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Sunak 'pragmatic' about meeting net zero target

The prime minister said he was still committed to achieving a net zero economy but in a "proportionate and pragmatic way” that did not give people more hassle and costs in their lives.

Speaking in Birmingham, Rishi Sunak said he was "cognisant" of inflation levels and did not want to “unnecessarily add costs” to people's bills. It comes amid reports the government is considering ditching some environmental measures.

What is net zero and how are the UK and other countries doing?

24 July 2023

Carbon neutrality

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Rishi Sunak wearing a blue suit and a grey tie, standing in the Commons

Sunak on Budget: Broken promise after broken promise

Sir Keir Starmer at PMQs

Starmer thanks Sunak for hard work, commitment and decency

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Moment BBC reporter returns tortured monkey into wild

SpaceX's Super Heavy booster fires out of its exhaust at the bottom of the rocket itself while it lands into the rocket launcher holder that it fired out of, during SpaceX Starship's fifth flight test, in Boca Chica, Texas, U.S., October 13, 2024

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Science & Environment

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The curlew's return to Lower Lough Erne

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Watch: Elephants escape floodwaters in Thailand

A swan and her cygnets swim across a body of water. There is no suggestion of blue green algae in the water. It is a stock image

What is the effect of blue-green algae on wildlife?

Northern Ireland

Keir Starmer an PMQs

PMQs heats up as leaders clash over winter fuel payments

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Endangered leopard frogs released into the wild

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Prime Minister Keir Starmer

Keir Starmer's first PMQs as prime minister... in 90 seconds

Sir Keir Starmer

Starmer's first PMQs question from Sunak as prime minister

Sir Keir Starmer

Starmer calls Sunak 'prime minister' in Commons slip-up

Lough Neagh's blue-green algae has returned

Lough Neagh blue-green algae back as Earl meets minister

Northern Ireland

A bronze diplodocus statue at the Natural History Museum

Walking through time at the Natural History Museum

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New Parliament, old traditions... watch the opening day in 55 seconds

Sunak

Watch: Sunak apologises to former Tory MPs for election losses

Sir Keir Starmer in Downing Street

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Rishi Sunak outside 10 Downing Street

Watch: Sunak's resignation speech in full

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Watch: Moment Speaker dragged to Commons chair

In a traditional part of the process, the successful candidate pretends to be reluctant to take up the role.

Correspondent Ben Chu

Quick take on Labour's energy plan

BBC Verify's Ben Chu on what to make of Labour’s plans to decarbonise UK electricity production.

Chris Mason and Mark Logan

Watch: Former Tory MP says he is backing Labour

The former Conservative MP for Bolton North East has told the BBC he now supports Labour.

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Watch: Party leaders on the campaign trail

Political party leaders have been out and about campaigning ahead of the general election.

Keir Starmer

I want the highest quality candidates - Starmer

The Labour leader says he wants the "highest quality" candidates to put to the voters.

Carla Denyer

Greens launch campaign target of 'at least four' MPs

The Green Party of England and Wales launch their election campaign in Bristol.

Faiza Shaheen talking on BBC Newsnight

Labour candidate says she's been blocked from standing

Faiza Shaheen says she's was told she will not be Labour's candidate after allegedly liking antisemitic posts on X.

Rishi Sunak

Rishi Sunak tells Chris Mason: Yes, I am changing minds

The PM tells the BBC's political editor he is "thoroughly enjoying" himself out meeting voters in the election campaign.

Sir Keir Starmer wearing a suit and a brown tie

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The Labour leader says no decision has been taken to bar Diane Abbott.

Keir Starmer

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Going, going, gone: Ed Davey takes a dip in Windermere

The Liberal Democrats leader was paddle boarding on Lake Windermere in the Lake District.

Rishi Sunak

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The prime minister accused Labour's Sir Keir Starmer of "not having the courage" to tell voters about Labour ideas.

Nigel Farage

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Nigel Farage was speaking in Dover, as part of his campaign for Reform UK.

Sir Keir Starmer

Starmer asked if there's a 'lack of enthusiasm' for Labour

Labour leader Keir Starmer is pressed on whether there's a perceived lack of enthusiasm for his party.

Rachel Reeves

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Rishi Sunak

Sunak 'disappointed' smoking ban bill did not get through

The PM says he "stepped up to do something that is bold" over his bid to phase out smoking.

Craig Mackinlay MP

Watch: Limb loss MP on his return to Parliament

Craig Mackinlay says he was met by "a storm" of noise when he returned to the House of Commons

Rishi Sunak

Oops! Sunak asks if Welsh are looking forward to Euros

On a campaign trip, the PM asks voters if they will watch the football tournament, even though Wales did not qualify.

Richard Tice

Tories 'terrified' of Reform Party - Richard Tice

The Reform Party leader says Rishi Sunak "bottled it" over calling a surprise general election for July.

Sir Keir Starmer

A vote for Labour is a vote to stop the chaos - Starmer

On the first full day of election campaigning the Labour leader says "nothing will change" if the Conservatives get back into power on July 5.