A series of measures have been outlined in the King’s speech to bring into law the new Government’s manifesto pledges on renewable energy and planning.
Bills underpinning policy priorities are expected to be published in the coming months and include legislation to accelerate clean energy installations, grid infrastructure development and housebuilding.
The King stated that the Government is seeking “a new partnership with business” as it seeks to deliver its election pledges.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “From energy to planning, to unbreakable fiscal rules, my Government is serious about delivering the stability that is going to turbo-charge growth that will create wealth in every corner of the UK.”
The new Labour Government sees a strong link between economic growth, the net-zero transition and levelling up.
The speech included the announcement of an Energy Independence Bill which will help create Great British Energy – a new publicly-owned company which will invest in renewable energy projects. It will be based in Scotland and support projects across the UK.
GB Energy will not be an energy supplier but will drive an ambition to decarbonise the electricity grid by 2030 – five years sooner than the previous Conservative Government.
The new Government wants to quadruple the nation’s offshore wind capacity, treble solar capacity and double onshore wind capacity this decade.
The Energy Independence Bill could also set in motion other energy-related Labour manifesto pledges such as doubling spending on building energy efficiency, strategically supporting large and small nuclear, and speeding up the lengthy planning and connections process for energy generators.
The speech additionally confirmed that the Government will implement the new National Wealth Fund (NWF), chaired by the Green Finance Institute.
It will provide investment including initially £7.3bn to be divided between electric vehicle battery manufacturing, low carbon ports and renewable hydrogen production.
The Speech also included legislation that will enhance water regulator Ofwat’s powers to deal with combined storm overflows which include raw sewage.
And it featured a new Housebuilding Bill which will reintroduce mandatory housing targets and kick-start widespread planning reform.
Labour will now face challenging questions on how its housebuilding plans align with commitments to protect and restore nature. Pre-election, the Party committed to preserving remaining green belt land by freeing up underused ‘grey’ land like disused car parks and wasteland.
Syntegra MD Alan King said: “It is pleasing to note the number of pieces of proposed legislation relating to environmental affairs.
“It is a reflection of the importance of such matters to our economy and health of the planet.
“We look forward to working within new guidelines which will drive the country’s response to the climate crisis and we will continue to provide a first class service to clients wanting to play their part and do the right thing meaning they will also benefit financially themselves.
“Hopefully the new legislation will be introduced swiftly and provide a road map for the country in all areas of sustainability.”
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