Recommendations & Conclusions
17 items
2
Conclusion
Third Report - Net zero and the UK avia…
Deferred
We consider that any strategy designed to reduce the impact of UK aviation activity on global warming ought to encompass the environmental effects of aviation in their entirety. We therefore recommend that the Government actively commission, promote and support research into the total environmental effects of aviation, with a view …
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We consider that any strategy designed to reduce the impact of UK aviation activity on global warming ought to encompass the environmental effects of aviation in their entirety. We therefore recommend that the Government actively commission, promote and support research into the total environmental effects of aviation, with a view to incorporating the emerging consensus into all future iterations of its strategy for net zero aviation. (Paragraph 31) Aviation emissions in the UK’s carbon budgets
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Government response AI summary
The government notes the recommendation but responds by stating it will include international aviation and shipping emissions in the Sixth Carbon Budget, legislating for this at the earliest opportunity, rather than committing to actively commissioning and supporting broader research into aviation's total environmental effects.
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5
Recommendation
Third Report - Net zero and the UK avia…
Deferred
We recommend that the Government lay before Parliament for approval, without further delay, a draft statutory instrument under section 30 of the Climate Change Act 2008 to define the emissions from international aviation and international shipping which are to be reckoned as emissions from sources in the United Kingdom.
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We recommend that the Government lay before Parliament for approval, without further delay, a draft statutory instrument under section 30 of the Climate Change Act 2008 to define the emissions from international aviation and international shipping which are to be reckoned as emissions from sources in the United Kingdom.
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees with the recommendation but does not commit to laying the draft statutory instrument. Instead, it discusses the refreshed Airspace Modernisation Strategy and its focus on modernising airspace and enabling new aircraft technologies.
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7
Recommendation
Third Report - Net zero and the UK avia…
Deferred
We recommend that the Government work with the Climate Change Committee and Sustainable Aviation on a comparative analysis of the models underpinning the projections for UK aircraft emissions, so as to reach consensus, as far as possible, on the likely impact of measures to be taken by industry and by …
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We recommend that the Government work with the Climate Change Committee and Sustainable Aviation on a comparative analysis of the models underpinning the projections for UK aircraft emissions, so as to reach consensus, as far as possible, on the likely impact of measures to be taken by industry and by Government on levels of emissions from UK aviation out to 2050. (Paragraph 53) ‘Jet Zero’—the UK Government’s strategy for net zero aviation
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Government response AI summary
The government partially agrees with the recommendation but deflects the request for a comparative analysis of aviation emissions models. Instead, it focuses on the sustainability criteria of the forthcoming Sustainable Aviation Fuel mandate and its efforts to promote high SAF standards internationally.
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10
Recommendation
Third Report - Net zero and the UK avia…
Deferred
We recommend that the Government sustain and enhance its engagement with the aviation industry on the delivery of operational efficiencies from current and future fleets of aircraft operating through the UK, to maintain the ambition to secure 2% year- on-year CO2 emissions reductions from fuel and operational efficiencies. The delivery …
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We recommend that the Government sustain and enhance its engagement with the aviation industry on the delivery of operational efficiencies from current and future fleets of aircraft operating through the UK, to maintain the ambition to secure 2% year- on-year CO2 emissions reductions from fuel and operational efficiencies. The delivery of these reductions must be rigorously monitored against an established baseline: should the rate of progress in reductions fall behind 2%, the potential contribution of system efficiencies to meeting the 2050 net zero target must be urgently reassessed.
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Government response AI summary
The government partially agrees, but focuses instead on its aspiration for zero-emission domestic routes by 2030 and a net-zero target for UK domestic aviation by 2040. It also outlines significant funding for the Aerospace Technology Institute Programme to support low and zero-carbon aircraft technology development.
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11
Recommendation
Third Report - Net zero and the UK avia…
Deferred
We recommend that the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority intensify their work on airspace modernisation, bearing in mind the overarching principle of environmental sustainability.
Government response AI summary
The government agrees but deflects the specific focus on airspace modernisation. Instead, it details the launch of a multi-year, multi-million aviation non-CO2 research programme to improve understanding and mitigation of non-CO2 climate impacts, with initial calls for academic projects launched in October 2023.
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12
Conclusion
Third Report - Net zero and the UK avia…
Deferred
We support the Government’s aim to secure net zero in UK airport operations by
Government response AI summary
The government agrees but focuses on enhancing the UK Emissions Trading Scheme for aviation, including phasing out free allocation by 2026. It will also develop and consult on proposals for how the UK ETS should treat Sustainable Aviation Fuel use, exploring alternatives to SAF being …
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19
Recommendation
Third Report - Net zero and the UK avia…
Deferred
The Government must match its ambition for the development of a domestic SAF industry with an appropriate appetite for risk and innovation in order to ensure that commercial production of truly sustainable fuels develops at pace. The introduction of a revenue certainty mechanism, via provision in the Energy Act 2023, …
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The Government must match its ambition for the development of a domestic SAF industry with an appropriate appetite for risk and innovation in order to ensure that commercial production of truly sustainable fuels develops at pace. The introduction of a revenue certainty mechanism, via provision in the Energy Act 2023, represents a welcome initial step in this process. To this end, we recommend that the Government make swift progress on the implementation of a price support mechanism to incentivise investment for SAF production pathways.
