Leading global law firm Baker McKenzie has secured a successful challenge to the Government's strategy for achieving 'Net Zero,' following a ruling by the High Court on 18th July. The challenge, brought by the Good Law Project, Friends of the Earth and ClientEarth argued that the Government's strategy was inadequate and unlawful.
Baker McKenzie's public law team, acting for the Good Law Project, was led by Dispute Resolution Partner Joanna Ludlam and senior associate Luke Richardson, supported by a team including Partner Jonathan Peddie, senior associate Jo Redmond, associate Lauren Owide, and trainee solicitor Oliver Shepley. They instructed Jason Coppel QC and Peter Lockley of 11 KBW.
The Climate Change Act requires the Government to hit Net Zero by 2050, to make proposals as to how it will meet that target and to place a report before Parliament.
The Court has ordered the Government to lay a compliant report before Parliament by 31st March 2023 and to pay the Good Law Project's costs.
Commenting on the outcome, Joanna Ludlam said, "This judgment sends an urgent message to the Government about the need to make real and meaningful changes to its net zero strategy. The timing, too, feels worryingly appropriate, landing during the hottest period on record so far in the UK. On launch in October 2021, the Prime Minister declared 'our strategy for net zero is to lead the world in ending our contribution to climate change.' Now is the time to translate these words into meaningful actions."
The judgment can be read here.
Baker McKenzie's public law team, acting for the Good Law Project, was led by Dispute Resolution Partner Joanna Ludlam and senior associate Luke Richardson, supported by a team including Partner Jonathan Peddie, senior associate Jo Redmond, associate Lauren Owide, and trainee solicitor Oliver Shepley. They instructed Jason Coppel QC and Peter Lockley of 11 KBW.
The Climate Change Act requires the Government to hit Net Zero by 2050, to make proposals as to how it will meet that target and to place a report before Parliament.
The Court has ordered the Government to lay a compliant report before Parliament by 31st March 2023 and to pay the Good Law Project's costs.
Commenting on the outcome, Joanna Ludlam said, "This judgment sends an urgent message to the Government about the need to make real and meaningful changes to its net zero strategy. The timing, too, feels worryingly appropriate, landing during the hottest period on record so far in the UK. On launch in October 2021, the Prime Minister declared 'our strategy for net zero is to lead the world in ending our contribution to climate change.' Now is the time to translate these words into meaningful actions."
The judgment can be read here.
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