A significant shift in British climate politics may be underway as the Heartland Institute, a controversial US-based lobby group, launches its UK branch.
The event was attended by notable figures such as Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, and former Prime Minister Liz Truss, sparking criticism from environmental advocates and political commentators.
The UK branch, named Heartland UK/Europe, is set to be led by Lois Perry, a former UKIP leader and vocal climate sceptic.
The launch, held at the exclusive Brooks’s private members club in Mayfair, also saw participation from Conservative MPs Andrew Griffith and Christopher Chope, raising questions about the growing influence of climate scepticism in UK politics.
The Heartland Institute is widely recognised for its controversial stance on climate change. The organisation has previously drawn criticism for its extreme messaging, including denying the connection between heatwaves and climate change.
It has been linked to funding from fossil fuel companies and wealthy Republican donors in the US.
The establishment of a UK branch is seen as part of the institute’s strategy to expand its influence in Europe.
The group aims to provide resources for conservative policymakers and challenge existing climate policies, particularly those focused on net zero targets.
Nigel Farage is positioning himself at the forefront of the anti-net zero agenda in the UK. Reform UK, under his leadership, has prioritised opposing net zero policies, advocating for their removal and supporting initiatives such as new coal mining projects.
Farage has expressed confidence that public opposition to net zero policies is growing, and the partnership with Heartland appears to align with his broader political goals.
Environmental experts have voiced strong concerns about the potential impact of Heartland’s expansion into the UK. Critics argue that the group’s presence could undermine the country’s climate commitments and embolden similar movements across Europe.
Political figures, including Green Party representatives, have condemned the collaboration, viewing it as a threat to progress on addressing the climate crisis.
While some attendees, including Conservative MP Andrew Griffith, downplayed their involvement in the event, others highlighted the broader implications of hosting such an organisation in the UK.
Griffith emphasised the importance of competitive energy costs for businesses but refrained from endorsing Heartland’s policies directly.
