Reform UK deputy leader dismisses net zero targets as ‘arrogant’ amid UK heatwave crisis
Comments come as climate experts highlight thousands of deaths and £4bn in economic losses following record-breaking summer temperatures across Britain.
Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice has sparked controversy by urging the British public to “enjoy” recent heatwaves and dismissing efforts to tackle climate breakdown as futile. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Tice argued that it is “arrogant” to attempt to stop global heating, suggesting that politicians should prioritise adaptation measures over mitigation strategies such as net zero targets.
His remarks follow a record-breaking summer in the UK characterised by temperatures exceeding 35C on multiple occasions. The extreme weather has resulted in thousands of deaths, millions of hospital visits, and an estimated £4bn in economic losses due to widespread wildfires and other heat-related impacts. The National Farmers’ Union has reported facing “one of the worst ever” harvests, while firefighters have battled blazes across Derbyshire, the Midlands, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Tice claimed there is no evidence that net zero targets would halt climate change, asserting that climate change is a natural occurrence that has always happened and will continue. He advocated for the construction of desalination plants, citing their successful use in the Middle East, rather than building reservoirs. Additionally, he suggested that warmer weather could improve the quality of English wine, allowing the UK to “take on the French”.
Climate experts and campaigners strongly criticised Tice’s position. Alasdair Johnstone from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit noted that 2,877 deaths occurred during the May and June heatwaves, with over 1,100 directly attributable to climate change-induced heat. Johnstone stated that the only way to prevent these impacts from becoming more common and severe is to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
Amy Cameron of Greenpeace UK described Tice’s comments as indicative of a party bankrolled by fossil fuel interests. She highlighted the hardship faced by nurses, farmers, and those displaced by burning homes, arguing that the party’s denial of the climate crisis serves its funders’ benefit despite the undeniable impacts.
The Reform press conference also addressed domestic policy, with deputy leader Robert Jenrick announcing a new “welfare to work” initiative. Jenrick stated that long-term benefit claimants fit for work would be required to perform 20 hours of community work weekly or face benefit sanctions.
Reform UK has long campaigned to scrap the government’s commitment to reaching net zero by 2050 and has promised to end green subsidies if elected. The party has received significant donations from individuals with connections to the fossil fuel industry, including billionaire Christopher Harborne.
