Thank you for contacting me about the Government’s developing climate plan. I agree with you on the importance of this issue and climate change is among the greatest challenges of our time. This crisis is not just a future threat to our country, but a present danger that already affects our way of life. For example, heavy rainfall made last year’s harvest the second worst in at least four decades, costing farmers hundreds of millions of pounds; over six million properties in England are at risk of flooding; and there were more than 10,000 excess deaths during English heatwaves between 2020 and 2024.

At the same time, while we can see the evidence of the climate crisis all around us, we still have time to limit its worst effects. Taking climate action here at home and leading by example helps galvanise action globally. It also has the potential to improve lives for people through greater energy security, lower bills, cleaner air, good jobs, better health and wellbeing, and improved access to nature. That is why I am committed to taking the urgent action we need on climate change.

As you highlight, the previous administration left us well off course towards meeting our climate targets. We therefore need a plan that will get us back on track and I welcome the progress the new Government has made on this so far, including as part of the mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower. This includes giving consent for clean energy to power millions of homes, overseeing a record-breaking renewables auction and lifting the ban on onshore wind in England. It also includes action towards making homes more energy efficient, planting millions of trees and taking steps to improve the resilience of communities to adapt to climate change.

This progress is only the beginning and we look forward to a new climate plan this autumn, I will continue to monitor developments and support action that delivers not only for the climate but also for our economy, jobs, energy security and living standards.

Thank you once again for contacting me about this crucial issue.

Best wishes

Rt Hon Hilary Benn
MP for Leeds South
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland