The UK’s first citizens’ climate assembly @NetZeroUK, made up of over 100 individuals who are representative of the British public as a whole, issues its final report today about how to achieve #NetZero emissions. A few initial thoughts on their conclusions:

Stepping back from the individual recommendations made, the level of consensus among those who participated that we must go further and faster in cutting emissions and that decarbonisation should be prioritised in any forthcoming coronavirus stimulus package is striking.

Ministers should heed the principles that the assembly felt must underpin the journey to net zero: clear and consistent leadership from government, putting fairness at the heart of the transition, and informing and educating the public about the inherent trade-offs involved.

It's also worth noting the importance the assembly accorded to giving local communities the freedom to determine the solutions that work best for them within the context of national plans.

Too many recommendations to cover in detail but worth noting the level of support for solar and wind (onshore and offshore), a rapid shift away from petrol and diesel cars and far greater investment in public transport.

The report should convince Ministers not only that, cognisant of all the challenges involved, the public will back bold climate action but also that ongoing public engagement is necessary to build that political and public consent for change.

Looking forward to hearing @darrenpjones' statement on the report in the Commons chamber later today.

Full report can be found here https://www.climateassembly.uk/report/read/