The government has relaunched the Net Zero Council, bringing together broader range of voices to deepen the partnership between government, the private sector, civil society and local authorities, with the goal of accelerating net zero across the economy.

The council will serve as the primary stakeholder forum supporting the delivery of the accelerating to net zero pillar of the mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower.

Insights from the Council will inform government strategies, help to address cross-economy challenges and maximise the many economic and societal opportunities the transition presents.

The Council will have representation from civil society and local government for the first time, in a bid to offer more diverse perspectives on challenges, opportunities and solutions.

It will be chaired by the Right Honourable Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, and Shirine Khoury-Haq, CEO of the Co-operative Group.

The Council will have 3 functions to provide expert insight, advising government in the development of its net zero strategy; drive action towards decarbonisation across the economy, convening senior leaders across the highest emitting sectors of the economy to tackle cross-cutting barriers to decarbonisation, supporting businesses to take action and enabling them to realise the benefits of the transition; and outreach and communications to the wider business community: members will engage across their networks, advocate for action and promote climate leadership.