MPs and business urge government to accelerate net-zero plan

Current government commitments only cover less than half of the required emissions reduction to 2035

MPs and UK business groups have called on the government to introduce new policies to ensure that the nation hits its target of reducing emissions by 78pc below 1990 levels by 2035 and becoming net zero by 2050. The UK’s climate change committee—an independent body tasked with ensuring that the nation meets its decarbonisation targets—last week warned that current government commitments only cover less than half of the required emissions reductions to 2035. “With all eyes on the UK for Cop 26, it’s important the UK steps up and shows leadership— we can only inspire global action through domestic progress,” says Rain Newton-Smith, chief economist for the Confederation of British Industries (C