New energy secretary appointed in cabinet reshuffle

Responding to the news that Claire Coutinho has replaced Grant Shapps as Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, as part of the Prime Minister’s latest reshuffle, Dave Timms, head of political affairs at Friends of the Earth, said:

“Good riddance to Grant Shapps. He seemed to be more concerned with playing childish politics on social media than the serious policies needed to address the greatest challenge of our time. He has promoted new drilling for oil and gas against the advice of his own climate advisors, allowed speculation about whether vital deadlines for the transition to electric vehicles and heat pumps would be stuck to, and failed to invest in home insulation.

“The country needs a serious Secretary of State that will step up to give the certainty and support that businesses and people need to invest in the changes that will cut both emissions and the cost of living. We hope Claire Coutinho will be that person.”