Each week, I meet with local residents from across the Hazel Grove constituency to discuss key concerns and problems that they would like to raise with me. One topic which has dominated my inbox, is measures that the Government are taking to tackle the climate crisis. I share the concerns of many who meet with me to discuss such issues. I am therefore pleased that on Monday, the Prime Minister announced that by 2035, all of the UK’s electricity supply would come from renewable energy sources.
We have seen in recent weeks the vulnerability of international fuel supplies and the problems that means for ordinary people- so this announcement is a welcome step in meeting our target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, but will also provide the much needed high-skilled employment opportunities for our young people.
Stockport is home to many pioneering businesses, start-ups and small enterprises that are playing a crucial part in delivering greener energy supplies for the future. This announcement, one of many in a package of plans due to be announced when the UK hosts the COP26 Climate Conference in Glasgow next month, shows Britain’s commitment to transitioning to a zero-carbon future. Alongside this, the UK and allies across Europe and America are working together on a package of financial and technical support which will allow developing countries to quickly divest from fossil fuels.
I am looking forward to the further planned announcements to tackle the global climate crisis in the coming weeks. Our engineering heritage and Manchester’s role as a digital powerhouse means that our area is the perfect place for these jobs to be made.