It is clearer than ever that the UK needs to achieve energy security – reducing our reliance on costly gas imports and slashing carbon emissions. Whether this takes five or fifty years, we must lead by example. That means putting big long-term investments down now to deliver a low carbon future.

For years, energy security was not a high enough priority in Whitehall. No longer.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s decision to create a new department for Energy Security and Net Zero led by Grant Shapps is an essential and welcome step. The new department, justifiably stepping out the shadow of the former BEIS department, brings “net zero” representation to Cabinet level for the first time.

Putting the reduction target on the door of a government department formalises this key plank of the Government’s agenda rather than tucking this target under a “climate change” banner.

Now it’s time for business to do the same.