Johnson, White and Creagh on Britain’s net-zero future

Boris Johnson joins climate ministers at London summit

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson appeared alongside Climate Minister Katie White and Nature Minister Mary Creagh at London Climate Action Week 2026 in June. The event brought together political figures from different administrations to discuss the UK’s path to net zero. Johnson served as Prime Minister from 2019 to 2022. Katie White took up her climate portfolio in September 2025. Mary Creagh leads the government’s work on halting biodiversity decline by 2030.

The discussion highlighted how net-zero policy has evolved from legislative ambition to practical delivery. Parliament set the 2050 target into law in 2019 under Theresa May’s government. Since then, subsequent administrations have added detail through carbon budgets, sector-specific deadlines, and green finance mechanisms. Keir Starmer’s government, in office since July 2024, now faces the task of translating these commitments into operational reality.

For UK businesses, this gathering signals a political consensus that transcends party lines. Companies planning long-term investments need to understand that net-zero policy enjoys broad support. However, the specifics of implementation continue to shift as ministers balance energy security, industrial strategy, and fiscal constraints. Consequently, businesses should monitor both the direction of travel and the detail of upcoming regulations.

Katie White’s climate brief and carbon budget responsibilities

Katie White became Minister for Climate on 7 September 2025. Her portfolio covers international climate policy, carbon budgets, net-zero strategy, and green finance. This ministerial role sits within the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, established to consolidate climate and energy functions previously scattered across government.

Carbon budgets set legally binding limits on UK emissions over five-year periods. These budgets act as stepping stones toward the 2050 net-zero target. The government must demonstrate how policies will meet each budget. Moreover, if projections show a shortfall, ministers must introduce additional measures. This creates a predictable policy framework but also introduces compliance obligations that ripple through supply chains.

White’s focus on green finance reflects the Treasury’s recognition that public spending alone cannot fund the transition. The UK launched a £16 billion sovereign green bond programme to channel private capital into low-carbon infrastructure. Additionally, regulations now require high-emitting firms to publish net-zero transition plans from 2023 onwards. These disclosure rules affect medium-sized companies in energy-intensive sectors, not just FTSE-listed corporations.

For businesses tendering for public contracts, carbon budgets matter directly. Procurement Notice 06/21 requires suppliers bidding for central government contracts above £5 million to publish carbon reduction plans. Furthermore, many public bodies now include net-zero commitments in tender evaluation criteria. Understanding how your emissions align with national carbon budgets strengthens your competitive position in this market.

Mary Creagh’s biodiversity target and nature-based solutions

Mary Creagh serves as Nature Minister with a mandate to halt biodiversity decline by 2030. This target aligns with the UN goal to protect 30 per cent of land and water for nature. The UK’s approach recognises that climate stability depends on healthy ecosystems. Forests, peatlands, and wetlands store carbon while supporting wildlife. Degraded habitats release stored carbon and reduce natural resilience to climate impacts.

The government’s biodiversity strategy affects businesses through planning regulations, environmental net gain requirements, and supply chain due diligence. Since February 2024, most planning applications in England must deliver at least 10 per cent biodiversity net gain. Developers must demonstrate how projects will improve natural habitats, either on-site or through offset schemes. This requirement adds complexity and cost to property development and infrastructure projects.

Agricultural businesses face particular scrutiny. New subsidy schemes under the Environmental Land Management programme pay farmers to restore habitats, improve soil health, and manage land for carbon sequestration. Traditional area-based payments are being phased out. Therefore, farm businesses need to assess whether environmental management income can replace lost direct payments. This transition creates opportunities for some but challenges for others.

Manufacturing and retail companies encounter biodiversity considerations through supply chain expectations. If your business sources commodities linked to deforestation or habitat destruction, you may face reputational risks and regulatory pressure. The Environment Act 2021 gives ministers powers to restrict imports of products associated with illegal deforestation. Consequently, procurement teams should verify the environmental credentials of international suppliers, particularly for palm oil, soy, timber, and cocoa.

Boris Johnson’s legacy on offshore wind and fossil fuels

Boris Johnson’s government set ambitious renewable energy targets while simultaneously supporting oil and gas extraction. This dual approach characterised UK energy policy between 2019 and 2022. Johnson championed offshore wind expansion, aiming for 40 gigawatts of capacity by 2030. His administration also announced plans to build new nuclear power stations to provide baseload electricity.

At the same time, Johnson’s government issued new licences for North Sea oil and gas exploration. Ministers argued that domestic fossil fuel production would enhance energy security and support jobs in Scotland and northeast England. However, critics pointed out that expanding extraction contradicts climate leadership. The debate continues under the current government, which faces pressure from both industry groups and environmental campaigners.

For energy-intensive manufacturers, this policy tension creates uncertainty. Gas remains the largest single fuel in UK electricity generation, though its share is declining. The government mandates that all gas-fired power stations must close or adopt carbon capture technology by 2035. This deadline affects long-term contracts and investment decisions. Businesses relying on gas for industrial processes should therefore explore electrification options or prepare for carbon pricing increases.

The transport sector faces clearer direction. The UK will ban sales of new petrol, diesel, and hybrid cars by 2035, accelerated from a previous 2040 target. This policy affects automotive manufacturers, fleet operators, and businesses with company car schemes. Electric vehicle infrastructure remains uneven across the UK, particularly in rural areas. Consequently, businesses planning fleet transitions need to assess charging availability and total cost of ownership over vehicle lifespans.

