Oral evidenceSelect & Joint CommitteesMonday, 18 May 202616:00

Environmental Audit Committee: National security assessment and COP-17

Committee hears from witnesses

The Environmental Audit Committee will hear oral evidence on how national security considerations affect the UK's climate commitments and preparations for COP-17 (the 17th UN climate conference). The inquiry examines the tension between meeting net-zero targets and securing defence and critical infrastructure resilience, particularly around clean energy supply chains, critical minerals, and military emissions.

This affects how the government balances climate policy with military capability and strategic autonomy. The outcome could influence spending priorities, industrial strategy, and whether the UK strengthens or waters down net-zero commitments in the name of security. It matters to voters concerned with climate action, defence readiness, and the cost of the energy transition.

Environment Energy & Net Zero Defence & Security

Committee mentioned:Environmental Audit Committee