The Leader of the Opposition has criticized the UK’s target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, calling it “impossible” and warning that pursuing it could lead to a significant decline in living standards or even economic collapse.
Launching the Conservative Party’s Policy Renewal Programme, the opposition leader expressed skepticism over the feasibility of the 2050 target, stating, “Net zero by 2050 is impossible. I don’t say that with pleasure. I want a better future and a better environment for our children. But we have to get real. Anyone who has done any serious analysis knows it cannot be achieved without a significant drop in our living standards or worse, by bankrupting us.”
In response, Trevor Hutchings, CEO of the Renewable Energy Association (REA), emphasized that public opinion strongly favors ambitious climate action, with 70% of the UK public supporting the idea of the country becoming a leader in addressing climate change. He argued that net zero policies not only benefit the environment but also provide significant economic and security advantages.
“Net zero isn’t just an environmental necessity, it’s an economic opportunity and a national security priority,” Hutchings said. “The Conservative-commissioned Net Zero Review made it clear: the transition represents one of the biggest growth opportunities of the 21st century. Opposing net zero policies will only drive up consumer energy bills, as highlighted by the Climate Change Committee, leaving households exposed to volatile fossil fuel prices.”
Hutchings further pointed out that countries like China are already capitalizing on the green economy, and the UK cannot afford to fall behind. “The UK cannot afford to fall behind. Our political leaders, across all parties, must press the Government to go further and faster, ensuring the UK leads in the global green economy rather than playing catch-up.”
In a similar vein, Will Walker, UK policy lead at the climate solutions charity Ashden, warned that the Conservative Party’s apparent shift away from the 2050 net zero goal would be a “reckless step backwards” and could alienate young voters. He noted that public support for net zero is high, particularly among younger generations concerned about the future impact of climate change.
“Polls consistently show broad public backing for net zero. Moreover, this decision will only shorten the fuse on the Conservative party’s ticking time bomb: a loss of support among young people,” Walker said. “The latest CBI research shows the green economy is growing three times faster than the rest of the economy, and the Climate Change Committee’s latest analysis confirms that net zero is far from ‘impossible’ as Badenoch claims.”
Walker also emphasized the economic potential of net zero, noting that the cost of reaching this goal would be lower than initially anticipated and would ultimately reduce household energy bills by £700. “The price of delay will be steep: higher energy bills, food price volatility, flood damage, and continued dependence on unstable international energy markets,” he added. “Delay is a false economy.”
The debate over the net zero target highlights ongoing divisions within UK politics as the country grapples with its climate goals and the potential economic impact of transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
