Government reshuffle: Successful COP26 and clean growth need to be at the forefront of the government’s priorities

Reacting to today’s government reshuffle, Signe Norberg, Public Affairs Manager of the Aldersgate Group, said: “With a rejuvenated ministerial team, it is crucial that the government turns its attention to the environmental, climate and clean growth agenda. With COP26 only nine months away, the UK can host the summit in a position of strength by putting forward a clear policy plan for delivering its net zero emissions target, progressing its Environment Bill and developing a trade policy that is consistent with its climate and environmental ambitions.

Signe Norberg added: “Having a minister in charge of COP26 will hopefully focus minds and enable rapid progress in organising the conference. UK climate diplomacy now needs to double down on the key issues that will be most contentious at the summit, including developing a viable mechanism to support countries that are already vulnerable to climate impacts and reaching an agreement on a rulebook for international co-operation and carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.”