MPs to put the government’s net-zero plans under spotlight

The environmental audit select committee has launched a new inquiry into whether the government is ready to “lead by example” on its own target to cut emissions to net zero.

The cross-party committee announced today (4 July) that its new inquiry will focus on the sustainability of the government’s estate and procurement processes and the actions it needs to take in order to achieve its net zero emissions target by 2050 or sooner.

The MPs will examine how government targets should be set, enforced and monitored, whether it is leading by example in its own performance, and whether existing strategies are sufficiently robust to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote resource efficiency.

The inquiry will also assess performance against a number of existing frameworks, such as the Road to Zero commitment for government to “lead the way” in making 100 per cent of its fleet ultra-low emission by 2030.

And it will build upon work previously carried out in the committee’s Greening Government Commitments inquiry with an increased focus on net zero emissions.

Mary Creagh, chair of the committee, said: “It’s not enough for the government to talk the talk on net zero emissions by 2050, it must walk the walk and lower its own emissions to tackle the climate emergency.

“We’ll be examining how the government sets and performs against its own targets, such as ensuring its fleet of vehicles are ultra-low emissions, reducing waste and water use.

“Ministers must lead by example in setting out and delivering policies which can meet their ambitious targets. We have declared a climate emergency. Now is the time for ministers to say how they will tackle it.”

The committee is seeking written evidence by Thursday 15 August, which should be submitted to its Net Zero Government inquiry page.