UK to quit energy treaty that ‘penalizes’ net zero

By Charlie Cooper | 02/23/2024 06:34 AM EST

Critics say the Energy Charter Treaty allows fossil fuel companies to sue governments over green policies.

Britain's Minister for Climate at the Department of Business Graham Stuart leaves at the end of the weekly cabinet meeting.

Britain's Minister for Climate at the Department of Business Graham Stuart leaves at the end of the weekly Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing St. in London on Oct. 18, 2022. Adrian Dennis/AFP via Getty Images

LONDON — The U.K. will leave an “outdated” international energy treaty after ministers concluded it could stymie efforts to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Energy Minister Graham Stuart will confirm on Thursday that the U.K. is following several other countries — including France, Spain, and Germany — in quitting the controversial Energy Charter Treaty (ECT).

Environmental campaigners welcomed the news, saying that the treaty could undermine U.K. efforts to combat climate change.

Advertisement

The decision in Westminster comes as the EU itself also seeks a route to withdraw, although not all countries in the bloc want to follow suit.

GET FULL ACCESS