Chamber Responds to Government's Green Industrial Revolution

3 years ago

Following the announcement today of Boris Johnson’s 10 point plan to kickstart a Green Industrial Revolution Chris Fletcher, Director of Policy & Communications at Greater Manchester Chamber, said: “This is a welcome announcement by government and comes at a crucial time in light of the current economic crisis created by the impact of Covid 19.

“For some time the government and indeed opposition parties have identified the crucial importance of tackling climate change by introducing a proper green strategy that doesn’t just solve the immediate environmental problems but rewrites what a successful low-carbon economy looks like.

“Whilst there are some ambitious proposals contained within the strategy such as the banning of all new sales of petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030 it is vital that the government doesn’t try and do this on the cheap. These proposals will need serious investment at a scale never seen before. As an example at present in Greater Manchester we have a Clean Air Plan up for consultation and the scale of this will probably need more funding than the £150m currently on offer.

“Every opportunity must be taken to maximise job creation on the back of the strategy. With potentially record numbers of people looking for work on the back of the continued impact of Covid 19, a big, bold plan for a green industrial revolution should be the very way to create jobs for the future and put the UK ahead of the field in global expertise. It will need ambition to deliver this but the timing is absolutely right for this and it’s a welcome starting point for a future strategy.”

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About Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce is the largest Chamber of Commerce in the UK, providing business support to approximately 4,500 members who collectively employ 446,000 people, around one-third of Greater Manchester’s workforce. Recognised as a leader in its field, Greater Manchester Chamber’s reputation in government circles has grown locally and nationally. At the heart of the area of greatest economic intensity outside London and the South East, the Chamber is the primary body for business support, policy, representation and networking. The Chamber is an independent, not-for-profit private company and its aim is to support businesses and help create the best climate for the region to prosper. This is achieved by ensuring that those taking decisions on key issues such as transport, taxation and business regulation hear the voice of our members. The representation of our members’ views is central to the work of the policy team at the Chamber; these views are gathered in a range of ways including our local councils, policy committees, sector councils, the main Chamber council, focus groups, meetings with politicians and consultations. The Chamber also offers a range of networking forums across Greater Manchester, free as part of membership, plus a variety of other events and services designed to benefit specific sectors or individuals and help businesses to grow.

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