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Growth VS the environment – risks and rewards for Labour

The Labour Government set out their stall and risked angering their left flank this week as they unequivocally stated that “growth trumps Net Zero”, in a row about plans to expand some of the UK’s largest airports. Ed Miliband, who has previously resisted such plans, has signed off on behalf of his department.


The Labour left and climate change groups have, perhaps predictably, gone on the offensive. In a letter to the Prime Minister signed by more than 20 climate action groups, Starmer was urged to “make safeguarding our climate your legacy”.


The Government’s plans were criticised by the Campaign Against Climate Change, who said: “We urgently need leadership at this time. But if a Labour government signs off expansion at Heathrow and Gatwick airports, it will show they don’t take the climate crisis seriously, and greenwash about tiny amounts of so-called ‘sustainable’ aviation fuel can’t hide that.”


In the same letter, climate actions groups including Faith for the Climate, Friends of the Earth England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Greenpeace UK, Unite Grassroots Climate Justice Caucus, Quakers in Britain and others urged Keir Starmer to use his influence to stop President Trump from withdrawing from the Paris agreement.


Alongside the Government’s changes to the NPPF, there is a lot for environmental groups to argue over.


However, the Government does have supporters within its own ranks, and in the wider electorate, which may lead Ministers to feel that rewards outweigh the risks.   


Gerry McFall, Director of the new Labour Infrastructure Forum group, said: “It’s about time someone took decisive action on long debated – and much needed – airport expansion plans that previous administrations have ducked.”


“Expansion and investment sends a signal to the UK’s global trading partners that Britain is open for business and serious about improving its outdated infrastructure.”


And in a recent survey by Deltapoll, 2024 Labour voters would choose cuts to climate change initiatives and welfare over cuts to policing or pensions. A total of 30% Labour voters said that if the Government had to cut spending, then it should come from climate change initiatives.


All in all, the Government can be cheered that they have support for their policies, even when coming under attack from groups who would traditionally act as their supporters in the country.


The real question, however, is if the Green Party will be able to capitalise on this and attract more voters over the next four years.

 

 

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