Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom has promised to build a “stronger, greener United Kingdom” and “back business to the hilt” after Brexit, as the government geared up to unveil full details of its flagship Environment Bill in Parliament today. In a speech at the Institute of Directors in London last night, the Leadsom said the UK was “on the cusp of a green industrial revolution” that would lead to economic opportunities right across the country, and that every element of the government’s Industrial Strategy would be “net zero proof”. “From creating supply chains for electric vehicles, to decarbonising heavy industry; from designing new, green financial products to designing low carbon buildings, the opportunities of this industrial revolution are endless – with the prize of two million green collar jobs by 2030,” she said. “Personally I have no doubt that we will succeed, because history shows we have done it before. And I think we could grow a clean tech sector which could be even bigger than our financial services sector.”
Business Green 30th Jan 2020 read more »
By implementing stronger policies around walking, cycling, electric vehicles and energy efficiency in homes, the Government could save the NHS at least £3.7bn per year. That is according to a new report from think-tank Green Alliance. Drawing on research by CREDS, a body convening research from academics at 15 UK universities, the report concludes that improved policies on active travel and electric mobility could save the NHS £2.5bn in costs annually, mainly through reduced rates of cardiovascular and lung problems, as well as diabetes. This saving could be realised if just 1.7% of car journeys made annually in England are replaced by walking or cycling. Green Alliance claims this shift could also improve air quality, quality of life and public satisfaction with local authorities and Government.
Edie 30th Jan 2020 read more »