Hitchin MP Bim Afolami has hosted a climate change conference that was attended by the business secretary.

Mr Afolami and the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Renewal and Sustainable Energy (PRASEG) hosted experts and practitioners from across industry and politics at world-renowned Rothamsted Research on Friday.

Featuring a keynote speech from Dr Kwasi Kwarteng MP, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the conference sought to find solutions and strategies and share best practice as we work towards the Net Zero by 2050 target and in the lead up to COP26 in Glasgow.

Mr Afolami chair of the Parliamentary Renewable and Sustainable Energy Group, said: "I believe the net zero transition can help catapult our economy into the new industrial revolution for the 21st century.

"The economic opportunities of being the first mover in the applied technologies of carbon capture and storage, nuclear fusion, green and blue hydrogen, ever improving battery technology, lab grown meat and many other things will be transformative for the UK.

"Our businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, government all working together can help the UK lead the world.

"I would like to thank Rothamsted Research, all of our panellists and the Secretary of State for coming to the event. It was a lively and productive discussion and I look forward to continuing to work with Kwasi towards the Government's Net Zero target."

Panellists from organisations including the NFU, the British Business Bank and Network Rail discussed integrated strategies for sustainable growth, land use and supporting SMEs as part of the road to Net Zero by 2050.

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Dr Kwarteng added: "I'm clear that, for COP26 to be a success, and for our longer-term prosperity and stability, we need the innovation, energy and influence of the Great British private sector on our side.

"If they embrace the green transition, businesses can be great agents for change."