Climate Campaigners Take Government To Court Over 'Unlawful' Net-Zero Strategy

This is the first time the government-backed strategy has faced legal challenges

- Saphora Smith

Climate campaigners are to begin a high court battle with the government over the UK's net-zero strategy, which they say is both "irresponsible" and "unlawful".

Three environmental and legal groups claim the government's plans are in breach of climate law as they omit vital details and "completely fail" to show how targets would be met. Cases brought by Friends of the Earth, environmental law charity ClientEarth and legal campaign group the Good Law Project will be heard together at the High Court of Justice in London today. It is the first time the government has faced a legal challenge to its net-zero strategy, which was formally published in October.

The strategy proposes measures, including the construction of more nuclear power stations, restoring peat, encouraging walking and cycling, and committing millions of pounds to new hydrogen and industrial carbon capture schemes. No 10 has insisted the strategy complies with its legal obligations and has been endorsed by the independent climate change committee.