Burnham puts affordability at centre of COP31 climate appeal
The UK prime minister urged businesses to widen access to electric cars and heat pumps, while maintaining the country’s 2050 net zero commitment.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham urged world leaders and businesses at COP31 in Antalya, Turkey, to make low-carbon technology affordable for households at every income level. He said access to electric cars and heat pumps remained unequal despite falling costs.
Reaffirming Britain’s 2050 target for net zero emissions, Burnham said efforts over the previous five years had been slower than he had hoped in showing households the financial benefits of climate action. He argued that electrifying transport, heating and industry offered a route to cheaper, cleaner power.
Burnham supported the electrification initiative promoted by Turkey and Australia, the summit hosts. However, he did not endorse their proposed 2035 target for electricity to represent 35 per cent of worldwide energy consumption.
He said public investment in innovation and support for upfront purchases needed a corresponding effort from industry to broaden access. The appeal came after his government reduced the heat-pump subsidy budget. Ministers are also considering easing quotas imposed on the electric vehicle industry.
Burnham identified fossil-fuel dependence as a common factor behind climate damage and rising energy bills. He announced that Britain’s forthcoming G20 presidency would prioritise climate resilience, including debt, development and insurance. His government has also named Madeline Alessandri to the new position of special representative for climate security.
