Achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 is “impossible,” according to Kemi Badenoch, who is set to challenge one of her predecessor’s landmark policies.
In a major speech launching a “policy renewal programme,” the Conservative leader will argue that former Prime Minister Theresa May set the ambitious target without a viable strategy for reaching it.
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May introduced the net zero commitment in 2019, calling it a defining step in tackling climate change.
“This country led the world in innovation during the Industrial Revolution, and now we must lead the world to a cleaner, greener form of growth,” she stated at the time. However, Badenoch is expected to criticize the decision, claiming it was made hastily and lacked a structured approach.
‘Government by Press Release Must End,’ Says Kemi Badenoch
Kemi Badenoch will argue that the net zero goal was decided in just 90 minutes without a single parliamentary vote.
She will highlight her concerns, stating: “A multi-trillion, 30-year project touching every single aspect of our lives was decided in 90 minutes. Amongst the MPs who spoke that day, only a handful sounded notes of caution. I was one of them.”
She will go on to emphasize the importance of honesty in politics, stating: “We’ve got to stop government by press release. It’s exactly the reason that the political class has lost trust. The only way we can regain it is to tell the unvarnished truth. Net zero by 2050 is impossible.”
Badenoch maintains that while she supports environmental efforts, unrealistic targets risk harming the economy and living standards. She warns that achieving net zero without significant global cooperation could leave the UK at an economic disadvantage, making the country “less safe, less secure, and less resilient.”
Climate Advocates Push Back, Calling Remarks ‘Dangerous’
Badenoch’s comments have sparked backlash from environmental advocates and some within her own party.
Sam Hall, director of the Conservative Environment Network, criticized her position, arguing that she is undermining years of progress made by Conservative governments. “It is a mistake for Kemi Badenoch to have jumped the gun on her own policy review and decided net zero isn’t possible by 2050,” Hall said.
Mike Childs, head of policy at Friends of the Earth, called Kemi Badenoch’s stance “dangerous and downright wrong,” accusing her of playing politics with the future of younger generations.
“Claiming net zero by 2050 is impossible without a shred of evidence completely contradicts her statement that she wants to protect the natural world,” he added.
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