The UK government has enshrined a legal target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 87% by 2040 compared to 1990 levels, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband announced. The commitment, aligned with advice from the independent Climate Change Committee (CCC), aims to accelerate the rollout of heat pumps, electric vehicles, and renewable energy, which the government says will lower bills and improve lifestyles.
The target, known as the seventh carbon budget covering 2038–2042, is a stepping stone to net-zero emissions by 2050. Miliband emphasised that clean homegrown power is the only way to protect household and business finances amid rising fossil fuel costs, while criticising opponents for ignoring climate breakdown. The CCC estimates households could save £1,400 a year by mid-century through the shift away from fossil fuels.
The announcement comes amid growing political division on 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 and poorer, while climate minister Katie White expressed bafflement at the Conservative U-turn, given their previous support for the Climate Change Act.
Industry and environmental groups welcomed the target, noting that the UK's net-zero economy already supports 1.1 million jobs and contributed £105 billion in 2025, according to CBI Economics. Recent figures show record monthly solar panel installations and electric vehicle sales. However, calls emerged for consistent policy signals to sustain investment. A delivery plan will be published after parliamentary approval.
