Opposition parties within the Kent County Council (KCC) have voiced strong objections to a motion spearheaded by Reform UK, aiming to revoke the council’s 2019 declaration of a climate emergency. The motion, set to be deliberated on Thursday, claims that the declaration has had “no discernible effect on the world’s climate” and argues that the resulting policies have negatively impacted small, local suppliers and caused undue alarm among young people.
The proposal has been met with fierce criticism from Green councillors, who have labeled it “anti-science and dangerous.” The Liberal Democrats have described it as “an act of political vandalism,” while Labour representatives argue it contradicts the “scientific consensus.” Despite this, the motion has garnered support from the Conservatives and UKIP.
Debate Over Climate Change Acknowledgment
The Reform UK motion calls for the KCC to adopt a stance that is “open-minded but sceptical” regarding man-made climate change. It urges the council to evaluate energy proposals based on their business case, including economic, social, and environmental impacts.
However, the overwhelming consensus among scientists is clear: human activities are driving climate change, posing significant threats to both people and nature. The European Copernicus climate service reported that 2024 was the hottest year on record, marking the first instance of global temperatures exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
“Human activities, principally through emissions of greenhouse gases, have unequivocally caused global warming,” concluded the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 2023.
Local and Political Reactions
Linden Kemkaran, the Reform UK leader at KCC, defended the motion, stating, “We look forward to discussing the review of Kent County Council’s climate emergency declaration once all members have had their say in the council chamber on Thursday. It’s right that this debate happens properly, in the chamber.”
In contrast, Green councillor Stuart Jeffery emphasized the urgency of the climate crisis, noting, “Kent is at the forefront of climate impacts. We are severely water stressed, we will suffer most from summer heatwaves, the sea level rises will devastate communities, and we will have new diseases such as dengue to contend with.”
Antony Hook, leader of the Liberal Democrat group, criticized the motion, stating, “At the end of this record-breaking dry summer during which farmers and vulnerable members of our community such as the elderly have suffered so badly, to see Reform try to deny a climate emergency is a wilful act of political vandalism.”
Meanwhile, Sarah Hudson, a Conservative member of the environment and transport committee, expressed her party’s support for the motion, arguing that “it is pointless impoverishing UK, and specifically Kent, residents when China and other heavily industrialised nations continue to spew out all manner of pollutants.”
Implications and Future Considerations
The debate over the climate motion reflects broader tensions within the council and highlights the challenges of balancing economic concerns with environmental responsibilities. The meeting, which will be streamed live on the KCC website, is expected to draw significant public interest.
Alister Brady, leader of the KCC Labour group, summarized the opposition’s stance, saying, “The short answer to their incoherent motion and policy is that it flies in the face of overwhelming scientific consensus. Our county is already experiencing hotter summers, wetter winters, and increased flooding. Kent has one of the highest numbers of properties at risk of flooding in the UK.”
As the council prepares to debate the motion, the outcome could set a precedent for how local governments across the UK approach climate policy amid growing environmental challenges.
