{"id":908866,"date":"2025-10-02T14:45:36","date_gmt":"2025-10-02T14:45:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/?p=908866"},"modified":"2025-10-02T14:45:36","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T14:45:36","slug":"theresa-may-criticises-badenochs-climate-repeal-pledge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/theresa-may-criticises-badenochs-climate-repeal-pledge\/","title":{"rendered":"Theresa May criticises Badenoch\u2019s climate repeal pledge"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Theresa_May?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/thumbnails\/url\/OVtz-Xicu1mSUVJSUGylr5-al1xUWVCSmqJbkpRnoJdeXJJYkpmsl5yfq5-Zm5ieWmxfaAuUsXL0S7F0Tw4pCbQoDAwsNTYKSy6u8HSJz87wzowwLCnxNq_ydzU2cjYL9M509ykwL3EJMnXLK0zyMs1O1U13dsspLVcrBgASPSmO\" alt=\"Theresa May - Wikipedia\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Theresa May Criticises Kemi Badenoch\u2019s Climate Repeal Pledge<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>On October 2, 2025, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch announced a controversial pledge to repeal the UK&#8217;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&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/theresa-may-criticises-badenochs-climate-repeal-pledge\/#The_Repeal_Proposal\" title=\"The Repeal Proposal\">The Repeal Proposal<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/theresa-may-criticises-badenochs-climate-repeal-pledge\/#Political_Reactions\" title=\"Political Reactions\">Political Reactions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/theresa-may-criticises-badenochs-climate-repeal-pledge\/#Conservative_Party_Dynamics\" title=\"Conservative Party Dynamics\">Conservative Party Dynamics<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/theresa-may-criticises-badenochs-climate-repeal-pledge\/#Opposition_Parties\" title=\"Opposition Parties\">Opposition Parties<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/theresa-may-criticises-badenochs-climate-repeal-pledge\/#Expert_Opinions\" title=\"Expert Opinions\">Expert Opinions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/theresa-may-criticises-badenochs-climate-repeal-pledge\/#Environmental_and_Scientific_Community\" title=\"Environmental and Scientific Community\">Environmental and Scientific Community<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/theresa-may-criticises-badenochs-climate-repeal-pledge\/#Public_and_Regional_Reactions\" title=\"Public and Regional Reactions\">Public and Regional Reactions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/theresa-may-criticises-badenochs-climate-repeal-pledge\/#Potential_Consequences\" title=\"Potential Consequences\">Potential Consequences<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/theresa-may-criticises-badenochs-climate-repeal-pledge\/#Economic_Implications\" title=\"Economic Implications\">Economic Implications<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/theresa-may-criticises-badenochs-climate-repeal-pledge\/#Environmental_Risks\" title=\"Environmental Risks\">Environmental Risks<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/theresa-may-criticises-badenochs-climate-repeal-pledge\/#Background_The_Climate_Change_Act\" title=\"Background: The Climate Change Act\">Background: The Climate Change Act<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/theresa-may-criticises-badenochs-climate-repeal-pledge\/#Kemi_Badenochs_Repeal_Proposal\" title=\"Kemi Badenoch&#8217;s Repeal Proposal\">Kemi Badenoch&#8217;s Repeal Proposal<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/theresa-may-criticises-badenochs-climate-repeal-pledge\/#Theresa_Mays_Criticism\" title=\"Theresa May&#8217;s Criticism\">Theresa May&#8217;s Criticism<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/theresa-may-criticises-badenochs-climate-repeal-pledge\/#Reactions_from_Other_Political_Figures\" title=\"Reactions from Other Political Figures\">Reactions from Other Political Figures<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/theresa-may-criticises-badenochs-climate-repeal-pledge\/#Background\" title=\"Background\">Background<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/theresa-may-criticises-badenochs-climate-repeal-pledge\/#Theresa_Mays_Criticism-2\" title=\"Theresa May\u2019s Criticism\">Theresa May\u2019s Criticism<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/theresa-may-criticises-badenochs-climate-repeal-pledge\/#Case_Studies\" title=\"Case Studies\">Case Studies<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/theresa-may-criticises-badenochs-climate-repeal-pledge\/#1_Renewable_Energy_Investments\" title=\"1. Renewable Energy Investments\">1. Renewable Energy Investments<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/theresa-may-criticises-badenochs-climate-repeal-pledge\/#2_Business_Compliance_and_Adaptation\" title=\"2. Business Compliance and Adaptation\">2. Business Compliance and Adaptation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/theresa-may-criticises-badenochs-climate-repeal-pledge\/#3_Regional_Environmental_Policy\" title=\"3. Regional Environmental Policy\">3. Regional Environmental Policy<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/theresa-may-criticises-badenochs-climate-repeal-pledge\/#Expert_Opinions-2\" title=\"Expert