Reform UK Scraps Net Zero Plans in Explosive Durham Council Decision

Reform UK Scraps Net Zero Plans in Explosive Durham Council Decision

The decision by Reform UK to revoke the 2019 climate emergency declaration in Durham has sparked national outrage and a fierce net zero backlash. Led by new reform uk council leader Andrew Husband, the administration replaced the climate emergency with what they call a “County Durham care emergency,” claiming that social care demands urgent focus over environmental targets.

In a fiery council session, reform uk leader and deputy council head Darren Grimes delivered a controversial address. The darren grimes speech described previous climate efforts as "expensive virtue-signalling tripe" and claimed the council must return to prioritising data, not ideology.

Outside the council building, a large county durham protest formed as residents expressed alarm over the policy reversal. Demonstrators warned that abandoning climate plans threatens both future generations and millions in secured funding.

Inside the chamber, mark wilkes lib dem criticised the Reform-led administration for dismantling climate initiatives that had already saved the council significant money. He argued that focusing on care and the climate was not mutually exclusive.

Green Party councillor jonathan elmer, one of only two environmental representatives, branded the move “dangerous and regressive.” He warned that Durham was isolating itself from the public mood and environmental responsibility — a concern echoed by the green party durham branch.

Adding fuel to the fire, kenny hope reform shocked opponents by accusing them of enabling modern slavery via support for battery and solar technologies sourced through exploitative labour abroad.

The developments have even drawn attention from national figures. ed miliband net zero, as Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, has warned against climate reversals, though he stopped short of naming Durham directly. His recent speech stressed that every local authority must be part of the long-term solution.

Meanwhile, a similar announcement from mark arnull reform in West Northamptonshire shows that Durham’s decision may be part of a wider strategy across Reform-led councils.

This story signals a turning point in the national climate debate — and the growing influence of Reform UK at local government level.

Видео Reform UK Scraps Net Zero Plans in Explosive Durham Council Decision канала Landlord Legacy