Select committee: Environmental Audit Committee
Conclusion 4
First Report - The financial sector and the UK's net zero transition
Published 29 Nov 2023
Paragraph 54
Environmental Audit Committee The financial sector and the UK’s net zero transition All items in this report Report on parliament.uk ↗ Inquiry on parliament.uk ↗
Conclusion (the committee's words)
We absolutely agree with the Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance that energy security and net zero are two sides of the same coin. However, we are concerned that many believe that the Government is sending mixed signals to the market which in turn affects investment decisions in the energy transition. While business decisions are ultimately for those businesses to make, the Government should not underestimate its own influence.
From: Environmental Audit Committee, First Report - The financial sector and the UK's net zero transition (HC 277), paragraph 54, 29 November 2023
Government response
The government responded to the whole report on 23 February 2024 (deadline 29 January 2024).
Summary written by Accountability Index from the government's response. It is not the government's own words.The government sets out its position on the financial sector and net zero, defending continued North Sea licensing, setting out plans for consultations on transition plans and voluntary carbon markets, and confirming a UK carbon border adjustment mechanism by 2027.
- On a date to end new North Sea licensing, it states it has "already considered fixing an end date" and "decided not to pursue this approach", citing a 2021 review and a climate compatibility checkpoint.
- On transition plans, it says its "upcoming consultation will consider the UK's approach to transition plans", including the role of the Transition Plan Taskforce's Disclosure Framework.
- On the green taxonomy, it will introduce a voluntary testing period "for at least two reporting years before considering the introduction of mandatory obligations".
- On voluntary carbon markets, it will consult on next steps and "intend[s] to publish the consultation in early 2024".