Labour faces backlash over opposing UK climate bill
Labour MPs have been ordered to oppose a climate bill that would make the UK's environmental targets legally binding, sparking criticism from climate advocates and backbenchers.
Peter Walker and Helena Horton report for The Guardian.
In short:
- Labour MPs were instructed to block the Climate and Nature Bill, introduced by Liberal Democrat MP Roz Savage, by either opposing it or speaking to run out debate time.
- The bill aimed to legally bind the UK to meet international environmental targets, but Labour demanded these clauses be removed, calling them too restrictive.
- Environmental groups and some Labour MPs argue the move undermines the UK's ability to address its status as one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.
Key quote:
“The climate and nature bill is a major opportunity for MPs to press the government for more meaningful and urgent action to tackle the nature and climate crisis.”
— Harry Bowell, head of land and nature at the National Trust
Why this matters:
The United Kingdom is grappling with mounting environmental challenges, from a rapid decline in biodiversity to water pollution to escalating risks tied to climate change. These issues are compounded by rising temperatures, extreme weather events and habitat destruction, all of which threaten ecosystems and communities alike. The government has set ambitious climate targets, such as achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, but translating these goals into action remains fraught with difficulty.
Related: Labour government reconsiders green policies as growth pressures mount
