Former Energy Minister Chris Skidmore MP will lead the rapid review of the government’s approach to delivering its net-zero target, after being commissioned by the Business and Energy Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg.

It comes a year after the government published its Net Zero Strategy, setting out an overarching approach to carbon neutrality. Since then, there have been major changes to the economic and political landscape: Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, historically high global energy prices and high inflation. These changes have placed huge pressures on British households and businesses and make it vital that the UK reaches net-zero in a way that avoids exporting industry and emissions overseas.

This new review aims to identify new ways to deliver the legally binding target by 2050 in a way that is pro-business and pro-growth. The review will examine:

• what the most pro-business, pro-growth and economically efficient path to reaching net zero is
• how to maximise the economic opportunities that the target presents as well as increase innovation, investment, exports and jobs
• what the economic costs and benefits are associated with new and emerging policies and technologies.

To do this, Mr Skidmore’s review will consider a range of evidence, consulting widely with consumers, investors, industrial leaders, and experts in various fields including energy, land use, and transport. He will report to the government with a set of recommendations by the end of this year to help turbocharge our transition to net-zero by identifying key economic opportunities.

He will also be holding a series of roundtables across the country, seeking as many views as possible to ensure that people not only reap the environmental benefits of tackling climate change, but the economic benefits too.

Chair of the Net Zero Review Chris Skidmore said: "The UK continues to lead the world on tackling climate change, having been the first G7 country to commit in law to net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.

"This review seeks to ‘double down’ on how we can ensure that our energy transition happens at the same time as maximising the economic opportunity for businesses and households across the country, providing huge opportunities for innovation, investment, exports, and jobs. I want to ensure that net-zero isn’t just viewed as the right thing to do for our environment, but becomes an essential driver of economic growth.

"I’m kicking off a three month review today to find the best ways of making this happen – speaking to as many people in as many sectors and regions as possible, to ensure the review generates fresh policy ideas that can ensure we deliver a ‘big bang’ moment for net-zero."

Secretary of State for Business and Energy, Jacob Rees Mogg, said: "The government remains committed to reaching our net-zero emissions targets, but with Russia weaponising energy across Europe we must make sure we do so in a way that increases energy security and does not place undue burdens on businesses or consumers.

"Chris Skidmore’s rapid review will help us identify how best to make that happen, while also ensuring all parts of the UK reap the economic benefits of tackling climate change that I have no doubt will be on offer."