The Government’s plans for the environment are continuing at pace. We have launched our world-leading transport decarbonisation plan, setting out a credible pathway for the whole transport sector to reach net zero by 2050, creating cleaner jobs and communities as we build back greener. Decarbonisation should not be about stopping people doing things, like driving or flying, but about doing the same things differently, to reduce emissions, create new jobs and make our communities nicer places to live. That is why we have announced a world-leading ‘greenprint’ to cut emissions throughout the whole transport sector, including consulting on phasing out the sale of new diesel and petrol HGVs by 2040, creating a net zero rail network by 2050, ensuring net zero domestic aviation emissions by 2040, and leading the transition to green shipping. This will help to create and support highly skilled jobs in clean transport production, clean up the air in our communities, and create sustainable economic growth.
I recently sat on a Delegated Legislation Committee and voted into law new powers for the Marine Management Organisation to offer financial assistance for those in the fishing, marine processing, and aquaculture industries. Prior to leaving the EU, support for these sectors was primarily delivered through EU-wide funds. Now we can put in place replacement schemes that give new powers and funds for the Marine Management Organisation to administer. The first fund industry-specific fund was the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme, which will help ensure the long-term sustainability and success of the industry. This funding will come on top of the grants previously announced.
Finally, the Department for Education have announced reforms to the choice of post-16 qualifications, making it easier for young people and adults to identify the academic or technical course that is right for them. I have been a big advocate of this policy and it is something I have campaigned on for North Cornwall, and we already have one of the best colleges in the country at Callywith, which was rated outstanding all six areas in their 2020 Ofsted inspection; the only one in the country to be rated so highly. Great qualifications are essential to helping everyone – no matter their age of background – to get good jobs and realise their ambitions. These reforms that will simplify and streamline the current system, creating two clearly defined paths – academic and technical – for people who have completed GCSEs or similar courses, with apprenticeships, A levels and T Levels becoming the main progressions options. This will make the choice easier for young people and adults, ensuring that whatever qualification a person chooses it will be high-quality and lead to good job prospects.
