COP26 Postponed: Right decision, but the UK mustn’t ignore its climate targets or leadership role, says IPPR

Plan for the post-Covid-19 crisis economic recovery must be for a low carbon ‘clean recovery’

The head of IPPR’s Environmental Justice Commission reacts to the announcement that COP26 will be postponed until 2021 due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Luke Murphy, Head of the Environmental Justice Commission at IPPR, said:

"The decision to postpone COP26 is the right one. Right now, governments around the world need to be focused on the crisis in front of them and acting in concert to defeat the coronavirus pandemic.

"But in time when the UK, like other countries, begins to plan for the economic recovery it must ensure it is a clean recovery. One that is built on low carbon infrastructure and that delivers an economy that is more resilient to future crises and is fairer for all.

"The UK government must also set more ambitious interim climate targets for 2030 and use its influence as COP host to encourage other nations to do the same."

ENDS

CONTACT

David Wastell, Head of News and Communications: d.wastell@ippr.org

Robin Harvey, Digital and Media Officer: r.harvey@ippr.org

Luke Murphy is available for print or broadcast interview via Skype

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. IPPR’s cross-party Environmental Justice Commission was established last year to help develop the ideas and policies to bring about a rapid green transition that is fair and just. It is chaired by Ed Miliband MP, Laura Sandys and Caroline Lucas MP. They are joined on the commission by leading figures from business, academia, civil society, trade unions, and youth and climate activism. Its interim report will be published next month. Find out more about the commission here: https://www.ippr.org/environment-and-justice
2. IPPR is the UK’s pre-eminent progressive think tank. With more than 40 staff in offices in London, Manchester, Newcastle and Edinburgh, IPPR is Britain’s only national think tank with a truly national presence. www.ippr.org