Tory’s intention to discard the UK’s pioneering climate strategies has been described as a “complete betrayal” and a potential “economic catastrophe” by Ed Miliband. The Energy Secretary criticized Kemi Badenoch after the Conservative leader expressed plans to abandon the UK’s progressive climate legislation in favor of prioritizing “affordable” energy. Badenoch aims to revoke the Climate Change Act, which committed the UK to reducing climate emissions by 80% by 2050, with regular carbon budgets to ensure progress towards the target.
Miliband stated, “Implementing this desperate policy proposed by Kemi Badenoch would not only be economically disastrous but also a betrayal of future generations. The Conservatives are on the verge of dismantling a framework that was originally advocated for by businesses and has attracted billions of pounds in investment in domestic British energy since its enactment by a Labour government with Conservative backing 17 years ago.”
He continued, “The Conservative’s direction, which is anti-employment, anti-worker, and anti-youth, would jeopardize our energy security and harm our society. The Labour Government is resolute in preventing the Conservatives or Reform from jeopardizing our nation’s clean energy economy, which is thriving due to the government’s clean energy superpower initiative.”
The introduction of the Climate Change Act was groundbreaking in climate legislation globally, with many countries emulating the UK’s approach. Scientists caution that global emissions must be drastically reduced to zero to prevent temperatures from increasing beyond 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, or else face a surge in natural disasters.
Previously, Badenoch asserted that the UK cannot feasibly achieve its net-zero targets and pledged to abolish them while emphasizing the “maximization of oil and gas extraction” in the North Sea. This stance aligns with Reform leader Nigel Farage’s commitment to expedite North Sea oil and gas licensing and abandon net-zero targets if the party secures victory in the upcoming election.
Numerous environmental organizations have condemned this move, labeling it as “political suicide” and a “monstrous act of economic and environmental harm.” Greenpeace UK’s head of politics, Ami McCarthy, remarked, “Badenoch’s Conservatives are engaging in a contest with Reform UK on climate issues, and this represents a sprint towards the bottom. However, these politicized declarations are unlikely to garner support from the majority of the British populace, who demand decisive action to address climate change-induced floods, droughts, and heatwaves that are impacting lives and livelihoods in the UK.”
Tanya Steele, Chief Executive at WWF, criticized Badenoch’s decision, warning that it would escalate energy costs, impede the progress of clean British energy, hinder economic growth, and increase reliance on costly fossil fuel imports. She emphasized that such a move would be detrimental to nature, household finances, and farmers who are at the forefront of climate change challenges.