Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy, what assessment his Department has made of the potential effect of pursuing the target of net zero emissions by 2050 on historically economically marginalised communities; and what steps his Department has taken to ensure that policies to achieve the net zero target account for the needs of (a) workers in carbon-intensive industries and (b) historically economically marginalised communities.

The transition to a clean, low carbon economy can help give us towns and cities with cleaner air and warmer homes with lower bills, while growing our economy and supporting new jobs in growing low carbon industries – already there are almost 400,000 jobs in low carbon business and their supply chains. By one estimate this could grow to 2 million jobs in 2030.

But as our economy changes we must make sure that this growth is inclusive, benefits people right across the UK, supporting workers as industries change and ensuring the costs as well as the benefits are shared fairly, protecting consumers, workers and businesses. The Offshore Wind Sector Deal sets out that offshore wind could support 27,000 jobs across the UK by 2030. With the industry committed to sourcing 60% total lifetime UK content and increasing UK content in the capital expenditure phase, there will also be a need for highly skilled workers in manufacturing areas throughout the supply chain. The sector will also bolster regional clusters by working with local, regional, and devolved government and economic development agencies.

That is why we have announced that HM Treasury will be conducting a review into the costs of decarbonisation, including how to achieve this transition in a way that works for households, businesses and public finances, and the implications for UK competitiveness.