John Gummer, Lord Deben is one of Britain’s most influential political figures on the environment and sustainability. As the UK’s longest-serving Secretary of State for the Environment and Chairman of the Climate Change Committee, he has shaped national policy on climate change and spearheaded action that led to the UK becoming the first major economy to legislate for net zero. A highly regarded keynote speaker, Lord Deben is admired for his independence, wit, and ability to make complex environmental challenges engaging and accessible.
Lord Deben’s early career was grounded in both scholarship and politics. He studied History at Selwyn College, Cambridge, where he quickly became active in political debate, serving as president of the Cambridge Union and playing a central role in the Cambridge University Conservative Association. Elected as MP for Lewisham West in 1970 and later for Suffolk Coastal in 1979, he served for more than three decades in the House of Commons before being elevated to the House of Lords in 2010. His long political journey was marked by a commitment to conservative principles alongside a deep conviction that environmental stewardship and social responsibility must go hand in hand.
His ministerial experience spans sixteen years, including roles as Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Minister for London, and Paymaster General. As Secretary of State for the Environment, he introduced the landmark 1995 Environment Act, creating the Environment Agency and pioneering the UK’s first environmental tax with the Landfill Tax. Later, as Chairman of the Climate Change Committee, he guided government strategy towards a binding commitment to achieve net zero by 2050. Recognised for his impact, he received the edie Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022, while Friends of the Earth hailed him as “the best Environment Secretary we’ve ever had.” His leadership across business and policy also extends to his role as Founder and Chairman of Sancroft International, advising global companies on sustainability and ESG.
Event organisers seek out Lord Deben for his candid, passionate, and humorous speaking style. He has addressed audiences from the Scottish Green Energy Awards to global corporations like Mitsubishi Electric, consistently leaving a lasting impression. His keynote topics include climate change, food security, water management, sustainable business, and reflections on his years in government, including working alongside Margaret Thatcher. At a time when organisations face growing pressure to balance commercial success with environmental responsibility, his insights are both timely and transformative. Hiring Lord Deben means engaging one of the UK’s most experienced and inspirational voices on climate action, leadership, and the future of sustainability.
John Gummer's official speaker topics are listed below:
- Are All Governments Bound To Get Into A Mess?
- How Can Farmers Adapt To Our Changing Climate?
- Water: What On Earth Are We Doing?
- Food Security: Where Is The Food Coming From?
- Climate Change: Keeping The Government’s Feet To The Fire
- Working With Mrs Thatcher As Minister And Speech Writer
- Net Zero – An Appraisal And Prospects
- Buildings Fit For The Future
- Sustainability As Just Good Business
- What Has Religion Got To Do With The Climate?
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
"Guests at The Scottish Green Energy Awards were bowled over by the passion and power of the evening’s keynote address, delivered by The Rt. Hon. The Lord Deben, chair of the Climate Change Committee 2012-2023. The peer, who until June 2023 oversaw the work of the UK Government’s independent climate change advisor, had the 1,250-strong crowd hanging on his every word, with his zeal about how we make the urgent transition to green energy cementing his messages as take-home ones." - Scottish Green Energy Awards 2023
"Lord Deben was a guest speaker at our commercial HVAC conference and everyone I spoke to during lunch and the coffee breaks was full of praise for his speech." - Russell, Content and Communications Manager, Mitsubishi Electric
"After an outstanding vegan dinner – and more than one or two glasses of Telmont – Lord Deben gave his speech that moved, stirred, inspired and impassioned the audience." - Country & Town House, 2024
"John Gummer was brilliant and for many, the most-memorable moment in a while!" - James, Founder, Good Company
"So many great leaders and changemakers in the same room and a genius like Lord Deben… I drink to that, Lucy." - Ludovic, Telmont Champagne
"The inspirational, moving and impassioned speech by John Gummer, Lord Deben was a call to arms, and to joyful optimism that we can leverage policy, advocacy and business to solve the biggest environmental problems facing the world today." - Nick, Bower Collective
"I don't think there was a dry eye in the house last night. Certainly, not from me anyway. John Gummer, Rt Hon The Lord Deben gave an outstanding, moving, joyful address to our incredible Journey to Zero event which launched our Future Icons Power People list." - Lucy, Editorial Director, Country & Town House
- 2025 - Appointed Chair of the Council for Net Zero Transport, Zemo Partnership
- 2022 - Awarded edie Lifetime Achievement Award for contribution to sustainability and climate action
- 2012-2023 - Chairman of the UK’s independent Climate Change Committee
- 2010 - Elevated to the House of Lords as Baron Deben
- 1995 - Introduced the Environment Act
- 1993-1997 - UK’s longest-serving Secretary of State for the Environment
- 1979-2010 - Member of Parliament for Suffolk Coastal
- 1970-1974 - Member of Parliament for Lewisham West
How to hire John Gummer, Lord Deben
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring John Gummer, Lord Deben for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
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