Climate for growth: levelling up through green innovation

Partner: Nesta

Regional growth is a cross-party objective. Both Labour and the Conservatives are championing ways to boost economic opportunities beyond London and the Southeast. The road to net zero will change the structure of UK industry. This event discussed what economic opportunities that could provide to the UK’s regions, whether in cutting edge innovation like superlight aircraft or offsite home manufacturing or the faster rollout of established technologies like low-carbon power or heat pumps. Before turning to how those changes play out in the real economy, and the benefits they might provide to constituencies, households, and businesses.

Speakers:

• Andrew Sissons, deputy director, Nesta (chair)
• Sarah Boyack MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Land Reform
• Sam Alvis, head of economy, Green Alliance
• Anna Valero, senior policy fellow, LSE Centre for Economic Performance
• Chi Onwurah MP, Shadow Minister for Research & Innovation

A fair transition for British farming

Partner: Institute for Public Policy Research

The war in Ukraine has pushed our food security back to the tops of mind. It comes at a time when UK farming faces an increasingly uncertain future from trade negotiations, the legacy of Brexit and the urgent need to reduce emissions and protect and restore nature. This panel  explored what a more sustainable future for British farming could look like, one that works for people and the planet.

Speakers:

• Shaun Spiers, executive director, Green Alliance (chair)
• Jim McMahon MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Environment
• Mike Innerdale, director for the north, National Trust
• Alice Groom, senior policy officer, RPSB
• Becca Massey-Chase, principal research fellow, IPPR

The net zero election pitch

Partner: Institute for Government

Australian Labor’s recent victory on the back of Teal Independents put climate front and centre. In France and Canada, Macron and Trudeau both campaigned on strong climate messages; Olaf Scholz has emphasised green industrialisation.

In the UK climate remains a top-tier issue even in the face of economic turmoil, even if net zero is yet to emerge as a key area of political competition. What should this mean for the way Labour approaches climate change at the next election? 

This panel discussed lessons from recent elections, breakdown the attitudes of voters and geographies, and look at constituencies affected by the transition – pointing to lessons around building successful electoral coalitions in support of climate action.

Speakers:

• Tom Sasse, associate director, Institute for Government
• Sam Alvis, head of economy, Green Alliance
• Rebecca Huntley, political consultant and author
• German MP, TBC
• Tim Dixon, co-founder, More in Common

Warm homes, lower bills: a retrofit revolution this winter

Partner: Institute for Public Policy Research

The cost of energy is out of control and the calls for a national mission to reduce energy demand and warm our homes are growing. Upgrading the nation’s homes would support the recovery from the pandemic by creating thousands of jobs; it would cut hundreds of pounds from energy bills as gas prices soar and decrease dependency on gas imports; and retrofitting could also be a cornerstone of levelling up through the creation of thousands of locally trained jobs across the country. With an emergency budget on the horizon, how can the policymakers deliver warmer homes at the pace and scale required, and how might a Labour government approach the problem?

Speakers:

• Becca Massey-Chase, principal research fellow, IPPR (chair)
• Helena Bennett, head of climate policy, Green Alliance
• Ed Miliband MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Climate Change and Net Zero
• Bindi Patel, head of customer experience, Vattenfall
• Nicholas Harris, CEO, Stonewater
• Brian Berry, CEO, Federation of Master Builders

A gear shift on low carbon transport

Partner: Institute for Public Policy Research

Labour has promised to spend £28bn additional investment each year on decarbonisation. One of the most important areas, currently overlooked by the net zero strategy, is transport. This panel assessed the opportunities and the risks that lie ahead in the decarbonisation of surface transport from trains and cars to e-scooters and active travel. Seeking to understand how we can accelerate the transition in a way that works for people and the planet.

Speakers:

• Helena Bennett, head of climate policy, Green Alliance (Chair)
• Becca Massey-Chase, principal research fellow, IPPR
• Neil Isaacson, CEO, Liberty Charge
• Ashok Sinha, CEO, London Cycling Campaign

Joint NGOs drinks reception

Speakers:

• Kerry McCarthy MP
• Ed Miliband MP

Hosted alongside our partners: the National Trust, WWF, CPRE, Wildlife Trusts, Woodland Trusts, Wildlife Countryside Link, Greenpeace, The Climate Coalition and Prospect Union.

Decarbonisation of private transport

Transport is the highest emitting sector of the UK and still faces significant challenges to reduce emissions. Last year’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan set the direction of travel for governments net zero agenda. Now they must deliver on it. Cars remain responsible for the highest proportion of transport emissions, and the upcoming zero emissions vehicle mandate will help considerably in cutting carbon. At this drinks reception, we will hear from government and industry about transport decarbonisation and how we can get there, with a focus on the electric vehicle transition. 

Speakers:

• Huw Merriman MP, Chair of Transport Select Committee
• Transport minister TBC
• David Gold, director of public affairs and policy, Royal Mail
• Matthew Walters, head of consultancy services and customer value, LeasePlan UK
• Helena Bennett, head of climate policy, Green Alliance

How can the UK effectively align financial flows with a 1.5C world?

The UK is the world’s top exporter of financial services. Increasing private sector commitments show that the key to maintaining this position is green, helping finance the move to a more productive, low-carbon high tech economy. Join this reception to hear from government, the private sector, and finance experts on how to accelerate that shift and how the UK can lead the world in the next wave of green finance.

Speakers:

• Felicity Buchan MP, Exchequer secretary to the Treasury
• Sam Alvis, Head of economy, Green Alliance
• Aviva, Invited

Environment Groups Reception

The natural world is a source of pride and joy for millions of people across the UK. Taking climate action now can protect the planet for future generations, and tackle the energy crisis for this winter and next.

Speakers:

• Shaun Spiers, Executive director, Green Alliance
• Tanya Steele, Chief executive, WWF-UK
• Graham Stuart, Minister for climate
• Rt Hon Ranil Jayawardena MP, Environment Secretary, Invited

Hosted alongside our partners: the National Trust, RSPB, Woodland Trust, Wildlife Trusts, Friends of the Earth, CPRE and Greenpeace.