Net Zero policies risk leaving Britain’s defence industry and energy security exposed
The piece warns that Britain’s pursuit of net-zero goals is inflating energy costs and hollowing out heavy industry, thereby weakening its defence readiness.
The author contends that Britain’s net-zero agenda is compromising its ability to defend itself by driving up energy costs and eroding sectors essential for war-fighting, such as steel, chemicals and oil refining. Drawing on Paul Kennedy’s historic link between economic and military power and John Bew’s “machinepolitik” thesis, the piece notes how recent conflicts have exhausted ammunition and drone supplies far beyond peacetime expectations.
It warns that even the United States struggles to replenish sophisticated weapons, suggesting a similar or worse challenge for Europe with its higher energy prices and reduced industrial capacity. Dev Sanyal of VaroPreem emphasizes that conventional fuels remain vital for platforms like F-35 jets and Leopard tanks. The article further argues that reliance on cheap Chinese imports undermines domestic production and inadvertently supports Russia’s war effort, a point echoed by analysts at RUSI and Policy Exchange. Ultimately, it calls for a shift away from the assumption that net-zero targets can be met without sacrificing strategic industrial capabilities.
Why it matters
If Britain cannot sustain its defence industry, it may lack the capacity to respond to future security threats.
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