Labour announce U-turn on environmental investment pledge

By Laurie Finlayson, Sasha Main and Ryan Mullen

The Labour leader has backtracked on previous environmental promises (Image: Getty Images)

Labour have announced a U-turn on investment into future renewable energy projects. 

First announced in 2021, Labour’s pledge to spend £28 billion a year on green energy projects was set to help fight the cost-of-living crisis by providing clean homegrown energy. Less than four years later, the pledge has been scrapped.  

In the period from February 2023 to January 2024, global warming has exceeded 1.5°C across a full year. Already the UK has seen increased flooding risks, unprecedented heatwaves and droughts, which calls into question why Labour is pulling back on their plan to invest in climate action. 

The decision has seen Labour fall under criticism from the opposition and environmental groups.  

Global warming has increased again, causing concern among environmental groups

Friends of the Earth took to X on 8 February to warn that cutting the investment plan would “cost the country dearly”. 

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said: “It seems like Labour’s only economic plan is to copy the Conservatives. But if their policies flip-flop like this in opposition, what sort of chaos would the British people have to endure if they got into power?” 

Euan Moore, from Glasgow, said: “I think it goes against everything that Labour stands for since Labour are supposed to be for the working class. They’re just turning on their words.” 

Yannick Kumbele, from Glasgow, said: “If they aren’t using this money for this then we don’t know what they are using it for.” 

Sir Kier Starmer made an official announcement on 8 February, saying that he had “no choice” but to ditch the proposal.