Claire Coutinho has been appointed as the UK Minister for Net Zero following the announcement of Grant Shapps as the new Defence Minister. Ms. Coutinho, aged 38, becomes the first woman and the second individual to hold this title. This was established by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in a recent cabinet reshuffle.
As the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Claire Coutinho’s responsibilities will encompass overseeing Britain’s efforts to achieve its ambitious target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. This appointment comes in the wake of Mr Shapps’ announcement that the UK will host a global summit on energy security. Moreover, with a substantial emphasis on the net-zero agenda in the early part of the upcoming year.
Grant Shapps, in his capacity as Defence Minister, has proposed that this international conference. That should include major oil companies and representatives from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other Middle Eastern nations. The summit is part of Mr Sunak’s efforts to bolster Britain’s global influence.
Claire Coutinho’s elevation to this role takes place three months ahead of the UK’s expected delegation to Cop28 in Dubai. Previously, she served as the Minister for Children, Families, and Well-being, a position now assumed by David Johnston.
Transition of Roles and Key Appointments
The announcement of Ms Claire Coutinho in her new role coincided with Downing Street’s declaration of Grant Shapps as Defence Secretary, following the resignation of Ben Wallace. In a statement, Mr Shapps expressed his honour at being appointed as Defence Secretary by Rishi Sunak. Paying tribute to Ben Wallace’s significant contributions to UK defence and global security during his tenure.
In July, Mr Wallace announced his intention to step down as a Member of Parliament (MP) at the next election and depart from his role in the cabinet during the subsequent reshuffle. His decision came after he failed to secure the position of Nato General Secretary. Signalling a desire to exit frontline politics.
It’s worth noting that Grant Shapps, although a cabinet veteran with extensive political experience. It had not previously held a position within the Ministry of Defence. Unlike his predecessor, he lacks a military background.
Over the past year, Mr Shapps has held various cabinet roles, including Transport Secretary under Boris Johnson. A brief stint as Home Secretary under Liz Truss. And appointment as Business and Energy Secretary after Rishi Sunak assumed office. This latter role was subsequently revamped to become Energy Security and Net-Zero Secretary during Mr. Sunak’s mini cabinet reshuffle in February.
