Ed Miliband has accused the Conservative Party of being “anti-science” for abandoning a political consensus on net zero policies as the climate crisis impacts the UK. In the inaugural “state of the climate” report, he presented findings from a Met Office-led study illustrating that the UK is experiencing hotter, wetter conditions and more extreme weather events. Miliband urged opposition parties to unite for urgent climate action. In response, Andrew Bowie criticized the government’s stance, supporting Kemi Badenoch’s decision to set aside the 2050 net zero target and emphasizing the need for more nuclear power and air conditioning. He claimed global warming requires a collective global response and that the UK’s leadership is irrelevant if others are not following suit.
Miliband expressed disappointment over Bowie’s reaction, highlighting the absence of opposition members during his statement and accusing them of abandoning two decades of bipartisan climate efforts. He referred to comments made by former Prime Minister Theresa May regarding climate populism and reiterated that the science of climate change is clear and demands responsible action. He concluded by asserting that UK choices have significant effects on global climate action and future generations, countering claims that the UK cannot make a difference.
