Gregory Barker M.P.

Date:

February 5, 2009

The UK's Conservative Party recently published their Low Carbon Economy plan, a green paper detailing how a Tory-led government would drive Britain's low carbon future.

The proposal asserts that the low carbon economy is central to Britain's future prosperity and security. This shows that an important shift that has taken place in the UK climate policy debate. With both major parties now championing the low carbon economy, the question is not 'whether' government will play a role, but 'how'.

The Climate Group spoke with Gregory Barker, Conservative Member of Parliament and Shadow Minister for the Environment, to learn more about this vision.

How will the Conservative 'Low Carbon Economy' plan help to rebuild the UK economy?

The measures proposed will drive a revolution in affordable energy and vast increases in the efficiencies of our economy.Our Low Carbon Economy paper proposes a wide range of measures across energy, transport and the built environment to address the UK's carbon emissions. Moreover, it offers the UK a blueprint for an energy secure economy in the 21st century.

The measures proposed - like major infrastructure investment to allow a greater degree of decentralisation, a massive step change in energy efficiency, real progress in marine renewables and feed-in tariffs for micro-generation - will drive a revolution in affordable energy and vast increases in the efficiencies of our economy.

This, in turn, will drive a virtuous cycle of investment, growth and job creation that will help rebuild our economy.

The plan aims for 80% emissions reductions by 2050. If implemented, what changes would we see in the shorter term?

In the short term we would see a rapid increase in household energy efficiencies and a fall in energy bills as we roll out our retrofitting programme, which entitles all households to up to £6,500 of efficiency improvements. Feed-in tariffs and incentives for low carbon heat generation will result in greater decentralisation of the energy network, providing for energy security and additional cost savings.

District combined heat and power (CHP) should also blossom under these provisions, along with our proposals to allow local councils to make strategic investments in heat networks.

The development of CCS in Britain is a key part of the plan. Which is more of a priority, renewable or CCS technology?

If we are to stand a chance globally in reducing emissions and avoiding the worst effects of climate change, we must develop both. But we want Britain to be a We want Britain to be a world leader in CCS technologies. world leader in CCS technologies. Not only will CCS help drive our own economy onto a more sustainable footing, it will also help the developing world (who are heavily reliant on fossil fuels for historic, economic and geographical reasons), to reduce their emissions and achieve clean growth.

Our CCS policy will put the UK at the forefront of these technologies. Our sequestration assets in the North Sea make us ideal to lead on these projects; the long-term benefits to the UK economy make taking the first-mover advantage a no-brainer.

At the same time, for our own diversity and security of supply we must drive renewables with the same ambition.

What will it take to get the "smart grid" in place? How long will it take to achieve?

We will need rolling programmes of retrofitting and investment, through distributors and the National Grid company, with whom we will be working closely. In theory the grid can just keep getting smarter - but we would want to start reaping the benefits in energy bill and energy use terms within a few years of the programme's inception.

Come the general election, do you think voters will consider climate change a top 5 issue?

Man-made climate change is the greatest threat facing our planet. Its effects have a profound impact on our economy and quality of life, even in the short term. I would hope that any voter would consider proposals to tackle these issues at the very heart of their decision-making come the next election.

But the whole point of our Low Carbon plan is that fighting climate change can't be put in a little box on its own. It has to improve our whole approach to politics. So even if some voters don't consider climate change itself a priority issue, going green is to a great extent about tackling fuel poverty, increasing our energy security, creating new jobs and creating a globally competitive, robust economy. In these respects, the move to a low carbon future should absolutely be a top 5 issue.

What opportunities exist for UK business in the 'Low Carbon Economy'?

With an entrepreneurial economy, world-beating technological research and the best natural assets for many new renewable technologies in Europe, the UK is THE place to pioneer a low carbon economy.

The opportunities for UK businesses in this transformation are huge, as is the potential future value of the green technology market worldwide.

We should be taking urgent action to make sure that Britain take a leading role and that British business reaps the rewards, not dithering and waiting on the sidelines.

What role would a Conservative-led UK play in international climate negotiations? Will the 'Low Carbon Economy' plan still achieve impact if we fail to achieve a strong multilateral commitment at Copenhagen?

The Low Carbon Economy will improve energy security, reduce energy bills and create jobs and wealth in the UK, regardless of our international obligations on carbon emission reduction.

America is finally prepared to get fully involved in the international climate change agenda, as we have seen from the commitments voiced by President Obama, so hopes are high that real progress will soon be made toward solving this problem.

Whilst we will press hard for wide ranging involvement and challenging targets to be set at Copenhagen, regardless of its outcome, we will push ahead with our plans to make the UK both greener and safer.