Key facts
- Britain has experienced severe heatwaves and wildfires, with nearly 2,900 heat-associated deaths recorded in England during May and June.
- Some Labour MPs believe the party's approach to the climate crisis is too cautious and risks alienating its voter base.
- Reform UK's deputy leader, Richard Tice, suggested enjoying warmer weather and dismissed climate action efforts.
- Claire Coutinho, shadow energy and net zero secretary, called for prioritizing cheap electricity over net-zero targets.
- Recent polling shows high public concern about climate change, but support for the UK's net-zero target has fallen.
- Labour government figures state they have an ambitious climate agenda, including clean power targets and investments in clean energy.
Labour MPs have voiced concerns that the party is not adequately addressing the climate crisis, fearing a disconnect with voters who remain supportive of net-zero policies. This sentiment arises amid a summer of record-breaking heatwaves, wildfires, and drought across Britain and Europe, which have resulted in significant heat-associated deaths.
Some within the Labour party believe the government's cautious approach is a strategic error, potentially alienating their core voter base. MP Jeevun Sandher argues that climate action is an electoral advantage that energizes supporters, persuades undecided voters, and divides opponents, suggesting a combination of climate messaging with affordability offers. Another MP expressed worry about the changing voter base and the party's perceived hesitation to fully embrace net-zero policies, especially in light of pressure from right-leaning parties.
Reform UK's deputy leader, Richard Tice, drew criticism for suggesting people should enjoy warmer weather and dismissing climate action. Similarly, Claire Coutinho, the shadow energy and net zero secretary, advocated for prioritizing cheap electricity over net-zero targets, favoring nuclear and gas power. However, polling from More in Common suggests the public is more unified in its concern about climate change than the political debate might indicate, with a majority of Britons across the political spectrum worried about extreme weather and believing climate change is a contributing factor.
Despite high levels of climate concern, support for the UK's net-zero target has seen a decline, with opposition nearly doubling. This suggests a decoupling between general climate worry and specific support for net-zero policies, potentially due to associations with personal sacrifice during a cost of living crisis. Some within the Labour party argue that speculation about a retreat from net zero has grown despite policy commitments remaining in place.
Other parties are also pushing the climate agenda. The Green Party called for an emergency Cobra meeting, and the Liberal Democrats are advocating for Britain to become 'climate ready' and maintain a strong focus on emission reduction. Labour figures maintain that their climate agenda is ambitious and essential for uniting their electoral coalition, emphasizing commitments to clean power, clean energy investment, and the transition to electric vehicles.