UK Government Adopts 87% Emissions Cut Target by 2040 Amid Political Backlash

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has accepted the Climate Change Committee's seventh carbon budget, establishing a legally binding target to cut UK emissions by 87% by 2040. To meet the target, households will need to replace gas boilers with heat pumps, shift to electric vehicles, and reduce meat consumption by 25% and dairy by 20%. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from the Conservative Party and Reform UK, with shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho arguing the targets will make households "weaker, poorer" and increase energy bills. Miliband defended the move, stating that transitioning to clean energy will reduce the UK's exposure to fuel-price shocks from global conflicts. Legislation for the budget is expected to be laid before Parliament by the end of June 2026.