William Hague warns Rishi Sunak over net zero ‘dithering’ as winter energy security fears grow

Writing in a foreword to a new collection of essays on energy security for the Conservative Environment Network, Lord Hague did not refer to the Prime Minister’s net zero agenda directly, but his comments will be interpreted as a thinly-veiled swipe at Mr Sunak’s announcement to delay the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.

He wrote: “Failing to act decisively would be a grave mistake. History will not reward dither or delay. Coal fuelled the industrial revolution, bringing about unprecedented advances for human prosperity.

“The subsequent exploitation of oil and gas expanded access to energy and generated further wealth, including here in the UK.

“But the world has changed, and our future prosperity depends on using alternative sources of energy.”

Lord Hague added: “Reducing emissions is no longer just about the environment but a route to economic growth, prosperity and resilience.

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