Key facts
- The Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (ARC) conference in London drew over 4,000 delegates from 85 countries.
- Former Trump administration officials, including ex-energy secretary Chris Wright, criticized UK net zero policies.
- UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband was a focal point of criticism from conservative and populist speakers.
- The conference themes included opposition to green economic policies and support for social conservative causes.
- Financial backing for the event came from US fossil fuel companies and donors with ties to Donald Trump.
The Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (ARC) conference, dubbed an 'anti-woke Davos,' convened in London, drawing over 4,000 delegates from 85 countries. Prominent figures from conservative, rightwing populist, and US political circles gathered to critique current UK energy policies and social trends.
Former Trump administration officials, including ex-energy secretary Chris Wright, were vocal critics. Wright described Britain's net zero policies as a 'tragic mistake' that has impoverished citizens and predicted a policy reversal aligned with the US. He suggested that most major European countries recognize their energy policy errors and are seeking to pivot away.
UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also targeted Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, whom she identified as a 'villain' behind Britain's deindustrialization and economic decline. She stated that Miliband should not be allowed near positions of power.
The conference's agenda included libertarian opposition to green economic policies and social conservative stances, such as opposition to abortion and multiculturalism. Speakers later in the week were expected to include US state department officials and Reform leader Nigel Farage.
Financial backing for the ARC conference came from a range of sources, including US fossil fuel interests like Howard Energy Partners and Heyco Energy Group, major Trump donors such as Anthony Pratt, and anti-abortion groups. GB News owners Paul Marshall and the Dubai-based Legatum group also provided support.