Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has vowed to repeal the landmark Climate Change Act of 2008 if the party returns to power in the next General Election, announcing a dramatic policy shift that dismantles the UK’s foundational climate legislation.
The pledge, made ahead of the party’s annual conference, signals an end to decades of cross-party consensus on emissions targets and is intended to reposition the party squarely on a platform of economic growth and energy affordability.
A policy for growth, not bankruptcy:
Badenoch confirmed her intention to replace the Act—which sets legally binding carbon budgets—with what she called an energy strategy that puts cheap and reliable energy as the foundation for economic growth first, as reported by The Guardian.
The Conservative leader was unequivocal in her criticism of the current law, which she claims has shackled the economy and forced unaffordable policies onto the British public.
“We want to leave a cleaner environment for our children, but not by bankrupting the country,” Badenoch stated, according to the BBC. “Climate change is real. But Labour’s laws tied us in red tape, loaded us with costs, and did nothing to cut global emissions. Previous Conservative governments tried to make Labour’s climate laws work—they don’t.”
She reinforced her commitment to a new direction, focused on domestic affordability. “Under my leadership, we will scrap those failed targets,” she said. “Our priority now is growth, cheaper energy, and protecting the natural landscapes we all love.” The party argues the Act forces ministers to make decisions that make the “British people poorer, destroy jobs, and make our economy weaker.”
Conflict over fossil fuels and investment:
The announcement was met with immediate resistance from environmental experts and political opponents who directly disputed the claim that repealing the Act would stimulate economic growth.
The proposed strategy involves maximizing North Sea oil and gas extraction, a policy Badenoch links to lower energy bills.
The claim was challenged by Bob Ward, Policy and Communications Director, Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, who disputes the idea that continued dependence on fossil fuels would be beneficial for long-term economic prosperity.
Media reports, including The Guardian, cited Ward and other experts who argue that the Climate Change Act has provided the necessary bedrock for investment in the UK’s green economy, and that the rising costs of fossil fuels—not green policy—are the true burden on households.
Critics warned that scrapping the law sends damaging signals to markets, jeopardising jobs, growth, and our long-term energy security.
Leaders call it a catastrophic mistake:
The reaction from within the Conservative Party was equally fierce, with prominent figures condemning the move.
Former Prime Minister Theresa May called the plan a catastrophic mistake, according to reports.
Lord Alok Sharma, former COP26 President, warned against squandering the UK’s global leadership position on climate for short-term political expediency.
