The Coming UK Election: Impact on Energy and Climate Policy

The increasing likelihood that the British elections will result in a hung parliament has thrust the Nick Clegg led- Liberal Democrats into a position of unprecedented influence, giving them a mantle to push their pro-renewable, pro-environmental protection, and anti-nuclear policies on the Cameron-led Tory government which would otherwise be far less comfortable with this policy course. The other possibility is that the Conservatives capture the majority of seats; in this case, stagnation is more likely the outcome, as a weak economy, historic deficits, and a strong challenge from the Liberals will hand the government only the weakest of mandates in the energy space. This GR Energy and Climate Brief examines what UK energy and environment policy might look depending on which party takes control, and what the consequences of a minority or coalition government – now perhaps the most likely scenarios – might be at a time when the country faces critical policy decisions.

The Current Election Outlook, Chances for a Hung Parliament

In the 2010 election, 650 seats will be contested, and if no single party gains more than half of those seats, then parliament is described as being 'hung'.

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