

IEMA submitted written evidence to the review and has welcomed its publication today, saying that the government “must rapidly consider the outcomes of the review” and should “recalibrate the UK’s strategy for achieving net zero.”

Chris Skidmore is a Conservative MP and was Minister of State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy from 2019 to 2020. He went on to become an environmental campaigner outside of government, becoming Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Environment in April 2022.

He was commissioned by the government of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to author an independent review into the government’s strategy for achieving net zero by 2050. The UK is required by law to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by that date.

Introducing his review, Chris Skidmore MP said:

“In developing this report, we have engaged with communities, economists and climate experts from across the country through more than 50 roundtables and 1800 submissions – all of which have led to the Mission Zero findings.

“My recommendations are designed to make the most of this historic opportunity, covering the length and breadth of our economy, so that people in every part of the country can reap the benefits of this both in their communities, and in their pockets.”

Martin Baxter, Deputy CEO and Director of Policy and External Affairs at IEMA, said:

“We welcome the publication of the Skidmore Review of the UK’s net zero strategy and the clear message that climate action is good for economic competitiveness and our future prosperity. Many of its recommendations echo what IEMA believes needs to happen if we are to meet our 2050 obligations. This includes tackling the huge challenge of decarbonising heat by legislating so that no new homes are built with gas boilers after 2025.

“The review urges the government to get behind the work of the Green Jobs Delivery Group so that the right mixture of green jobs and skills are available in the workforce, which IEMA views as critical to delivering the low carbon transition.

“The government must rapidly consider the outcomes of the review and recalibrate the UK’s strategy for achieving net zero so that industry can get on with the job of delivery.”

Chloë Fiddy, IEMA’s policy and engagement lead for climate change and energy has written a blog with more details analysis of the review and has set out IEMA’s position on the UK’s net zero strategy.