Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has pledged to repeal the 2008 Climate Change Act if her party wins the next election, a move that breaks political consensus and sparks fierce criticism from environmental and business sectors.
October 2, 2025
Source:
The Guardian
Badenoch Pledges to Scrap Landmark Climate Law
Kemi Badenoch, leader of the UK Conservative Party, has announced a significant shift in environmental policy, vowing to repeal the Climate Change Act (2008) if her party secures victory in the next general election. This move dismantles a long-standing bipartisan consensus on climate action that has guided UK policy for over a decade.
Badenoch argued the repeal is necessary to combat high energy costs and stimulate economic growth. "The legislation has harmed British businesses and working families," she stated, linking the Act directly to stagnant GDP.
Support from Pro-Business Groups
The proposal has found an ally in the Growth Commission, a pro-business think tank. The commission endorsed the repeal, blaming the Act for what it called "astronomical energy costs" and urging the adoption of alternative approaches to climate policy. They argue that the current legal framework is overly restrictive and economically damaging.
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Source:
The Guardian
Widespread Condemnation from Industry and Experts
The announcement triggered immediate and strong criticism from environmental organizations, renewable energy industry leaders, and academic experts. They warn that repealing the Act poses a severe threat to the UK’s economy and environmental leadership.
Energy Sector Reaction
Solar Energy UK, a prominent industry body, strongly condemned the proposal. The group emphasized that renewable sources, particularly solar power, are now the cheapest form of electricity in the United Kingdom. They argued that abandoning the legal framework would:
Jeopardize Market Stability: The Act provides essential legal certainty that underpins billions in private investment.
Harm Job Growth: The green economy is a significant source of employment, which would be put at risk.
Undermine Energy Security: Repeal would increase reliance on expensive and volatile imported fossil fuels.
Business leaders echoed these concerns, stressing that a stable and predictable legal environment is crucial for fostering innovation and long-term investment. According to analysis from institutions like the LSE Grantham Institute, the Act has been instrumental in driving emissions reductions and economic benefits simultaneously.
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Source:
The Guardian
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