UK Government Unveils Revitalised Net Zero Council with Broader Stakeholder Engagement
In a significant move to accelerate the nation’s journey toward net zero emissions, the UK Government has relaunched the Net Zero Council with a renewed mission-led approach. The revamped council aims to drive decarbonisation across all sectors, support thousands of jobs, and foster greater collaboration between government, industry, and civil society.
A New Mission-Led Approach
The council’s relaunch is part of a broader government strategy designed to harness diverse expertise and innovative solutions. By engaging a wide array of industry leaders, trade unions, local authorities, and representatives from civil society, the council seeks to provide expert advice on the UK’s net zero strategy. This initiative comes at a time when the government is actively rethinking its approach to environmental policy, ensuring that all voices contribute to a collective transition toward a greener economy.
Expanding Membership and Diverse Perspectives
Originally established under the previous government in 2023, the council was paused during the July 2024 general election. Its relaunch now reflects the Labour government’s commitment to inclusivity and sustainable economic growth. Key changes include:
- Broadened Representation: In addition to major corporations, the new council incorporates voices from the Trades Union Congress, Design Council, and local government bodies such as the Local Government Association.
- Industry Leaders Return and New Entrants: Prominent players like Siemens, Nestlé, and HSBC have resumed their roles, while new members from sectors such as finance (Aviva Investors) and public interest groups join the council.
- Enhanced Civil Society Input: By integrating representatives from charities, trade unions, and environmental organisations, the council ensures that strategies address both economic and societal challenges.
Strategic Priorities for 2025–2026
At its inaugural meeting on 5 February, council members set an ambitious agenda for the coming years. The key priorities include:
- Sector Roadmaps: Developing detailed transition plans for high-emitting industries to guide both businesses and investors.
- SME Support: Helping small and medium-sized enterprises decarbonise, ensuring they can benefit from the net zero transition.
- Public Engagement: Informing government approaches to engage the public in environmental initiatives and developing new tools to facilitate widespread participation.
- Coordinated Action: Addressing cross-economy challenges by coordinating efforts across sectors to maximise both economic and societal benefits.
A newly formed delivery group will oversee these workstreams, ensuring that progress is monitored and that the council’s objectives are met with collective and decisive action.
Leadership Driving Change
The council is co-chaired by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Shirine Khoury-Haq, CEO of the Co-operative Group. Their leadership underscores the council’s dual commitment to energy security and economic transformation. In a recent statement, Ed Miliband highlighted the economic potential of a clean energy future:
“Businesses and leaders across our country recognize that clean power and accelerating towards net zero represents the economic opportunity of the 21st century. It will protect bills, create jobs, and tackle the climate crisis. By working in partnership, we can drive the investment, innovation, and industrial transformation needed to make the UK a clean energy superpower.”
Shirine Khoury-Haq added:
“Working urgently for a faster, fairer transition to a greener, cleaner economy is an absolute imperative. For the sake of our planet and every community here in the UK and around the globe, it’s crucial we work together to unlock the significant opportunities the transition will bring for economic growth.”
A Vision for a Clean Energy Future
The council’s relaunch is a cornerstone of the Labour government’s “Plan for Change,” which focuses on creating new jobs and ensuring a fair transition towards a sustainable future. By integrating economic growth with environmental sustainability, the government aims to make energy affordable and secure while bolstering investment and job creation across the country. The council’s insights are expected to help shape strategies that not only mitigate climate change but also unlock substantial economic and societal benefits.
The full list of council members is anticipated to be released soon, promising an even more diverse and dynamic group of leaders dedicated to driving the UK toward a net zero future.
This comprehensive restructuring of the council signifies the government’s commitment to a collaborative, mission-driven approach, positioning the UK as a future clean energy superpower while balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.