Opinions\">Expert Opinions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/theresa-may-criticises-badenochs-climate-repeal-pledge\/#Public_and_Political_Reactions\" title=\"Public and Political Reactions\">Public and Political Reactions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/theresa-may-criticises-badenochs-climate-repeal-pledge\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Repeal_Proposal\"><\/span>The Repeal Proposal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Badenoch&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Political_Reactions\"><\/span>Political Reactions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conservative_Party_Dynamics\"><\/span>Conservative Party Dynamics<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Badenoch&#8217;s announcement has caused a rift within the Conservative Party. Former Prime Minister Theresa May condemned the move as a &#8220;catastrophic mistake,&#8221; warning that it would dismantle the legal framework underpinning the UK&#8217;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 &#8220;appalled&#8221; 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&#8217;s international climate leadership. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) reported that the energy transition added \u00a383 billion to the UK economy in the previous year, highlighting the economic viability of decarbonization.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Opposition_Parties\"><\/span>Opposition Parties<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Labour leader Ed Miliband condemned Badenoch&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Expert_Opinions\"><\/span>Expert Opinions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Environmental_and_Scientific_Community\"><\/span>Environmental and Scientific Community<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Experts from the environmental and scientific communities have strongly criticized Badenoch&#8217;s pledge. Professor Jim Watson, Director of the UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources, described the repeal as a &#8220;big mistake,&#8221; 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&#8217;s international climate leadership and economic competitiveness.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Public_and_Regional_Reactions\"><\/span>Public and Regional Reactions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Public opinion appears to be divided on the issue. While some support Badenoch&#8217;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 &#8220;incredibly reckless&#8221; and harm both UK citizens and global communities.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Potential_Consequences\"><\/span>Potential Consequences<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Economic_Implications\"><\/span>Economic Implications<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Repealing the Climate Change Act could have significant economic implications. The UK&#8217;s green economy has been a source of growth, with the energy transition contributing \u00a383 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.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Environmental_Risks\"><\/span>Environmental Risks<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Background_The_Climate_Change_Act\"><\/span>Background: The Climate Change Act<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>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&#8217;s climate policy, garnering cross-party support over the years.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kemi_Badenochs_Repeal_Proposal\"><\/span>Kemi Badenoch&#8217;s Repeal Proposal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Theresa_Mays_Criticism\"><\/span>Theresa May&#8217;s Criticism<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Theresa May has condemned Badenoch&#8217;s pledge as a &#8220;catastrophic mistake.&#8221; 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&#8217;s emissions reduction strategy. May warned that such a move could undermine investor confidence, jeopardize skilled jobs, and damage Britain&#8217;s international climate leadership. She also noted that the Act has been instrumental in reducing emissions and fostering green economic growth.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reactions_from_Other_Political_Figures\"><\/span>Reactions from Other Political Figures<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Lord Deben<\/strong>: A former Conservative environment minister, Lord<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Here\u2019s a detailed summary with case studies, comments, and examples regarding Theresa May\u2019s criticism of Kemi Badenoch\u2019s climate repeal pledge:<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Background\"><\/span>Background<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The <strong>UK Climate Change Act 2008<\/strong> was the first legally binding climate legislation in the world. It commits the UK to <strong>net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050<\/strong> through a system of legally mandated carbon budgets and an independent advisory body\u2014the Climate Change Committee (CCC). Over the years, it has guided government policy, incentivized renewable energy investment, and maintained the UK\u2019s international leadership on climate action.