7 December 2020updated 16 Aug 2023 10:43am

Watch: NS webinar on keeping climate change at the top of the UK’s political agenda

Campaingers against a proposed third runway at Heathrow hold placards outside the Supreme Court in London on December 16, 2020 as police officers staff the entrance ahead of the verdict on a legal challenge to the proposed runway. - London Heathrow airport won Wednesday a Supreme Court challenge over a ruling made earlier this year to block a third runway at Europe's busiest hub on environmental grounds. Britain's highest court has overturned February's Court of Appeal ruling that the UK government had failed to take into account climate change commitments when it gave the green light for the third runway in 2018. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images)

The economic fallout from the corona virus pandemic has prompted much-needed discussion about “building back better” and the importance of green recovery. In December, the UK is holding a climate summit, ahead of COP26 in November 2021. But what is blocking political commitment to making urgent changes in the short-term, and how can we keep up momentum in tackling the climate crisis?

In November, the New Statesman‘s Spotlight and Energy Monitor held ‘Net Zero Policy Week’. The week-long event brought together sector leaders, experts and policymakers to discuss what the challenges and opportunities are for the UK in meeting its net zero targets, through digital panels, live Q&As, and interviews.

An online panel discussion, chaired by New Statesman political corresspondent Ailbhe Rea, explored these key issues. The panel brought together shadow secretary of state for environment Luke Pollard MP, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for energy Sarah Olney MP and former leader of the green party Caroline Lucas MP, to discuss how the UK can keep climate change at the top of its political agenda.

Watch the session back here:

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