We (Labour) note the Reform motion to scrap net zero spending has been withdrawn, and
we hope it does not reappear.
Cllr Steve Everett said:
“Reform didn’t withdraw the motion — they legged it the moment they realised it wouldn’t survive contact with reality.
“It was really heartening to see so many members of the public turn up to hear our debate on an issue they feel passionate about. It was disappointing that Cllr [Julian] Kirk withdrew the motion at the last minute, thus preventing councillors from having their say.”
Labour believe Reform’s ideas do not make any sense and would cost residents more money
rather than less.
Recognising a climate emergency has helped this council to reduce long-term costs and to manage risk. Many of our green investments pay for themselves over time, and some already have.
Reform’s claims that climate policies “hit the poorest” ignores the fact that fuel poverty,
poor insulation and climate hazards also affect the poorest most severely.
Protecting vulnerable residents requires lowering their exposure to high energy bills, damp
homes, health risks and climate impacts such as flooding and heatwaves. Net-zero
programmes directly address these issues. The choice is not “protect the vulnerable or
pursue net zero” – we are doing both concurrently.
Scrapping everything “immediately” would be impractical and financially reckless. It risks
contractual penalties, loss of funding, wasted investment and higher long-term energy
costs.
Cllr Deborah Heneghan, deputy leader of the Labour Group, said:
“We are somewhat surprised that the motion was claimed to be aimed at protecting vulnerable people.
“This comes from a party that wants to privatise the NHS, cut the minimum wage for young people and voted against workers’ rights. Scrapping net zero is unthinkable and irresponsible and not something the Labour Group could ever support.”