In September 2023, the UK Government's decision to roll back certain aspects of its Net Zero policy sent shockwaves across the media. This report delves into the media coverage surrounding Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's decision and the subsequent reactions from various stakeholders. The findings highlight a significant negative sentiment across the media landscape, with passionate arguments on both sides of the debate.
- Media coverage during this period exhibited a predominantly negative sentiment, particularly on social media platforms. The analysis indicates that the public and various interest groups expressed substantial discontent regarding the government's apparent retreat from its Net Zero commitments.
- Opposition leader Keir Starmer criticised Sunak's leadership on both climate and education policies. The Labour Party's stance on climate policy details was primarily conveyed by Shadow Environment Secretary Steve Reed and Shadow Energy Secretary Ed Miliband.
- Prominent voices emerged quickly in opposition to Sunak's decision, gaining more visibility than those in support. These voices included figures like Zac Goldsmith, a member of the House of Lords, and Suella Braverman, the Home Secretary. Their statements reflected concerns about the impact of the policy change on the environment, the economy, and household budgets.
- Despite some vocal support from certain brands, headlines indicated that the automotive industry, as a whole, stood firmly against the government's decision.
- The analysis of discussions surrounding the policy change revealed that topics like electric vehicles, gas boilers, the cost of living, and energy security were prominent talking points in traditional media. Many articles focused on the potential impact of the government's decision on businesses and UK households.
Access the full report HERE.
