Rachel Reeves' net zero strategy must be reworked to put the north of England firmly at its forefront, with experts warning that neglecting the region could widen existing disparities and leave areas like Sunderland behind.
Analysis by the Northern Powerhouse Partnership reveals that clean energy generates a significantly higher proportion of economic output in the north compared to the rest of Britain. In some areas, net zero accounts for as much as 6-7% of gross value added (GVA), a measure of how much value companies add through their goods and services.
However, despite this, Labour leaders are sounding the alarm that Reform UK's pledge to dismantle "net stupid zero" policies could prove disastrous for jobs in the oil and gas sector. Michael Mordey, the Labour leader of Sunderland city council, has warned that a Trump-like climate change denial agenda would harm the economy if his party is elected.
Experts say that prioritising net zero jobs in the north would not only support reindustrialisation and raise productivity but also anchor long-term investment in regions struggling to recover from heavy industry decline. However, if this funding is instead channelled elsewhere, it could "reinforce current disparities" between different parts of the country.
Last week's commitment to Northern Powerhouse Rail has been welcomed by northern leaders, but many are urging the Treasury to commit to clean energy in the north as soon as possible. This would provide an economic boost that could begin sooner rather than later.
With the UK's clean energy workforce expected to more than double by 2030, it is imperative that Rachel Reeves' strategy puts the north firmly at its forefront. Failure to do so risks leaving areas like Sunderland behind, with devastating consequences for local communities and the wider economy.
Analysis by the Northern Powerhouse Partnership reveals that clean energy generates a significantly higher proportion of economic output in the north compared to the rest of Britain. In some areas, net zero accounts for as much as 6-7% of gross value added (GVA), a measure of how much value companies add through their goods and services.
However, despite this, Labour leaders are sounding the alarm that Reform UK's pledge to dismantle "net stupid zero" policies could prove disastrous for jobs in the oil and gas sector. Michael Mordey, the Labour leader of Sunderland city council, has warned that a Trump-like climate change denial agenda would harm the economy if his party is elected.
Experts say that prioritising net zero jobs in the north would not only support reindustrialisation and raise productivity but also anchor long-term investment in regions struggling to recover from heavy industry decline. However, if this funding is instead channelled elsewhere, it could "reinforce current disparities" between different parts of the country.
Last week's commitment to Northern Powerhouse Rail has been welcomed by northern leaders, but many are urging the Treasury to commit to clean energy in the north as soon as possible. This would provide an economic boost that could begin sooner rather than later.
With the UK's clean energy workforce expected to more than double by 2030, it is imperative that Rachel Reeves' strategy puts the north firmly at its forefront. Failure to do so risks leaving areas like Sunderland behind, with devastating consequences for local communities and the wider economy.
Did you guys know that the North of England already leads in clean energy? 
It's like 6-7% of GVA is from net zero jobs there! 
But still, Reform UK wants to ditch "net stupid zero" policies... what's going on?! 
If Labour wins, Sunderland city council leader Michael Mordey warns about a Trump-like climate change agenda that'll harm the economy. 
Meanwhile, experts say prioritizing net zero jobs in the North can boost reindustrialization and raise productivity! 
It's like they're saying, "Hey, focus on clean energy to support regions that need it most!" 
But if funding goes elsewhere, it might just widen existing disparities... we can't let that happen, fam! 
UK's clean energy workforce is expected to more than double by 2030... that's some big growth potential! 
What do you guys think? Should Rachel Reeves' strategy prioritize the North?! 
. I mean, we gotta make a move on climate change, but can't we find a way to support the north at the same time? 
It's like, they're already struggling with the industrial decline and stuff, so if we don't put some effort into it, it'll just get worse 
. I've got friends in Sunderland and they're all about that clean energy vibe, but they need some love too 
. Rachel Reeves should defo rework her strategy to give the north a shoutout - we can't have areas like Sunderland being left behind 
.
. It's not just about the jobs, but also about reindustrialising and investing in areas that have been hit hard by heavy industry decline 
️. We can't let our economy suffer because we're too slow to adapt to a low-carbon future 
. The government needs to get its act together and make sure everyone has access to clean energy jobs, or it'll just widen the gap between different parts of the country 
.
and if labour doesn't support it, they'll be blamed for hurting jobs in oil & gas...not cool 
so i'm thinking we need to make a diagram of the north's economic output vs rest of britain... 
oil and gas jobs are important too, but so is supporting reindustrialisation and productivity in the north. 
But yeah, this whole thing is like, a big deal for Sunderland and other parts of the north. We gotta make sure Rachel Reeves' strategy prioritizes them, or else... 
i was thinking of trying them out this weekend but then i saw this adorable cat video on youtube and now i'm totally distracted 
anyway back to the topic at hand... i think it's kinda weird how everyone's so worried about jobs in the oil and gas sector. don't get me wrong, it's not all sunshine and rainbows or whatever 
. Sunderland needs investment in their energy sector, not just empty promises 
. It's time for us to get on board and make sure our strategy prioritizes the North 
. Come on, government, get your act together 
!
rachel reeves net zero strategy needs 2 be like REWORKED ASAP 
if they dont get their act together, its gonna be a disaster 
we need that northern powerhouse rail now 
and some serious investment in net zero jobs or else were gonna be stuck in the dark ages 
, I mean, come on! The northern powerhouses are already getting a raw deal 
, but if they're going to get left behind, at least give 'em a shout-out 
. It's not like they're asking for much – just some investment in clean energy jobs, maybe some reindustrialisation support... that's it 
. Is that too much to ask?