Earlier today, Government has announced details of its coal phase-out policy.

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, argues that the government should phase coal out by 2023 - two years earlier than announced. This is backed up by Bright Blue research, using analysis by independent energy analysts Aurora Energy Research.

This approach would yield greater carbon savings, give greater investor certainty, and improve security of supply.

The UK should take the lead in promoting coal phase-out internationally.

Commenting, Ben Caldecott, Associate Fellow at Bright Blue, said:

“Committing to the phase-out of UK coal-fired power stations is a radical and ambitious conservative approach to dealing with climate change and air pollution.

"There are significant benefits of phasing coal out sooner, rather than later. We believe that the 2025 target should be brought forward by at least two years to give investors greater certainty to invest, which will improve security of supply.”