London’s 2025 carbon reduction target and local action

London set a goal to cut carbon emissions by 60 per cent by 2025, compared to 1990 levels. This target, embedded in the London Plan, exceeds national ambition. The capital’s approach combines planning policy, transport investment, and building standards. However, recent data suggests the target will be missed, highlighting the gap between political ambition and delivery.

The London Plan requires major developments to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. Developers must prioritise energy efficiency, on-site renewable generation, and connection to district heating networks. Where on-site measures fall short, developers pay into a carbon offset fund. This model influences development viability and project timelines. Businesses investing in London property should budget for these requirements early in feasibility assessments.

Transport for London has accelerated bus electrification and expanded the Ultra Low Emission Zone. These measures reduce air pollution but also increase operating costs for haulage and logistics firms. Businesses running older diesel vehicles in London face daily charges unless they upgrade fleets. Moreover, additional restrictions may be introduced if air quality targets are not met. Therefore, transport-dependent businesses should factor compliance costs into financial planning.

District heating networks represent a key element of London’s decarbonisation strategy. These systems distribute heat from central sources to multiple buildings, offering efficiency gains over individual boilers. The government supports expansion through grants and planning policies. Businesses located in areas served by heat networks may face requirements to connect, affecting capital expenditure and ongoing energy procurement arrangements.

Essential information for UK businesses

• Katie White became Climate Minister on 7 September 2025, overseeing carbon budgets, net-zero strategy, and green finance implementation across government departments.
• Mary Creagh leads biodiversity policy with a target to halt nature decline by 2030, introducing environmental net gain requirements that affect planning applications and land use.
• The UK must close all coal plants by 2024 and phase out unabated gas-fired power stations by 2035, creating deadlines that affect energy-intensive industries and long-term contracts.
• Procurement Notice 06/21 requires carbon reduction plans from suppliers bidding for central government contracts above £5 million, extending net-zero obligations into supply chains.
• New petrol, diesel, and hybrid car sales will be banned from 2035, requiring businesses with vehicle fleets to plan electrification strategies and charging infrastructure investments.
• The Environment Act 2021 grants ministers powers to restrict imports linked to illegal deforestation, affecting businesses sourcing commodities from high-risk regions and supply chains.

What this political alignment means for business planning

The presence of politicians from different administrations at London Climate Action Week 2026 demonstrates policy continuity. Businesses can reasonably assume that core net-zero commitments will survive changes of government. This stability supports long-term investment decisions in low-carbon technology, renewable energy, and sustainable supply chains. However, the pace and method of implementation will continue to vary depending on political priorities and economic conditions.

Carbon pricing remains a central tool for driving emissions reductions. The UK Emissions Trading Scheme applies to power generators, energy-intensive industries, and aviation. Prices fluctuate based on market conditions but the overall trajectory points upward as the cap on total emissions tightens. Businesses covered by the scheme should integrate carbon costs into product pricing and operational budgets. Even companies outside the scheme may face indirect costs through electricity prices and supplier charges.

Supply chain transparency has become a competitive factor. Large corporations increasingly require emissions data from suppliers to compile Scope 3 inventories. If you supply major retailers, manufacturers, or public sector bodies, you may receive requests for carbon footprint information. Establishing measurement systems now, even basic ones, positions your business to respond to these requirements. Furthermore, demonstrating carbon management capability can differentiate your tender submissions and customer proposals.

Skills and training needs will intensify as industries decarbonise. Heat pump installation, energy efficiency assessment, and renewable energy maintenance require specific competencies. Labour shortages in these areas already constrain delivery of government programmes. Businesses that invest in workforce development may gain competitive advantages. Additionally, understanding net-zero regulations and carbon accounting creates value in client relationships and procurement discussions.

Regional variation in policy implementation affects location decisions. Scotland and Wales pursue separate climate strategies with different timelines and support mechanisms. English regions vary in their approach to planning, transport, and business support for decarbonisation. Therefore, businesses operating across the UK need to track multiple policy frameworks. This complexity particularly affects property developers, energy companies, and businesses with distributed operations.

Policy resources and official guidance for businesses

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero publishes detailed guidance on carbon budgets, emissions reporting, and sector-specific regulations. Their website at gov.uk includes consultations, policy updates, and implementation timelines. Businesses should monitor this source for regulatory changes affecting their operations.

The Environment Agency provides practical guidance on environmental permits, emissions monitoring, and compliance obligations. Their regulatory pages cover specific requirements for industrial processes, waste management, and water use. Understanding these rules helps businesses avoid enforcement action and identify efficiency improvements.

For companies navigating Procurement Notice 06/21 and public sector contracts, the SBS net-zero program offers carbon reporting compliance support. We help businesses measure emissions, produce reduction plans, and meet tender requirements. Our approach focuses on practical steps that align with your commercial reality rather than generic sustainability strategies.

The British Standards Institution publishes standards for environmental management, carbon verification, and sustainability reporting. PAS 2060 provides a specification for demonstrating carbon neutrality. ISO 14064 covers greenhouse gas accounting and verification. These frameworks give businesses credible methodologies for measuring and communicating environmental performance. They also provide assurance to clients and regulators that your data meets recognised standards.

Trade associations in your sector may offer specific guidance on decarbonisation pathways. Manufacturing groups, logistics federations, and construction bodies often develop practical resources tailored to their industries. These sector-specific materials address technical challenges and operational realities that generic government guidance may overlook. Therefore, engaging with your trade body can provide valuable peer learning and collective advocacy opportunities.