Kemi Badenoch has declared that the UK’s legally binding goal of reaching net zero by 2050 is “impossible” to achieve without severe economic consequences. Speaking in a major policy speech, she argued that current green policies are failing to balance environmental progress with affordability.
Badenoch Challenges Net Zero Target
The UK committed to net zero emissions by 2050 under a law introduced by former Prime Minister Theresa May in 2019, aligning with the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. However, Badenoch insisted that the target is unrealistic without a drastic reduction in living standards or financial instability.
She did not propose an alternative deadline but stated that her party would reconsider the timeline if a more viable path to net zero emerged.
Breaking from Political Consensus
Badenoch’s stance marks a sharp departure from previous Conservative and Labour climate policies, which have largely supported net zero. Her comments also come as Reform UK outlines its plan to abandon climate targets and increase fossil fuel production.
Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, recently proposed new taxes on renewable energy companies and an expansion of fossil fuel extraction as an alternative approach.
Net Zero Policies “Failing” to Lower Energy Costs
During her speech, Badenoch acknowledged the importance of both lower energy costs and environmental protection but criticized existing policies as ineffective.
“We’re falling between two stools – too high costs and too little progress,” she said. “Net zero by 2050 is impossible. I don’t say that with pleasure. We must do what we can to improve our natural world, but we have to deal with reality.”
She distanced herself from climate change skepticism, emphasizing that she was not questioning the science but rather the feasibility of the deadline.
Labour’s Response and Green Energy Investments
The Labour Party has reaffirmed its commitment to net zero, pledging £8.3 billion in investment for Great British Energy, a state-owned clean energy company. Labour also claims its renewable energy plans will cut household bills by up to £300 per year by 2030.
However, energy prices in the UK continue to rise, with another increase expected in April. The primary cause remains the high cost of natural gas, which has historically been the UK’s dominant energy source.
Labour criticized Badenoch’s speech, calling it a contradiction of her past views. “Kemi Badenoch claims she’s ready to ‘deal with reality’ while ignoring the Conservative government’s failure on energy policy,” a party spokesperson said.
Divided Opinions on Badenoch’s Net Zero Stance
Badenoch’s remarks have sparked a mixed reaction within the Conservative Party. Sam Hall, Director of the Conservative Environment Network, warned that abandoning net zero undermines the party’s environmental legacy.
However, Lord Craig Mackinlay, a long-time net zero skeptic, praised Badenoch for offering a “reality check,” arguing that most of the world has already moved away from ambitious climate targets.
As Badenoch continues to reshape Conservative policies, her stance on net zero signals a significant shift in the UK’s climate strategy, setting the stage for a contentious debate ahead of the next general election.
