Overview
- A cross-party Commons Energy Security and Net Zero Committee recommended dropping the phrase 'Net Zero' from the department's name and official communications in a report published earlier this week to reduce political backlash and improve public messaging.
- The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero rejected renaming the department, calling the suggestion a distraction, and Prime Minister Andy Burnham publicly reaffirmed the UK's legal commitment to reaching net zero by 2050 while announcing nearly £30 million for local 'People's Power' renewable projects.
- The committee highlighted polling that shows rising opposition to the 2050 target linked to worries about higher household bills and argued that delivering lower costs for consumers is the single biggest step to rebuild support.
- MPs urged the government to reframe its messaging around tangible outcomes such as cheaper energy, stronger energy security, jobs and health benefits and they called for stronger powers for Ofcom to tackle misinformation about climate policy.
- Political fractures over fossil fuel projects have widened and decisions on Jackdaw and Rosebank in the North Sea are expected to be a major test of whether the government can keep its net zero commitment while addressing cost and security concerns.