ISEP’s Asim Ali, Senior Public Affairs Officer, and Chloë Fiddy, Senior Policy and Engagement Lead for Climate Change and Energy look back over the conference season and where the parties might be going on sustainability.
Coming so hot on the heels of a general election, unsurprisingly there was little to no new policy debate at this year's political party conferences, and except for the Conservatives, most parties stuck to the agenda set out in their election manifestos.
So despite ISEP being an apolitical organisation, the greatest value from this year’s conference came from in-person political engagement, reading the room, experiencing where and from whom the energy was radiating from in this new political landscape.
Unsurprisingly the energy at each conference reflected the outcomes of the election. At Labour’s conference, the first since the party came to power, the very atmosphere was energised. The buzz in the air around those that move in sustainability circles was largely driven by Labour's quick and confident move to launch Great British Energy, and their ambitious plans for a national industrial strategy. These initiatives point to ambitions for a future rich in green growth, powered by renewable energy and backed by a commitment to addressing the skills gap necessary to support this transition.
A key theme running through the Labour conference was how climate action can serve as a unifying force, particularly at the intersection of social and racial justice with particular mention to West Midlands Net Zero Neighbourhood and the Greener City Fund in London. There was a clear emphasis on how tackling environmental challenges can also help address broader inequalities, strengthening communities across the UK. The message was clear: achieving our climate goals isn’t just about policy, but about creating a more inclusive and fair society for all.
At the Conservatives’ conference, the energy was more intermittent. Many of the sessions around climate focussed not on the what or how of net zero, but on the why and whether. There was a clear sense that the party has been rattled by the votes lost to Reform with its policy of ‘scrapping net zero’, leaving them wondering whether climate is a future vote winner or loser. That said, the leader of a Conservative-run county council did tell us he is confident his party will land in the right place. A lot will depend, of course, on the policies that the next party leader chooses to support.
ISEP spoke at a Royal Town Planning Institute roundtable focusing on the role of local planning in creating sustainable communities – with Chloe presenting the ISEP position on the proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (our consultation response here). There was a lot of agreement in the room on the barriers and opportunities and clear synergies in policy positions.
There was no missing the energy that filled the air at the historic Green Party Conference, the first since the party celebrated its best ever General Election outcome in securing four new MPs.
Energy filled the air at the historic Green Party Conference, the first since the party celebrated its best ever result in a General Election by securing four new MPs. They outlined the Green Party's commitment to working collaboratively with the Government on critical issues such as renewable energy and pollution in our seas and rivers.
The Liberal Democrats’ Conference was also buoyant after a very positive election result. They focussed on housing, planning and the nuanced topic of the best use of the UK’s relatively limited land for housing, businesses, food production and energy.
Both these parties made it absolutely clear that while they are ready to support positive steps, they will also hold the Government accountable on areas where progress is falling short. From a sustainability perspective, it is very encouraging to see such strength in the opposition.
Away from the seminars and speeches, we also had the opportunity to catch up with other like-minded organisations, such as Friends of the Earth and the National Trust, and discuss potential collaborative projects, in which our members can support one another in policy development and advocacy.
Looking ahead, we are keen to work closely with the new government and - with the guidance output from our membership - to support the sustainability agenda and help drive forward green economic growth. We are committed to collaborating on strategies that will accelerate progress toward these shared goals. At the same time, we will continue to advocate and lobby for bold action where needed, with promised support of at least two of the three main opposition parties, ensuring that policies are not only ambitious but also effective in addressing the climate and ecological crises.
Asim joined ISEP in May 2022 as a Senior Public Affairs Officer. Prior to joining ISEP, Asim worked in a variety of roles for three Members of Parliament and interned for the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. He also holds an MA in Human Rights, Globalisation & Justice
Chloë is the Senior Policy and Engagement Lead for Climate Change and Energy at ISEP. Within this remit she works on projects relating to greenhouse gas reporting and transition planning and reporting, as well as adaptation. She is particularly interested in finding practical solutions and approaches which lead to standardised, replicable and trustworthy reporting, so that decision-makers have better data to work with. Previously Chloë has worked at senior levels in the manufacturing and retail sectors, and in climate and sustainable development planning roles in the public sector. Her prior business experience and her understanding of the way that the public sector functions inform her approach to climate change and energy and social sustainability policy and engagement at ISEP. She is a Trustee on the board of Uttlesford Citizens Advice and a District Councillor and is active in her community. In her spare time she enjoys live music and cooking for family and friends.
