Sadiq Khan Urges Government to Back Green Investment in Upcoming Budget
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has made a passionate call for the government to deliver an “authentic” Labour budget that prioritizes green investment, emphasizing that bold action on climate change could benefit both the environment and the economy. Speaking from Rio de Janeiro, where he is co-chairing the C40 World Mayors Summit with Rio’s mayor, Eduardo Paes, Khan stressed that the Treasury should fully support Energy Secretary Ed Miliband in his efforts to achieve the government’s ambitious target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 81% by 2035.
Khan highlighted that the public respects authenticity and honesty, noting that people can tell when leaders are not true to their principles. He pointed to London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) as a successful example of a policy that initially faced opposition but ultimately gained public support because its benefits were clearly explained. The policy has helped reduce pollution, protecting children from lifelong respiratory issues and lowering the risk of health problems such as asthma, heart disease, and dementia.
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The mayor argued that climate action is not about political competition or trying to outdo others on environmental policies, but rather about staying focused on the “north star” of net zero and implementing policies consistently. He urged cabinet ministers to align behind a shared vision, warning that the Treasury may currently be “behind the curve” in recognizing the economic and employment benefits that green initiatives can deliver. Green investment, Khan suggested, can generate new jobs in sectors such as plumbing, insulation, electric buses, and renewable energy installation, while simultaneously tackling the climate emergency.
Khan also welcomed Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s attendance at the upcoming Cop30 climate summit, describing it as a potential turning point for the government to demonstrate stronger confidence in addressing the climate crisis. He criticized former President Donald Trump’s climate denial and underscored the importance of standing by scientific evidence.
In addition to calling for greater government support for green policies, Khan’s own efforts to advance climate action have included lobbying for large-scale transport projects in London, including the proposed Docklands Light Railway extension to Thamesmead. He has also been active internationally, traveling to Rio for the C40 summit, attending trade and climate missions across Africa, and participating in global forums to showcase London’s progress on sustainability.
Despite these efforts, Khan acknowledged the challenges ahead, noting that London still faces a gap in the investment required to reach its 2030 net zero target. He stressed that mobilizing both public and private finance will be crucial and that the pace of climate action must increase dramatically. Through clear communication, authentic leadership, and coordinated government action, Khan argued, the UK can become a global leader in tackling climate change while creating economic opportunities for its citizens.
In sum, Khan’s message is clear: staying true to principles, backing green jobs, and committing fully to climate targets will not only protect the environment but also earn public trust and stimulate economic growth.
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