Climate always comes second: are green issues slipping down Burnham’s agenda?

Andy Burnham says he remains committed to climate targets, but Labour MPs are concerned that recent decisions put other priorities ahead of the green transition. With choices on the Rosebank oilfield and electric vehicle targets expected soon, they say the government risks weakening its climate record.

The government approved the Jackdaw gasfield and cut more than £3bn from the energy department’s budget to help increase defence spending. Cuts include £700m for hydrogen and carbon capture, and reductions to the £15bn Warm Homes Plan, including heat pump support. Experts warn the UK is already behind on home heating electrification and may miss its heat pump targets and emissions goals for the next carbon budget.