Walsall Council Rescinds Climate-Emergency Declaration Amid Green Party Criticism

At a full-council meeting on July 27, Reform Party councillors—who hold the majority on Walsall Council—voted to overturn the borough’s 2019 climate-emergency declaration. Reform leaders described the original pledge as “virtue-signalling” that had delivered no benefit for taxpayers. The motion to rescind the declaration passed with Reform members’ support.

Birmingham Mail

Local Green Party officials condemned the reversal as “dangerous.” Joe Belcher, the party’s Walsall coordinator, warned that Europe is experiencing “mega-fires” that are breaking historical records, noting that the 2026 wildfire season has shown a dramatic escalation in scale, speed and intensity. He added that the council’s stance appeared to align with “conspiracy theories” that treat climate change as a hoax. Helen Neville, an executive-committee member, argued that climate action and sound financial management are not mutually exclusive, emphasizing that energy-efficiency upgrades and improved public transport both save money and reduce pollution.

Birmingham Mail

Councillor Elaine Williams, leader of the council, responded that the administration is focused on delivering “best value for residents” through practical, proportionate actions. She said the council remains committed to improving energy efficiency, protecting green spaces, assisting households and strengthening community resilience, asserting that a formal climate-emergency declaration is not the only pathway to progress.

Birmingham Mail

The 2019 declaration had been part of a broader pledge to address global warming at the borough level. Since Reform councillors assumed control, they have framed climate-related initiatives as financially imprudent, arguing that resources should be directed toward measures with immediate, measurable outcomes for residents.

Birmingham Mail

• “They appear to have fallen for conspiracy theories claiming that climate change is a hoax. The Reform administration in Walsall is dangerous.” — Helen Neville, Walsall Green Party executive committee member “They appear to have fallen for conspiracy theories claiming that climate change is a hoax. The Reform administration in Walsall is dangerous.” — Helen Neville, Walsall Green Party executive committee member

Birmingham Mail