In the first of a series of announcements ahead of their conference in Manchester this weekend the Tories have announced their intention to scrap the Climate Change Act. Flagship legislation which critics say has caused compound issues since its introduction by Miliband in 2008…
The legislation set a legally binding target to cut 80% of carbon emmissions by 2050, later changed by Theresa May to reach net zero emissions by the same date. It imposes five-yearly targets to that effect. Badenoch said:
“We want to leave a cleaner environment for our children, but not by bankrupting the country… Under my leadership, we will scrap those failed targets. Our priority now is growth, cheaper energy and protecting the natural landscapes we all love.”
This comes a day after Ed Miliband’s flagship pledge at his conference speech was to ban fracking. Something already under a moratorium…
There is no detail on what legislation or provisions will be brought in as a replacement. Maybe Tory activists can iron that out at conference fringe sessions…
Speaking at his speech on how to achieve “progressive capitalism” Wes Streeting fired a dig and Andy Burnham:
“Bond markets are not bond villains and fiscal rules matter.”