Inside the Relaunch of the UK Government's Net Zero Council
The UK’s Net Zero Council has been officially relaunched.
The Council, which was established under the previous government and had not sat since the 2024 general election, is set to return with an expanded remit, bringing together business leaders, local authorities and civil society groups to accelerate the clean energy transition.
The revival of the Council forms a key part of the Labour government’s Plan for Change and aims to align economic growth with net zero ambitions.
The Council is set to be co-chaired by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Co-operative Group CEO Shirine Khoury-Haq, who will reprise the role she fulfilled during the group’s previous iteration.
The Council now includes major corporations such as Siemens, HSBC and Nestlé, alongside new members including the Local Government Association and Aviva Investors.
With this broader representation, the government hopes to turn policy ambition into practical action, fostering investment, job creation and industrial transformation along the way.
“It’s crucial we work together to unlock the significant opportunities the transition will bring for economic growth,” Shirine says.
Aligning economic growth with decarbonisation
At its first meeting, the Council set out priorities for 2025/26, including shaping government strategies on net zero, supporting businesses in developing transition plans and helping small and medium-sized enterprises decarbonise.
A new Delivery Group has been formed to oversee workstreams and ensure effective collaboration between government and industry.
“Businesses and leaders across our country recognise that clean power and accelerating towards net zero represents the economic opportunity of the 21st century,” said Ed Miliband.
He added that the Council is focused on securing investment and innovation to establish the UK as a clean energy leader.
“Bringing together leaders from across business, finance and civil society, the Council will play a crucial role in accelerating net zero ambitions, driving economic growth and creating thousands of jobs,” explained Kerry McCarthy, UK Climate Minister.
Industry welcomes strengthened collaboration
The inclusion of business and civil society leaders in the Council signals a shift towards a more collaborative approach to achieving the UK’s climate goals.
The move has been welcomed by many in the corporate sector who see clear economic benefits in aligning with the government’s green agenda.
Bev Cornaby, Director of the UK Corporate Leaders Group, highlighted the role of policy clarity in enabling business investment.
“Businesses are ready to lead, invest, and innovate, but they need the right policy framework and long-term clarity to unlock the full potential of a clean, competitive economy,” she said.
Likewise, David Thomas , Chief Executive of Barratt Redrow, spoke to the importance of unity in achieving sustainability goals.
“The homebuilding industry is making good progress towards delivering net zero homes and places – but we must unite behind one plan and work together to build a sustainable future,” he explained.
The financial sector also sees plenty of opportunities in the transition.
Ian Simm, Founder and CEO of Impax Asset Management, said: “The Council has a vital role to play at a moment when pivotal decisions are being made that will decide the future shape of the UK economy.”
Why public-private partnerships are essential to success
Importantly, this iteration of the Council aims to go beyond corporate boardrooms, ensuring a diverse range of voices inform net zero policy.
This inclusive engagement strategy is seen as essential for building public support and ensuring a fair transition.
“Design has the power to cut across sectors, fuelling innovative thinking, embracing circular approaches and turning the challenges of climate change into opportunities for economic growth,” said Minnie Moll, CEO of the Design Council.
John Scanlon, CEO of SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK, is also a member of the new Council.
“A resource-efficient economy is a thriving economy and I'm looking forward to working in partnership with industry peers to advance the Government's mission to become a Clean Energy Superpower,” he said.
Long-term certainty needed for investment
While the relaunch has been widely welcomed, businesses are calling for clear and stable policies to provide long-term certainty for investment.
Ed Lockhart, Convenor of the Broadway Initiative, stressed the need for consistency: “UK businesses need certainty, including on the transition to a clean energy future, to invest, grow and ultimately improve living standards.”
The Net Zero Council’s relaunch marks a critical moment for the UK’s clean energy strategy.
With industry and government aligned, the challenge now is to turn collaborative ambition into tangible progress that benefits the economy and the environment alike.
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