Mayors opposed to green U-turn

THE North's political leaders have been saying for years that the region stands ready to deliver a green industrial revolution, with tidal energy on Merseyside, offshore wind in the Humber and electric vehicles in the North East.

- ROB PARSONS

Until recently it appeared Labour was wholeheartedly committed to that vision too, unveiling a flagship policy in 2021 to spend £28bn a year on environmental projects as part of a green prosperity plan.

But in recent months the policy has been steadily watered down.

And this week Keir Starmer announced the figure would be drastically scaled back to £23.7bn over the course of the next parliament if his party wins the next election.

Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves blamed the Conservatives' mishandling of the economy, citing Liz Truss' mini-budget fiasco, as she warned Labour would face a "bleak inheritance" if it wins power at the next general election.