Time to invest in going green

Climate change is a massive long-term threat to the country. To tackle the threat means we will need to change the way we power our homes, move around our towns and cities, and use our land. This may sound daunting and it is, but there is also a chance to ensure that in tackling that threat we can create a better economy and quality of life for people. That’s what I am determined we do as a country.

Think of all the jobs that need doing, from insulating homes to building the zero carbon engines of the future to planting trees and creating green spaces that we can all enjoy.

Britain can have a bright manufacturing future if we take a lead in the environmentally friendly jobs of the future. It makes environmental and economic sense.

At a time when we are facing an unemployment emergency, this is the moment to power forward with action to create those jobs we badly need.

It’s what we have seen in other countries. Germany has already announced €40bn worth of plans, with France likely also to invest a significant amount.

So far, the Government’s warm words on the need for a green recovery have not been matched by their deeds. The £3bn of green investment announced pales in comparison.

We owe it to ourselves to build back better, and we owe it to future generations to tackle the climate emergency. That’s why Labour has been talking to businesses, unions, workers, campaign groups and the public about ideas to kickstart a recovery that builds an environmentally sustainable economy with a zero carbon army of workers.

We need a Green Recovery worthy of the name.

HOPES Zero carbon future