UK Political Shift Towards Climate Change Denial

The Reform Party in the UK, led by figures such as Richard Tice and Nigel Farage, is increasingly distancing itself from established climate science, particularly the consensus that human activities are driving global warming. Following local elections in May 2025, where the party gained control of ten councils, Reform councillors have begun to dismantle existing climate policies. For instance, Kent councillors voted to eliminate the council's climate emergency declaration, supported by a briefing document that questioned the link between human activity and climate change. This document claimed, “the world is exiting a mini ice age,” and referenced the World Climate Declaration of 2022, which has been criticized for its lack of scientific credibility.

Kemi Badenoch called ‘Reform tribute act’ for vowing to scrap the Climate Change ActClimate Change Act ‘repeal’: expert commentsKemi Badenoch pledges to scrap the Climate Change Act

Critics have condemned the Reform Party's stance as dangerous and reminiscent of the climate denialism seen in the United States under former President Donald Trump. Tessa Khan, executive director of Uplift, stated that the party's rhetoric aligns with that of the oil and gas industry, which has profited significantly while contributing to climate change. The party's deputy leader, Richard Tice, has openly stated that there is no evidence supporting the idea that man-made CO2 affects climate change, a sentiment echoed at the party's annual conference where the Heartland Institute, known for its climate denial, was featured.

In parallel, Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, has announced intentions to repeal the Climate Change Act of 2008, which set legally binding targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Badenoch's proposal has drawn sharp criticism, with opponents labeling it a “Reform tribute act” and accusing her of adopting “Trump-style climate denialism.” The Climate Change Act, which was strengthened under former Prime Minister Theresa May, aimed for net-zero emissions by 2050. Critics argue that repealing this act would undermine the UK's international commitments and hinder the growth of green industries.

Kemi Badenoch called ‘Reform tribute act’ for vowing to scrap the Climate Change ActKemi Badenoch pledges to scrap the Climate Change ActCityLabClimate Change Act ‘repeal’: expert comments

Supporters of the Climate Change Act argue that its repeal would not only jeopardize environmental progress but also economic growth. Experts warn that abandoning net-zero targets could lock the UK into a reliance on fossil fuels, exacerbating energy costs and undermining the transition to renewable energy sources. Luke Hatton, a researcher in energy economics, emphasized that the real cause of rising energy prices is exposure to volatile global gas prices, not net-zero commitments.

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The backlash against these proposed changes has been significant, with environmental groups and political opponents urging the government to uphold its climate commitments. Asad Rehman, chief executive of Friends of the Earth, criticized Badenoch's approach as politically reckless, warning that it would alienate future generations and businesses. The debate surrounding climate policy in the UK reflects a broader global struggle between climate action and denial, with significant implications for both the environment and the economy.

Kemi Badenoch pledges to scrap the Climate Change Act

• “Tessa Khan, executive director of Uplift, which supports efforts for a transition away from oil and gas production in the UK, said: “The anti-science, anti-renewables rhetoric of Reform and some of its councillors is straight out of the Trump handbook.” — Tessa Khan, Executive Director of Uplift

• “ He added: “Repealing the Act would sacrifice the green industries of the future and prop up the polluting industries of the past.” — Chaitanya Kumar, Head of Environment and Economy at the New Economics Foundation

Kemi Badenoch called ‘Reform tribute act’ for vowing to scrap the Climate Change Act

• “The Basingstoke MP said: “Scrapping the Climate Change Act while claiming to believe in climate change is like admitting gravity exists, jumping out of a plane, and then throwing away your parachute.” — Luke Murphy, Labour MP

Kemi Badenoch called ‘Reform tribute act’ for vowing to scrap the Climate Change Act

• “ Professor Ed Hawkins said: “Climate change is already making people's lives more difficult through more frequent floods, heatwaves, and other extreme weather.” — Professor Ed Hawkins, Climate Scientist

Climate Change Act ‘repeal’: expert comments

There is a notable divide in public opinion regarding climate policies, with opinion polls indicating that a majority of the population supports net-zero targets, contrasting with the positions taken by the Reform Party and the Conservative Party leadership. The extent of public concern about climate change and the potential economic impacts of repealing existing climate legislation remains a critical area for further investigation.

Kemi Badenoch called ‘Reform tribute act’ for vowing to scrap the Climate Change Act