The Green Party has launched its 2024 election manifesto. The ICE looks at what its pledges would mean for infrastructure.
The Green Party (the Greens) has published its 2024 general election manifesto.
The manifesto emphasises the need for a green and sustainable approach to infrastructure development, including growth in renewable energy, investment in public transport, and better energy efficiency in buildings.
The party manifesto also makes proposals for the expansion of green spaces and the development of sustainable urban planning strategies.
Here we look at what the Greens’ manifesto could mean for infrastructure in the UK.
1. Infrastructure investment
The manifesto sets out a pledge to drive for a “green economic transformation” to include:
- A £40bn investment per year in the shift to a green economy over the course of the next Parliament.
- A £29bn investment over five years into insulating homes.
- A £9bn investment over the next five years for low-carbon heating systems (such as heat pumps) for homes and other buildings.
To raise some of this investment, the Green Party plans to introduce a new carbon tax on all businesses, starting at £120 a tonne and rising to £500 a tonne over 10 years.
The tax would initially align existing fossil fuel taxes, with the manifesto claiming it could raise up to £80bn a year.
The ICE has previously made the case for the importance in investing in infrastructure to support economic growth and improve public services.
2. Green energy
The party pledges to “push the government” to transition to a zero-carbon society more than a decade ahead of the current 2050 net zero target.
The key proposals in the manifesto, including commitments to a reliable and sustainable energy supply, feature:
- Investing in energy storage capacity and more efficient electricity distribution.
- Stopping all new fossil fuel projects and cancel those recently licensed.
- Providing around 70% of the UK’s electricity through wind power by 2030.
- Phasing out nuclear energy.
- Bringing the UK's water industry and the big five retail energy companies into public ownership.
The ICE has recommended that supporting infrastructure is required to help the public make the net –zero-friendly choices that are needed.
3. Transport infrastructure
Investment in low carbon transport is a major part of the Green Party manifesto.
The manifesto outlines several proposals for developing this pledge:
- Investing £19bn over five years to improve public transport, support electrification and create new cycleways and footpaths.
- Bringing forward the end of new petrol and diesel car sales to 2027 – eight years ahead of the current target.
- Giving local authorities more control over funding for improving bus services.
- Bringing the railways into public ownership.
The ICE has previously made a case for a national transport strategy which outlines a strategic approach to transport planning that ensures the efficient management of emissions.
ICE priorities for the next UK government
The ICE has recently outlined the priorities the next government should focus on, including reducing the UK’s carbon emissions, unlocking economic growth, adapting to climate change, and improving the lives of the public.
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