Net Zero: Civil Society and Faith-based Organisations

Debate between Lord Whitehead and Lord Bird

Thursday 8th January 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Whitehead (Lab)]

The question of how local communities, particularly those which have previously been involved in the high-carbon economy, can ensure that they are not left behind in the low-carbon economy is very important to us. The question of a just transition to net zero is also very important. My noble friend mentioned Sheffield Forgemasters, which is crucial to the local communities and the areas of Sheffield in which it resides. Ensuring that the content of future low-carbon energy projects is as high as possible within the UK, and preferably comes to those local industries, is an important part of that just transition.

[Lord Bird (CB)]

Does the Minister agree that getting rid of poverty would be one of the greatest ways of achieving net zero?

[Lord Whitehead (Lab)]

I completely agree with the noble Lord that getting to net zero is an ethical and—shall we say?—spiritual concept that involves justice in the process. Justice involves getting rid of poverty, among other things. But I remind the noble Lord that low-carbon activity—for example, cutting substantial money from people’s energy bills as a part of that process—is a substantial way of cutting poverty on the road to net zero.