Tory environment group reacts to King's Speech

ISam Hall, Conservative Environment Network’s director, said: “Today’s King’s Speech included some positive announcements to support sustainable transport, with bills to modernise the railways and enable autonomous vehicles.

"It was also good to hear the King’s Speech once again reaffirm the government’s commitment to net zero and developing more renewable energy.

“Oil and gas is one of the most contentious parts of the government’s energy policy.

"Indeed, it is economically sensible to pursue a fair transition, rather than a cliff edge, away from homegrown fossil fuel production. But North Sea oil and gas reserves are now depleted and expensive to extract.

"A more practical way to improve energy security would be to commission new offshore wind farms in next year’s renewables auction and offer tax breaks to households to insulate their homes.”

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