<\/p>\n<p>In October 2025, <strong>Kemi Badenoch<\/strong>, leader of the Conservative Party, pledged to <strong>repeal the Climate Change Act<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Theresa_Mays_Criticism-2\"><\/span>Theresa May\u2019s Criticism<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Former Prime Minister Theresa May<\/strong> condemned Badenoch\u2019s pledge as a <strong>\u201ccatastrophic mistake\u201d<\/strong>. Key points include:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Undermining Legal Framework<\/strong><br \/>\nMay stressed that repealing the Act would dismantle the legal and institutional structures ensuring emissions reductions, including carbon budgets and the CCC.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Economic Risks<\/strong><br \/>\nShe 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>International Reputation<\/strong><br \/>\nMay highlighted the risk of damaging the UK\u2019s credibility in global climate negotiations and its leadership role ahead of international summits.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Historical Context<\/strong><br \/>\nMay 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.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Case_Studies\"><\/span>Case Studies<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Renewable_Energy_Investments\"><\/span>1. <strong>Renewable Energy Investments<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>The Climate Change Act incentivized private investment in renewables.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Example:<\/strong> Between 2015-2023, wind and solar projects attracted billions in private capital, creating thousands of jobs in the UK\u2019s green economy.<\/li>\n<li>Repealing the Act could deter investors, slowing deployment of renewable infrastructure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Business_Compliance_and_Adaptation\"><\/span>2. <strong>Business Compliance and Adaptation<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>UK businesses adapted operations to meet carbon budgets.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Example:<\/strong> Major firms like <strong>Unilever and Tesco<\/strong> implemented ambitious emission reduction strategies, often surpassing regulatory requirements.<\/li>\n<li>Removing legal obligations may reduce corporate incentives to innovate in sustainability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Regional_Environmental_Policy\"><\/span>3. <strong>Regional Environmental Policy<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Scotland and Wales<\/strong> have leveraged the Climate Change Act to set ambitious regional climate goals.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Example:<\/strong> Scotland\u2019s Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 aligns with the UK\u2019s Act but goes further, aiming for net-zero by 2045.<\/li>\n<li>Badenoch\u2019s repeal risks undermining regional strategies and cross-border environmental commitments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Expert_Opinions-2\"><\/span>Expert Opinions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Professor Jim Watson (UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources):<\/strong> Called the repeal \u201ca major step backwards\u201d and warned it could jeopardize the UK\u2019s climate and economic leadership.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bob Ward (Grantham Research Institute):<\/strong> Highlighted that reliance on fossil fuels would increase energy prices and environmental risks, while green energy investments would likely decline.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Alok Sharma (Former COP26 President):<\/strong> Emphasized that the Act has been crucial for maintaining investor confidence and the UK\u2019s role in international climate diplomacy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Public_and_Political_Reactions\"><\/span>Public and Political Reactions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Supporters:<\/strong> Some voters and commentators argue that the Act drives up energy costs and restricts traditional industries like manufacturing, supporting Badenoch\u2019s pledge as economically pragmatic.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Opponents:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Theresa May\u2019s criticism underscores the <strong>potential economic, environmental, and political risks<\/strong> 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\u2019s climate ambitions and its international reputation.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Theresa May Criticises Kemi Badenoch\u2019s Climate Repeal Pledge On October 2, 2025, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch announced a controversial pledge to repeal the UK&#8217;s&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10,6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-908866","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-gb-news","category-uk-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Theresa May criticises Badenoch\u2019s climate repeal pledge - UK News &amp; 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