On October 2, 2025, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch announced a controversial pledge to repeal the UK’s landmark Climate Change Act of 2008 if her party wins the next general election. This legislation, which set legally binding targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net-zero status by 2050, has been a cornerstone of UK environmental policy for nearly two decades. Badenoch’s vow marks a significant departure from the long-standing cross-party consensus on climate action and has ignited widespread debate across the political spectrum.
The Repeal Proposal
Badenoch’s proposal involves dismantling the Climate Change Act, eliminating legally binding carbon budgets, and disbanding the independent Climate Change Committee, which advises the government on emissions targets and progress. She argues that the current framework imposes excessive regulatory burdens, hampers economic growth, and drives up energy costs for households and businesses. Instead, Badenoch advocates for a new energy strategy focused on affordable and reliable power, economic growth, and environmental conservation, without the constraints of legally binding net-zero targets (The Guardian).
Political Reactions
Conservative Party Dynamics
Badenoch’s announcement has caused a rift within the Conservative Party. Former Prime Minister Theresa May condemned the move as a “catastrophic mistake,” warning that it would dismantle the legal framework underpinning the UK’s emissions reduction strategy and undermine investor confidence. Lord Deben, a former Conservative environment minister, criticized the proposal, stating that Margaret Thatcher would have been “appalled” by the move, given her early advocacy for environmental action (The Times).
Business leaders, including former COP26 president Alok Sharma, echoed these concerns, emphasizing that repealing the Climate Change Act could jeopardize private investment, skilled jobs, and Britain’s international climate leadership. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) reported that the energy transition added £83 billion to the UK economy in the previous year, highlighting the economic viability of decarbonization (The Guardian).
Opposition Parties
Labour leader Ed Miliband condemned Badenoch’s plan, warning that it would harm economic stability and betray future generations. He emphasized that the Climate Change Act has been instrumental in reducing emissions and fostering green economic growth. The Liberal Democrats and the Green Party also criticized the proposal, urging for continued investment in clean energy and environmental protection (Financial Times).
Expert Opinions
Environmental and Scientific Community
Experts from the environmental and scientific communities have strongly criticized Badenoch’s pledge. Professor Jim Watson, Director of the UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources, described the repeal as a “big mistake,” arguing that the Climate Change Act is essential for ensuring the UK delivers its share of global emissions reductions. He warned that repealing the act would undermine the UK’s international climate leadership and economic competitiveness (Science Media Centre).
Bob Ward, Policy Director at the Grantham Research Institute, also opposed the move, stating that maintaining dependence on fossil fuels is detrimental to economic growth and leads to high energy prices. He emphasized the growing costs of climate change impacts, including extreme weather events and rising sea levels, and called for continued investment in clean energy (Third Force News).
Public and Regional Reactions
Public opinion appears to be divided on the issue. While some support Badenoch’s focus on economic growth and affordable energy, others express concern over the potential environmental consequences of repealing the Climate Change Act. In Scotland, campaigners have voiced strong opposition, arguing that scrapping the legislation would be “incredibly reckless” and harm both UK citizens and global communities (Third Force News).
Potential Consequences
Economic Implications
Repealing the Climate Change Act could have significant economic implications. The UK’s green economy has been a source of growth, with the energy transition contributing £83 billion to the economy in the previous year. Dismantling the legal framework could undermine investor confidence, leading to reduced investment in clean energy technologies and potential job losses in the sector (The Guardian).
Environmental Risks
Eliminating legally binding emissions targets could delay or derail efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating the impacts of climate change. The UK could fall behind other nations in meeting international climate commitments, potentially facing trade penalties and losing its status as a global leader in climate action (Science Media Centre).
Case Studies and Examples
1. Economic Impact of Climate Policies
Critics argue that stringent climate policies have led to increased energy costs for consumers. For instance, the UK’s push for renewable energy sources has sometimes resulted in higher electricity prices due to infrastructure costs and subsidies for green technologies. Some businesses have reported challenges in adapting to these changes, leading to calls for a more balanced approach that considers both environmental goals and economic realities.
2. International Comparisons
Countries like the United States and Australia have faced debates over climate policies and their economic implications. In the U.S., for example, the withdrawal from the Paris Agreement under the Trump administration was justified by the need to protect American jobs and industries. Similarly, Australia has experienced tensions between economic interests, particularly in the mining sector, and environmental concerns. These international examples highlight the complex interplay between economic development and environmental responsibility.
Public and Political Reactions
Supporters’ Perspective
Some members of the public and political commentators support Badenoch’s stance, arguing that the UK’s climate policies have led to job losses in traditional industries and higher living costs. They contend that repealing the Climate Change Act could revitalize sectors like manufacturing and reduce energy expenses for households.
Opponents’ Concerns
Environmental organizations and many scientists express concern that repealing the Act could hinder progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and undermine the UK’s commitment to international climate agreements. They warn of potential long-term environmental consequences, including more severe climate events and loss of biodiversity.
Conclusion
Kemi Badenoch’s proposal to repeal the Climate Change Act represents a significant pivot in UK climate policy, reflecting broader global debates about balancing economic development with environmental stewardship. As the political landscape evolves, this issue will likely remain at the forefront of national and international discussions on sustainable development.