Newcastle MP wants North East to 'lead the way' on green transition after COP28

Chi Onwurah, the Member of Parliament for Newcastle Central, wants the North East to lead the way on transitioning to a greener future.

The MP, who has just returned from COP28, has claimed that the region has an opportunity to go green, gain jobs and reboot its famous reputation.

Chi was one of 10 MPs to be invited by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, a non-profit organisation supporting informed debate on energy and climate change in the UK.

At the end of COP28, an historic acknowledgement was made by all 198 countries in attendance that fossil fuels must be phased out to help combat climate change.

Upon returning from the climate summit, the Newcastle Central MP hopes that the North East will push to make the most of the world's green transition.

She commented: “Although I would have liked it to have gone further, COP28 sent a clear signal to the world about the direction of travel.

“For the North-East, it tells us where the world is going - it tells us the future is green.

“And given the fact that the region once led the world when it came to the first industrial revolution, which needed so much of our coal, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t lead the green revolution because there’s so much to gain from it.”

The MP has highlighted examples such as Nissan’s switch to electric-only vehicles and the headquarters of the Dogger Bank wind farm at Tyne Dock, in South Shields, as part of the North East’s existing impressive green credentials.

Read Newcastle's news on the go with our free email newsletters - bringing the headlines to your inbox. Catch up on the day's news and sport and enjoy even more from the NewcastleWorld team. Visit our website here to find out more and sign up.

Chi hopes that this will only be the start of the region's green transition and stated there was no reason why this cannot continue.

She added: “The North-East was once famous around the world for the colossal power it generated and our innovation and dedication helped drive the industrial revolution forward.

“I think there’s still the same innovation and dedication today in the region and a passion for renewables and climate-friendly policies which means there’s no reason why we can’t be a leader again, this time in a green way.”