Zero Carbon is one of the rare areas of consensus in British politics. Boris Johnson seems no less committed than then opposition parties. But energy security concerns now take centre stage. More serious, public support is shallow and politicians have been unable to resist popular demands to cut taxes on fuels. There is now an emerging movement demanding a referendum on zero carbon and making an issue of renewable subsidies and the supposed benefits of fracking. The companies are exaggerated or wrong but we have learnt from the Brexit experience that populist campaigns must not be underestimated.

Link to article: https://www.independent.co.uk/independentpremium/voices/brexiteers-net-zero-carbon-climate-crisis-b2046335.html

Sir Vince Cable is the former leader of the Liberal Democrats and served as Secretary of State for business, innovation and skills from 2010 to 2015. He records a regular podcast ‘Cable Comments’, expanding on the themes from this column. Link here https://www.independent.co.uk/author/vince-cable

Vince’s new book ‘The Chinese Conundrum: Engagement or Conflict’ is available to buy online or from your local bookstore. Amazon, Bloomsbury, Waterstones, WHSmiths.

To find out more about Vince, go to www.vincecable.org

Follow him on Twitter: @vincecable

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