Overall, the political parties in the UK seem to favour a combination of legislation and funding. We pick out the stuff CCL members can build on to push for a climate income (or carbon fee and dividend/CF&D).
Green Party of England and Wales
They have had carbon fee and dividend as part of their policy for a few years, and although the manifesto doesn’t specify CF&D, it mentions a climate income-type policy: ‘Draw directly on income from the Carbon Tax to help fund Universal Basic Income, therefore ensuring that the proceeds of the tax on carbon emissions help to meet the cost of enabling people to make the transition to a carbon free future.’
End fossil fuel subsidises? yes
Other items of interest, chiming with CCL values: ‘Tackle our toxic political culture, by exploring measures such as new codes of conduct to embed compassion and co-operation in all aspects of public life.’
Liberal Democrats
Although there is no mention of carbon pricing (except for an aviation tax) in the manifesto, the Green and also Welsh Liberal Democrats have campaigned for a carbon fee and dividend, Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran was the first to mention CF&D in parliament and the party is considering it at the spring conference.
‘…provide Just Transition funding for areas and communities negatively affected by the transition to net zero greenhouse gas emissions.’
End fossil fuel subsidises? yes
Other items of interest, chiming with CCL values: ‘Liberal Democrats have a plan to radically transform our political system so that it works for a modern democracy.’
Scottish National Party
No mention of carbon pricing, though they talk of ringfencing oil and gas receipts for a Net Zero Fund to pay for energy transition, and they mention alignment with EU environmental regulations which may include the EU ETS.
End fossil fuel subsidies? no mention
Key quotes: ‘SNP MPs will campaign at Westminster for the UK to adopt progressive, sustainable economic reform that reshapes the economy, tackling economic and environmental injustice at source.’
‘…support substantial reforms to the UK tax system to support greener choices, including a greener tax deal for heating and energy efficiency improvements in homes and businesses and new vehicle and tax incentives regime for transport…’
‘…move to a net-zero economy in a way that is fair for all.’
Conservative and Unionist Party
Aside from emphasising low taxation in the manifesto, earlier this year the Conservatives have stated their intention to remain in the EU ETS and then to set up a British version on leaving the EU. The Conservative government have stuck by former PM David Cameron’s pledge to freeze fuel duty.
End fossil fuel subsidies? no mention
‘For many families, energy costs are a major source of financial pressure. We will keep our existing energy cap and introduce new measures to lower bills.’
‘We will invest £500 million to help energy-intensive industries move to low-carbon techniques.’
Key quotes: ‘…we believe that free markets, innovation and prosperity can protect the planet.’
‘Reaching Net Zero by 2050 with investment in clean energy solutions and green infrastructure to reduce carbon emissions and pollution.’
Other items of interest, chiming with CCL values: ‘In our first year we will set up a Constitution, Democracy & Rights Commission that will examine these issues in depth, and come up with proposals to restore trust in our institutions and in how our democracy operates.’
Labour Party
No specific mention of carbon pricing, but say, ‘We will make sure that the costs of the green transition fall fairly and are mostly borne by the wealthy and those most responsible for the problem.’
End fossil fuel subsidises? yes
‘£250 billion in loans for decarbonising business.’
Key quote: ‘We will examine fiscal and regulatory options to ensure a response to the climate crisis in a way that is fair to consumers and protects the economy.’
Plaid Cymru
No carbon pricing, but mention a ‘green social and economic infrastructure’.
Key quotes: ‘Develop a package of environmental and fiscal reforms to aid the transition to a greener economy.’
‘Future trade deals undertaken by the UK, whether inside or outside the EU, should maintain and enhance environmental standards, minimise the environmental footprint of trade and make trade terms explicitly subject to environmental and human rights commitments.’
Democratic Unionist Party
No mention of carbon pricing though they support a zero VAT rating of domestic electricity, gas and new electric vehicles, the abolishment of Domestic Air Passenger Duty and maintaining the freeze in fuel duty.
End fossil fuel subsidises? no mention, but the zero VAT rating on heating gas would be a greater subsidy
Key quote: ‘The transition and transformation this [net zero] involves must be a just one for poorer sections of the community and regions.’
The Brexit Party
No mention of carbon pricing, except to ‘cut VAT on fuel’ and ‘reduce import tariffs’.
End fossil fuel subsidies? no mention, though cutting VAT on fuel would be a greater subsidy.
Key quote: ‘The impact of EU policies on energy prices costs us jobs and punishes the poorest in society’
Other items of interest, chiming with CCL values: ‘Reform the voting system to make it more representative.’