UK Parliament has published the government’s response to the Environmental Audit Committee’s report on the Seventh Carbon Budget for 2038 to 2042. The response accepts the Climate Change Committee recommendation, endorsed by the committee, to cut emissions by 87 percent by 2042 compared with 1992 levels, and commits to stronger parliamentary scrutiny of the next Carbon Budget. This includes a half-day debate on the floor of the House of Commons and a pledge to publish a delivery plan for the Seventh Carbon Budget after Parliament has decided the level of the budget, taking Parliament’s views into account when preparing that plan. The response also reiterates that future Carbon Budgets will include the UK’s share of international aviation and shipping emissions. On cross-government delivery, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero says its coordinating role is backed at the center of government, with the prime minister and chancellor committed to ensuring departments work together to meet Carbon Budgets. It also says it recognizes the importance of lowering electricity costs and points to moving the Renewables Obligation to the Exchequer and canceling the Energy Company Obligation, but it does not address the committee’s recommendation to shift further electricity policy costs onto general taxation. On concerns that decarbonisation costs could fall disproportionately on poorer people, the response says delivery will rely on work with industry and initiatives including the relaunched Net Zero Council and the Energising Britain public participation plan. The Environmental Audit Committee said it will examine cross-government backing further through an upcoming inquiry into the Treasury’s contribution to climate goals. The government’s next formal step is to publish the Seventh Carbon Budget delivery plan once Parliament has decided the budget level.
UK Parliament2026-06-10
UK Parliament publishes government response backing Commons debate on Seventh Carbon Budget and 87 percent emissions cut by 2042
UK Parliament has published the government’s response to the Environmental Audit Committee’s Seventh Carbon Budget report, accepting an 87 percent emissions cut by 2042 against 1992 levels and agreeing to a half-day Commons debate on the next budget. The government also confirmed future Carbon Budgets will include the UK’s share of international aviation and shipping emissions. A delivery plan will follow after Parliament sets the budget level.