Keir Starmer: No Government Mandates on Meat Consumption for Net Zero Goals

[Social Media]

 

Sir Keir Starmer has reassured the public that his government will not be instructing people to reduce their meat consumption to combat climate change. His comments come in response to a new report from the Climate Change Committee (CCC), which suggested that people cut their weekly meat intake by 260g—roughly the equivalent of two doner kebabs—to help curb greenhouse gas emissions.

 

The CCC, an independent advisory body, has recommended that average meat consumption should fall by 25 per cent by 2040 compared to 2019 levels. The aim is to lower methane emissions from livestock as part of the UK’s journey to net zero. "This requires going beyond the existing UK long-term trend, which shows a gradual reduction in meat consumption," the committee stated in its report. It further noted that red meat consumption, in particular, would need to decline more significantly.

 

Professor Emily Nurse, the CCC’s head of net zero, clarified the stance on dietary recommendations, saying, "We are absolutely not saying everyone needs to be vegan. But we do expect to see a shift in dietary habits."

 

Despite these findings, Starmer, who follows a pescatarian diet, has dismissed any suggestion that the government will dictate what people eat. "I’m not in the business of telling people how they should run their lives," he stated. "I am absolutely clear that we are going to get to clean power and absolutely keep our commitment to net zero because it is so important for the next generation and generations to come. That does not mean telling people how to run their lives. That is not the right way to go about it."

 

Beyond dietary habits, the CCC's report spans 394 pages and outlines sweeping changes needed in various sectors, including homes, transport, energy, and farming. It proposes an ambitious new goal of reducing UK carbon emissions by 87 per cent by 2040. Since its formation in 2008, no government has rejected the CCC’s advice.

 

The committee has also recommended phasing out new gas boiler sales within the next ten years to stay on track for net zero by 2050. However, Ed Miliband, the energy and climate change secretary, has resisted implementing a full ban. The report highlights that around half of UK homes will need a heat pump installed by 2040, compared to just 1 per cent today. The expectation is that most heat pumps will replace gas boilers at the end of their lifespan, but the CCC has advised that only low-carbon heating systems should be fitted after 2035, effectively banning traditional boilers.

 

Transport is another key area for reform, with the committee stating that around 80 per cent of vehicles on UK roads must be electric by 2040 to meet climate targets. The report suggests that as battery prices drop, the market for electric cars will expand, making them more accessible. Used electric vehicles have already reached price parity with petrol models, and the declining viability of petrol stations is expected to push a final shift towards electric cars. The committee has also proposed banning the sale of new diesel lorries by 2040.

 

Aviation is projected to become the UK’s largest single source of carbon emissions by 2040. The government is banking on green aviation fuels to offset this, with plans to increase their use from 1 per cent of jet fuel today to 17 per cent by 2040. However, the CCC has warned that if these fuels do not scale up as expected, the government may need to consider alternative measures, such as limiting flight growth. This could mean freezing airport expansions or raising ticket prices through taxation, including a "frequent flyer levy." A citizens’ panel convened by the committee, consisting of 26 people from in and around Birmingham, supported the idea of ensuring families could still afford an annual holiday flight while discouraging excessive flying.

 

Despite the potential challenges, the CCC estimates that reaching net zero by 2050 could bring financial benefits. It predicts that annual energy bills could drop by £716, while the cost of driving—including fuel, insurance, and maintenance—could fall by £699 per year. The overall cost to the economy is estimated to be 0.2 per cent of GDP annually.

While the CCC's recommendations outline major changes for the UK’s climate strategy, Starmer has made it clear that personal lifestyle choices, including diet, will not be government-mandated.

 

Based on a report by The Times  2025-03-03

 

 

[phil2407]

Up to me what I eat - you numpty people can FO! 

[JonnyF]

8 hours ago, Social Media said:

Despite these findings, Starmer, who follows a pescatarian diet, has dismissed any suggestion that the government will dictate what people eat.

 

That diet doesn't seem to do much for weight loss. 

 

I'll stick with the steaks thanks Keir. I prefer my chin remain solo. 

[Dionigi]

Estimates of the number of bison in the USA before they were slaughtered range from 30 to 60 million didn't they fart?

[johng]

He won't mandate it,  he will just make eating meat so expensive  that no one

(except him and his wealthy cronies)  can even afford it.

Plebs will have to eat "alternative proteins"   AKA   zee bugs !!!!!

[JonnyF]

1 minute ago, johng said:

He won't mandate it,  he will just make eating meat so expensive  that no one

(except him and his wealthy cronies)  can even afford it.

Plebs will have to eat "alternative proteins"   AKA   zee bugs !!!!!

 

Yes and he will probably brand it as "Saving the NHS" or "Saving the planet". 

 

8 hours ago, Social Media said:

Professor Emily Nurse, the CCC’s head of net zero, clarified the stance on dietary recommendations, saying, "We are absolutely not saying everyone needs to be vegan. But we do expect to see a shift in dietary habits."

 

 

I expect you to shut up, Emily. 

[zyphodb]

40 minutes ago, johng said:

He won't mandate it,  he will just make eating meat so expensive  that no one

(except him and his wealthy cronies)  can even afford it.

Plebs will have to eat "alternative proteins"   AKA   zee bugs !!!!!

 

You took the words right out of my mouth. Well done...

 

[Red Forever]

5 posts in and all negative, off subject, led by AN’s resident Mr Negative.

The Times article was quite upbeat in expectations of achieving net zero and reporting that Starmer said that there were no plans to dictate what or how people should eat.

This is good stuff but the doom and gloom mob can’t handle positive articles.

Boo hoo!

[Harrisfan]

Keir is hated

 

https://www.ipsos.com/en-uk/more-britons-favourable-towards-nigel-farage-keir-starmer-kemi-badenoch-and-ed-davey

[Purdey]

Those who like beef can still eat it. But those who have cattle farms might not supply it as much as prices rise