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Government response AI summary
The government notes the recommendation, referring to prior commitments to introduce a revenue certainty mechanism, with a delivery plan by the end of 2026. It will publish a consultation on options for designing and implementing the mechanism within six months of the Energy Act 2023 …
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28
Conclusion
Third Report - Net zero and the UK avia…
Deferred
There is considerable dispute over the desirability of policy measures which would reduce UK aviation emissions by reducing the demand for aviation services. The Climate Change Committee has been clear that demand management is the most effective way of reducing aviation CO2 and non-CO2 emissions, and whilst there are a …
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There is considerable dispute over the desirability of policy measures which would reduce UK aviation emissions by reducing the demand for aviation services. The Climate Change Committee has been clear that demand management is the most effective way of reducing aviation CO2 and non-CO2 emissions, and whilst there are a number of different approaches available for consideration, they have not been subject to formal modelling in the Jet Zero Strategy policy framework.
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Government response AI summary
The government noted the conclusion, stating its Jet Zero Strategy focuses on new fuels and technology rather than limiting aviation growth, but committed to considering further measures if emissions targets are not met.
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30
Conclusion
Third Report - Net zero and the UK avia…
Deferred
While the Jet Zero Strategy contains measures to influence consumers towards more sustainable choices, and includes carbon pricing measures which will have an indirect effect on demand, it does not include any policy instruments designed to discourage flying in favour of other modes of travel or of communication. Ministers appear …
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While the Jet Zero Strategy contains measures to influence consumers towards more sustainable choices, and includes carbon pricing measures which will have an indirect effect on demand, it does not include any policy instruments designed to discourage flying in favour of other modes of travel or of communication. Ministers appear confident that the package of measures in the Strategy can achieve the reductions in emissions required from UK aviation, with the residual emissions accounted for by negative emissions technologies.
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Government response AI summary
The government notes the recommendation, reiterating its Jet Zero Strategy focus on new fuels and technology, and states it will only consider further measures if the sector is not meeting its emissions reductions trajectory.
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32
Conclusion
Third Report - Net zero and the UK avia…
Deferred
We recognise that the Government’s decision, while consistent with a policy of promoting the UK aviation industry, carries a degree of risk. In order to deliver the emissions reductions foreseen, the high ambition scenario in the Jet Zero Strategy needs to be followed through with vigour and conviction and needs …
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We recognise that the Government’s decision, while consistent with a policy of promoting the UK aviation industry, carries a degree of risk. In order to deliver the emissions reductions foreseen, the high ambition scenario in the Jet Zero Strategy needs to be followed through with vigour and conviction and needs to be given the appropriate priority for delivery. Failure to follow through on the ambitions expressed will result in the UK falling behind in its delivery of emissions reductions, Net zero and the UK aviation sector 55 leaving other sectors to pick up the slack. Even if the Government maintains its high ambition, there is a risk that the aviation sector will not fulfil the confident predictions it has made for emissions reductions.
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Government response AI summary
The government notes the recommendation, reiterating its Jet Zero Strategy focus on new fuels and technology, and states that it will only consider further measures if the sector is not meeting its emissions reductions trajectory.
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37
Recommendation
Third Report - Net zero and the UK avia…
Deferred
Should the evidence of the review indicate that technological measures alone will not deliver the emissions reductions predicted, we recommend that Ministers reconsider the role of demand management measures in aviation emissions policy. In preparation for the outcome of that review, we recommend that the Government develop policy proposals on …
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Should the evidence of the review indicate that technological measures alone will not deliver the emissions reductions predicted, we recommend that Ministers reconsider the role of demand management measures in aviation emissions policy. In preparation for the outcome of that review, we recommend that the Government develop policy proposals on demand reduction, including consideration of greater use of digital technologies, reducing the cost of rail travel, and a frequent flyer levy, should these then be required. (Paragraph 203) 56 Net zero and the UK aviation sector
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Government response AI summary
The government notes the recommendation but reiterates its current strategy to achieve net zero without limiting aviation growth, stating it will only consider further measures if the sector is not meeting its emissions reductions trajectory.
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9
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Net zero and UK shippi…
Deferred
We welcome the Government’s initiative to establish UK SHORE as a dedicated unit to promote research into green maritime technology and the reduction of emissions from UK shipping. We are nevertheless concerned to note that no specific objectives or targets have been set for the unit, and are alarmed to …
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We welcome the Government’s initiative to establish UK SHORE as a dedicated unit to promote research into green maritime technology and the reduction of emissions from UK shipping. We are nevertheless concerned to note that no specific objectives or targets have been set for the unit, and are alarmed to learn that the Department for Transport is unable to guarantee the unit’s funding beyond the end of the current Spending Review period in March 2025. It is worrying to note the slippage in policy on clean maritime clusters and zero-emission fuels and the provision of shore power in ports. At this stage of the Government’s strategy to achieve net zero from UK shipping, Ministers must ensure that the sector has certainty about policy direction.
