Ross Clark Ross Clark

Keir Starmer isn’t being honest about his COP carbon pledge

(Photo: Getty)

‘It’s not about telling people how to live their lives. I’m not interested in that’ said Keir Starmer of his new target for Britain to reduce its carbon emissions by 81 per cent on 1990 levels by 2035. Really? In that case perhaps he would like to tell us how he does intend to reach his target. If he thinks he can do it without mandating changes to our lifestyle he must have a cunning plan indeed.

His target is very much going to have to involve telling people what cars they are allowed to drive and how they are allowed to heat their homes

Let’s have a look at this 81 per cent target a bit more closely. According to government figures the UK has already reduced its territorial greenhouse gas emissions by 53 per cent compared with 1990 levels. Therefore, if he wants to reach an 81 per cent reduction by 2035 it will mean cutting emissions by 60 per cent on current levels – in just 11 years.

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in