Theresa May Criticises Kemi Badenoch’s Climate Repeal Pledge
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Background: The Climate Change Act
The Climate Change Act was introduced in 2008 and was the first of its kind globally. It set legally binding carbon budgets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and established the independent Climate Change Committee to advise the government on emissions targets and progress. The Act has been a cornerstone of the UK’s climate policy, garnering cross-party support over the years.
Kemi Badenoch’s Repeal Proposal
In October 2025, Kemi Badenoch announced that, if elected, she would repeal the Climate Change Act. She argued that the Act 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.
Theresa May’s Criticism
Theresa May has condemned Badenoch’s pledge as a “catastrophic mistake.” She emphasized that the Climate Change Act was a significant achievement during her tenure as Prime Minister and that repealing it would dismantle the legal framework underpinning the UK’s emissions reduction strategy. May warned that such a move could undermine investor confidence, jeopardize skilled jobs, and damage Britain’s international climate leadership. She also noted that the Act has been instrumental in reducing emissions and fostering green economic growth.
Reactions from Other Political Figures
- Lord Deben: A former Conservative environment minister, Lord
Here’s a detailed summary with case studies, comments, and examples regarding Theresa May’s criticism of Kemi Badenoch’s climate repeal pledge:
Background
The UK Climate Change Act 2008 was the first legally binding climate legislation in the world. It commits the UK to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 through a system of legally mandated carbon budgets and an independent advisory body—the Climate Change Committee (CCC). Over the years, it has guided government policy, incentivized renewable energy investment, and maintained the UK’s international leadership on climate action.
In October 2025, Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, pledged to repeal the Climate Change Act if elected, arguing that it imposes regulatory burdens, increases energy costs, and slows economic growth. She proposed replacing it with a flexible energy strategy focused on affordability and economic growth, without legally binding net-zero targets.
Theresa May’s Criticism
Former Prime Minister Theresa May condemned Badenoch’s pledge as a “catastrophic mistake”. Key points include:
- Undermining Legal Framework
May stressed that repealing the Act would dismantle the legal and institutional structures ensuring emissions reductions, including carbon budgets and the CCC. - Economic Risks
She warned that the move could harm investor confidence, particularly in the renewable and green technology sectors, potentially leading to job losses and reduced economic growth. - International Reputation
May highlighted the risk of damaging the UK’s credibility in global climate negotiations and its leadership role ahead of international summits. - Historical Context
May noted that the Act was a cross-party achievement and a hallmark of responsible governance. She argued that repealing it would betray decades of progress and the commitments made by previous governments.
Case Studies
1. Renewable Energy Investments
- The Climate Change Act incentivized private investment in renewables.
- Example: Between 2015-2023, wind and solar projects attracted billions in private capital, creating thousands of jobs in the UK’s green economy.
- Repealing the Act could deter investors, slowing deployment of renewable infrastructure.
2. Business Compliance and Adaptation
- UK businesses adapted operations to meet carbon budgets.
- Example: Major firms like Unilever and Tesco implemented ambitious emission reduction strategies, often surpassing regulatory requirements.
- Removing legal obligations may reduce corporate incentives to innovate in sustainability.
3. Regional Environmental Policy
- Scotland and Wales have leveraged the Climate Change Act to set ambitious regional climate goals.
- Example: Scotland’s Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 aligns with the UK’s Act but goes further, aiming for net-zero by 2045.
- Badenoch’s repeal risks undermining regional strategies and cross-border environmental commitments.
Expert Opinions
- Professor Jim Watson (UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources): Called the repeal “a major step backwards” and warned it could jeopardize the UK’s climate and economic leadership.
- Bob Ward (Grantham Research Institute): Highlighted that reliance on fossil fuels would increase energy prices and environmental risks, while green energy investments would likely decline.
- Alok Sharma (Former COP26 President): Emphasized that the Act has been crucial for maintaining investor confidence and the UK’s role in international climate diplomacy.
Public and Political Reactions
- Supporters: Some voters and commentators argue that the Act drives up energy costs and restricts traditional industries like manufacturing, supporting Badenoch’s pledge as economically pragmatic.
- Opponents: Environmental groups, scientists, and cross-party politicians caution that repealing the Act risks environmental degradation, higher long-term costs from climate impacts, and loss of global leadership.
Conclusion
Theresa May’s criticism underscores the potential economic, environmental, and political risks of repealing the Climate Change Act. Case studies from renewable investments, corporate adaptation, and regional climate policies illustrate the tangible benefits of the Act. While Badenoch frames her proposal as prioritizing economic growth and energy affordability, experts and former leaders argue that it may compromise both the UK’s climate ambitions and its international reputation.