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Government response AI summary
The government partially accepts the recommendation, acknowledging the need for longer-term certainty in policy and R&D, but defers action by stating it will consider how to proceed as part of the next multi-year spending review.
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11
Conclusion
Seventh Report - Net zero and UK shippi…
Deferred
The provision of up to £206 million of matching funding for research into low- and zero-emission shipping is to be applauded, and no doubt represents a step change in Government investment in the field. It is, however, dwarfed by the sums of public money committed to research and development into …
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The provision of up to £206 million of matching funding for research into low- and zero-emission shipping is to be applauded, and no doubt represents a step change in Government investment in the field. It is, however, dwarfed by the sums of public money committed to research and development into aviation technologies, including low-carbon aviation, since 2013.
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Government response AI summary
The government partially accepts, recognizing the need for further R&D. It states it will consider how to take forward this recommendation as part of the next multi-year spending review, deferring specific commitments.
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12
Conclusion
Seventh Report - Net zero and UK shippi…
Deferred
The Government’s current refusal to guarantee funding for research and development into maritime decarbonisation beyond March 2025 is regrettable. We note that the Aviation Technology Institute has received a guarantee of funding to 2030, no doubt reflecting the importance to the economy, and to decarbonisation targets, of rapid progress in …
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The Government’s current refusal to guarantee funding for research and development into maritime decarbonisation beyond March 2025 is regrettable. We note that the Aviation Technology Institute has received a guarantee of funding to 2030, no doubt reflecting the importance to the economy, and to decarbonisation targets, of rapid progress in reducing emissions from domestic and international aviation. By failing to guarantee Government support for research and development into reducing domestic and international shipping emissions, Ministers risk stifling progress in this sector. Although decarbonisation of domestic and international shipping is less advanced than decarbonisation of aviation, it is just as challenging to undertake, and demands significant investment decisions from Government and industry in the short term if net zero goals are to be met. (Paragraph 134) Net zero and UK shipping 59
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Government response AI summary
The government partially accepts, acknowledging the need for further R&D and calls for long-term certainty. It states it will consider how to progress this recommendation as part of the next multi-year spending review.
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17
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Net zero and UK shippi…
Deferred
We recommend that Ministers consult on the introduction of a revenue support mechanism to incentivise the commercial production of zero-emission marine fuels in the UK. (Paragraph 139) Technical measures to decarbonise shipping: efficiency improvements
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We recommend that Ministers consult on the introduction of a revenue support mechanism to incentivise the commercial production of zero-emission marine fuels in the UK. (Paragraph 139) Technical measures to decarbonise shipping: efficiency improvements
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Government response AI summary
The government notes the recommendation, recognising the need for low-carbon fuels but stating more evidence is needed on how to incentivise UK production. They are committed to gathering further evidence on the potential production of these fuels.
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22
Conclusion
Seventh Report - Net zero and UK shippi…
Deferred
IMO standards for existing ship efficiency provide progressively more stringent measures to require the existing fleet to reduce its emissions. Current measures have been criticised for a lack of ambition. While the amendments to the MARPOL Convention currently being contemplated at the IMO may further ratchet up efficiency requirements, there …
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IMO standards for existing ship efficiency provide progressively more stringent measures to require the existing fleet to reduce its emissions. Current measures have been criticised for a lack of ambition. While the amendments to the MARPOL Convention currently being contemplated at the IMO may further ratchet up efficiency requirements, there are potential emissions benefits to be gained from a more stringent UK approach.
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Government response AI summary
The government notes the conclusion, recognising the need for improvements to IMO short-term measures and committing to push for changes through the ongoing IMO review process. However, it deems it premature to consult on a more stringent UK approach while the IMO review is underway.
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23
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Net zero and UK shippi…
Deferred
We recommend that Ministers consult on the emissions benefits to be achieved through regulating the maximum carbon intensity of vessels allowed to enter UK ports, with a view to permitting only those vessels rated ‘A’ to ‘C’ for carbon intensity under the current IMO Energy Efficiency Existing Ship index to …
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We recommend that Ministers consult on the emissions benefits to be achieved through regulating the maximum carbon intensity of vessels allowed to enter UK ports, with a view to permitting only those vessels rated ‘A’ to ‘C’ for carbon intensity under the current IMO Energy Efficiency Existing Ship index to enter.
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Government response AI summary
The government notes the recommendation but defers action, stating it would be premature to consult on regulating carbon intensity of vessels entering UK ports given the ongoing IMO review process. It will continue to support the IMO review and explore further domestic measures.
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