Prime Minister Andy Burnham's government is reportedly prioritising job creation and the rebuilding of social fabric when green policies clash with these objectives. This approach is emerging amidst a summer of wildfires and drought warnings across the UK.
The government is consulting on potentially easing net zero targets for carmakers. There is also consideration of new drilling for oil and gas in the North Sea. This comes as the Prime Minister has been observed to be slower in publicly responding to warnings against further fossil fuel extraction, despite visiting areas affected by wildfires.
Burnham and his deputy, Louise Haigh, are described as instinctively protective of jobs, particularly in industries like oil and gas and car manufacturing. Carmakers have reportedly warned that Britain's zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate could lead to factory closures if targets are not met.