Daily Politics from the New Statesman How can the UK win back the net zero narrative?
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Dec 7, 2025 
Polly Billington, a climate campaigner and MP, joins energy expert Benj Sykes from Ørsted and Daisy Powell-Chandler, Head of Energy and Environment at Public First. They discuss the current challenge of reconnecting climate action with public priorities like jobs and energy security amidst rising costs. The trio debates the effectiveness of the term 'net zero' and suggests a focus on the energy transition narrative. They also examine the importance of local benefits, the impact of political discourse on investments, and framing decarbonisation as a national security priority.
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Net Zero Is Poor Public Language
- The phrase "net zero" often alienates the public because it sounds technical and abstract.
- Polly Billington argues language focused on people and upsides sells better than numeric targets.
Public Support Remains Strong
- Public support for climate action remains high despite lower salience amid other crises.
- Daisy Powell-Chandler notes climate has slipped in priority but not been abandoned by most people.
Retire Technical Terms, Tell Outcomes
- Retire technocratic terms and reframe the discussion around the energy transition and practical benefits.
- Benj Sykes recommends emphasising concrete outcomes like security and jobs, not 'net zero'.