The UK government has legally committed to cutting the nation's greenhouse gas emissions by 87% by 2040, compared to 1990 levels, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband announced. The target, aligned with advice from the independent Climate Change Committee (CCC), aims to deliver cost-effective reductions on the path to net zero by 2050.
The commitment, known as the seventh carbon budget covering 2038-2042, will drive the rollout of heat pumps, electric cars, and renewables. The government claims this will lower energy bills and improve lifestyles, with the CCC estimating household savings of £1,400 a year by mid-century through the shift away from fossil fuels.
However, the announcement comes amid growing political division over climate action, with Reform UK and the Conservatives pledging to abandon net zero policies and support oil and gas drilling. Shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho accused the government of forcing through a target that would make the UK 'weaker, poorer' and raise energy bills.
Climate minister Katie White expressed surprise at Conservative opposition, noting the party had previously championed the Climate Change Act. She stressed the need for unity during a fossil fuel crisis, while business groups and environmental campaigners backed the target, citing its potential to boost investment and jobs.
The net zero economy already supports 1.1 million workers and contributed £105 billion in value in 2025, according to a CBI Economics report. Miliband emphasised that clean homegrown power is the only way to protect household and business finances, accusing opponents of ignoring climate breakdown's impact on future generations.
