Key facts
- Reform UK conference attendees largely expressed skepticism about climate science and its predictions.
- Many attendees criticized the government for failing to adequately protect people during recent heatwaves.
- Specific concerns raised included small windows in new homes, lack of air conditioning in public buildings, and insufficient support for farmers.
- Professor Michael Jacobs noted the contradiction of supporting adaptation while opposing emission cuts, attributing it to misinformation from party leadership.
- Polling indicates Reform voters are generally less climate-skeptical than the party's leadership.
- Labour's climate minister stated Reform's stance on climate change is out of step with public opinion.
At the Reform UK conference in Birmingham, attendees largely echoed the party's skepticism towards climate science, with many questioning the impact of human activity on global warming. Despite this, a significant number of attendees also voiced criticism of the current government's handling of recent extreme heatwaves.
Richard Tice, the deputy leader of Reform UK, addressed the conference, having previously encouraged people to enjoy the summer's heat. His views were met with applause, and many attendees shared similar sentiments. Jeanette Bowden, for instance, stated she enjoyed the summer heat and did not believe people needed to be told to take care of themselves. Her partner, James, claimed that carbon dioxide levels were previously much higher, suggesting climate change is not a human problem.
Other attendees, such as Yvonne, described climate change predictions as "overhyped," while Jim Langford expressed disbelief in the forecasts, citing the example of Norwich not being underwater as predicted. Ed Rennie, a former Labour councillor, noted that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change had revised some of its higher predictions downwards.
However, a notable contradiction emerged as many who doubted climate science also criticized the government's preparedness for hot weather. Bowden pointed to the design of new-build houses with small windows, suggesting they become too hot in summer. Yvonne criticized the government for being on holiday during the heatwaves and failing to ensure clean water and sewage systems. Nicholas advocated for air conditioning in public buildings and homes.
Langford asserted the government was "absolutely not" doing enough to help people cope with extreme weather impacts, calling their actions a waste of resources. Beryl Kingsbury argued that while individuals should take responsibility for their safety, farmers required more government support. Mark Henderson suggested that health and safety rules, like wearing helmets, should be relaxed in hot weather to be more task-specific.
Michael Jacobs, an emeritus professor of political economy, explained that the confusion among Reform supporters was expected, given the party leadership's promotion of "myths and lies" about the climate. He noted that voters often hold contradictory views, and the climate issue is intensified by right-wing parties turning it into a culture war. Jacobs stated that claims of net zero being economically ruinous or the UK acting alone in cutting emissions are "pernicious myths" that obscure the scientific necessity of reaching net zero to halt the climate crisis.
Polling data suggests that Reform voters are generally less likely to deny climate science than their leaders. A significant minority, around a quarter, still support the net zero target, and about 70% favor higher taxes on fossil fuels, contrary to the leadership's stance of scrapping windfall taxes on North Sea oil and gas.
Labour's climate minister, Katie White, commented that Reform's position on climate change is isolated in British politics, especially after the recent summer. She urged Reform not to turn climate change into another culture war and emphasized the importance of investing in renewable technologies and supporting British businesses.