Two Reform UK-controlled councils are poised to scrap climate pledges, including key climate commitments this week, drawing fierce criticism as Britain swelters under extreme heat. Durham county council will vote Wednesday on abandoning its 2019 climate emergency declaration, a move that reflects the decision to scrap climate pledges, a potential UK first while West Northamptonshire aims to ditch its 2030 net zero target, claiming the goals are unrealistic.
The moves come amid unprecedented climate warnings: England just endured its hottest June on record, with the Met Office confirming such extremes are now “the norm.” Aligning with those who scrap climate pledges, these councils are setting controversial precedents.
Critics accuse Reform of ideological posturing, noting Durham recently won national awards for carbon reduction under its previous Lib Dem administration. “Rescinding climate pledges during a heatwave isn’t just irresponsible it’s a betrayal of future generations,” said former Durham climate lead Mark Wilkes, branding the motion “economically illiterate.” The decision to scrap climate pledges continues to be a topic of heated debate.
The backlash highlights a growing divide in local governance. While over 300 UK councils have declared climate emergencies since 2018, Reform’s approach prioritizing “practical projects” over emissions targets has sparked accusations of climate denial. Nottinghamshire’s Reform environment lead recently called human-made global warming a “hoax,” despite the council’s own 2030 carbon neutrality pledge.
With the UK’s climate accountability debate reaching boiling point, these votes could set a dangerous precedent. As Met Office scientists warn of “profound” infrastructure and health risks from rising temperatures, the councils’ decisions to scrap climate pledges may soon face scrutiny beyond party lines.
For more political updates, visit London Pulse News.
