Net zero fast-track could yet hit Lords delay

It may seem strange that one of the most far-reaching moves that we will see in our lifetimes could be enacted without even a full-blown parliamentary debate.

Soon-to-depart prime minister Theresa May announced the 2050 net zero target last week, overriding the reservations of chancellor Philip Hammond.

The target is being introduced through the tabling of a piece of secondary legislation known as a statutory instrument (SI).
These can be passed much more quickly than bills, which require debates in both houses.

In most cases, SIs automatically become law 40 days after they have been tabled in parliament. The last time that an SI was revoked under this process was in 1979.

The adoption of the net zero goal looks done and dusted therefore. However, it could be a bit more complicated than first sight suggests.

There are concerns that insufficient parliamentary time exists to complete the process before May departs as prime minister.
While opinion within the Commons is overwhelmingly in favour of the net zero goal, views are less clear cut among peers, where debates on climate change tend to be characterised by a more sceptical tone.

The risk is that one of the committees could ask for more scrutiny of the SI, thus delaying its passage until the new Conservative leader is in place.

While all of the leadership candidates have signed up to net zero, they could be excused for wanting to take another look at a measure that will have big consequences for their time as PM.