John Gummer

The Rt. Hon. John Selwyn Gummer, Lord Deben, is one of the UK’s most influential voices on sustainability, climate change and environmental policy. With a career that spans politics, business and advocacy, John has consistently demonstrated how economic growth and environmental responsibility can reinforce rather than oppose each other. His authority comes from decades of experience at the highest levels of government, his leadership in shaping climate policy, and his ongoing work advising global businesses on sustainability and ESG.

John entered Parliament in 1979 as MP for Suffolk Coastal, a position he held for over thirty years. During that time, he served in numerous ministerial roles including Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries & Food, Employment Minister, Paymaster General, and most prominently, Secretary of State for the Environment from 1993 to 1997. He remains the longest-serving Environment Secretary in UK history and is credited with introducing enduring environmental reforms. In 2010, following his departure from the Commons, he was appointed to the House of Lords, where he continues to campaign on climate, European engagement and social justice issues.

Among John’s most significant achievements was the passing of the 1995 Environment Act, which led to the creation of the Environment Agency, and the introduction of the Landfill Tax, the first environmental tax in the UK. From 2012 to 2023 he chaired the UK Climate Change Committee, the statutory body created by the 2008 Climate Change Act to set carbon budgets and advise government on net zero. Under his leadership, the UK became the first major economy in the world to set a legally binding target to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Alongside his public service, John founded Sancroft International, a consultancy that works with companies and investors worldwide to embed sustainability and ESG into business strategy, and he serves as Chairman of Valpak Ltd and PIMFA.

As a keynote speaker, John is celebrated for his independence of thought, sharp wit and ability to communicate complex issues with clarity and humour. He has delivered acclaimed speeches at events such as the Scottish Green Energy Awards and major corporate conferences, where his passion for sustainability has inspired audiences to take urgent action. Whether speaking on net zero, food security, water use, sustainable farming or the role of faith in tackling climate change, John combines political insight with business acumen to deliver compelling, hopeful and practical messages. He shows audiences that sustainability is not only possible but essential for long-term success.