It is critical that there is a strong conservative voice arguing for policies that can cost-effectively safeguard the environment and address the challenges of climate change. 

There is a strong tradition of green conservatism and in her speech to Conservative Party Conference in 1988, Margaret Thatcher highlighted this important aspect of conservatism:

“It’s we Conservatives who are not merely friends of the Earth – we are its guardians and trustees for generations to come. The core of Tory philosophy and for the case for protecting the environment are the same. No generation has a freehold on this earth. All we have is a life tenancy – with a full repairing lease. This Government intends to meet the terms of that lease in full."

This research theme is developing policies and political narratives on the environment, energy, and climate change. Our three core themes are as follows:

  • Future of energy

  • Natural environment

  • Sustainability and international development

The objectives of the research theme are:

  • Building concern for and awareness of environmental challenges among the conservative movement

  • Advocating market-based, cost-effective solutions to climate change and policies that support sustainable, long-term economic growth

  • Protecting and enhancing the local natural environment

  • Utilising the UK’s international development budget and moral leadership to champion sustainability internationally

  • Improving UK environmental regulation as it evolves as a result of the UK leaving the European Union

 

Meet the team

Ryan Headshots.png

Ryan Shorthouse

Director, Bright Blue

@RyanShorthouse

Wilf Lytton

Associate Fellow

@wilflytton

Helen Jackson.jpg

Helen Jackson

Associate Fellow

@HelenJackson0

Micheal Stephans

Associate Fellow

William Prescott

Researcher, Bright Blue

@wjprescott

Thomas Nurcombe

Research Assistant, Bright Blue

@TomNurcombe

lord howard.jpeg

Lord Michael Howard
Former Leader of the Conservative Party

Zac.jpg

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park
 Minister for Pacific & the Environment

 

Baroness McIntosh of Pickering.jfif

Baroness McIntosh of Pickering
Conservative Peer

EU Environment Sub-Committee

Louise Abundance 2.jfif

Louise Wilson
Joint Managing Director

Abundance Investments

Rebecca.jpg

Rebecca Pow MP

 
Penrose.jpg

John Penrose MP

 

Sarah Merrick
CEO and Founder

Ripple Energy

Laura Sandys
CEO, Challenging Ideas 

 
Heappey.jpg

James Heappey MP

 
Louise Roper2.jfif

Louise Kjellerup Roper
CEO

Volans

Simon.jpg

Simon Clarke MP

 
9l22xV2Q (2) (1).jpg

Julia King, Baroness Brown of Cambridge DBE FREng FRS

 
MatthewKnight.jfif

Matthew Knight
Head of Market Development

Siemens AG

About the Advisory Board

Members of the Advisory Board provide intellectual and political advice to all of the outputs of the 'energy and environment' research theme through regular meetings and peer reviewing our papers. Membership of the advisory board does not necessarily mean that you endorse any policy ideas from Bright Blue.

Partners have provided intellectual and/or financial contributions to this research theme. However, partners do not necessarily endorse all of Bright Blue's analysis and recommendations. Bright Blue has complete editorial control over all the outputs from this research theme.

 
mava.jpg

To get in touch with Bright Blue about the 'energy and environment' research theme, please contact William Prescott (will.p@brightblue.org.uk).

To find out more about Bright Blue, please visit our website.

To keep up to date with all of Bright Blue's events and research, please subscribe to our mailing list and follow us on Twitter.