• ***Friends of the Earth spokespeople are available for interview or briefing throughout Labour Party Conference***

Following Rachel Reeves’ speech today in Liverpool setting out the Labour Party’s vision for the British economy if it wins the next general election, Mike Childs, head of policy at Friends of the Earth, said:

“By acknowledging just how significant a threat the climate crisis is to our future economy and prosperity, the Shadow Chancellor has opened up some clear, green water between her own party and the Conservatives after the Prime Minister’s recent backtracking.

“If the UK is to stay competitive in the global race for future investment, then the Labour Party must stand firm on its commitment to invest at least £28bn a year on greening and future-proofing industry, rolling out a national programme of insulation across the country, and getting public transport working again.

“Labour must promise that the Treasury under its leadership will be the greenest ever, and not a blocker to progress as it has been in the past. While essential, any reform to our planning legislation must be brought into alignment with our climate and nature goals and have proper community engagement at its heart.”