‘We’re not remotely prepared’: Labour MPs fear party has gone soft on climate crisis

Labour MPs have expressed alarm over the party's perceived lack of urgency in addressing the escalating climate crisis, warning that its stance risks alienating core supporters and failing to meet growing public concerns. With Britain enduring one of its hottest summers on record, marked by devastating wildfires, prolonged droughts, and nearly 2,900 heat-related deaths in England alone, the call for stronger climate action has intensified. Despite these alarming developments, there is little sign of a unified political response, with many within the Labour Party fearing that the government is failing to grasp the shifting priorities of its electorate. The situation has sparked internal debate within Labour circles, particularly around whether the party is adequately leveraging the climate issue as a key campaign platform. Jeevun Sandher, a Labour MP representing Loughborough and serving as a parliamentary private secretary in the energy department, argued that climate policy should be central to the party’s strategy. He emphasized that the issue resonates strongly with Labour’s traditional voter base, which remains largely committed to net-zero goals despite a decline in overall public support. “Climate is a fight that fires up our base, persuades the middle and splits our opponents,” Sandher stated, suggesting that Labour should pair its environmental agenda with measures aimed at making clean energy more affordable. This sentiment has been echoed by other members of the party who feel that Labour is struggling to balance its progressive values with practical considerations. One MP noted that the party appears to be “trying to ride two horses”, one focused on net-zero commitments and another on economic affordability, without fully reconciling the two. The challenge is compounded by rising pressure from the political right, exemplified by Reform UK’s deputy leader, Richard Tice, whose comments advocating for embracing warmer weather have drawn sharp criticism. Tice suggested that the nation should celebrate the improved conditions for English viticulture, framing the heat as a positive rather than a threat. His remarks were widely condemned by healthcare professionals, environmental advocates, and even some within his own party, highlighting the deepening divide over how best to address the climate emergency. In contrast, Claire Coutinho, the shadow energy and net zero secretary, has pushed for a more pragmatic approach, prioritizing cost-effective solutions over stringent net-zero mandates. During a speech, she advocated for lowering electricity prices and allowing consumers greater freedom in their energy choices, proposing a shift toward nuclear and gas-based power generation. Her position reflects a broader tension within the Labour ranks between maintaining ambitious climate targets and ensuring that policies remain economically viable for working-class households. Public sentiment, however, reveals a complex landscape. According to recent polling by More in Common, two-thirds of Britons are deeply concerned about the increasing frequency of extreme heat events, with 86% attributing recent heatwaves to climate change. Notably, even among Reform UK supporters, 73% share these fears. Yet, support for the UK’s net-zero goal has declined significantly, dropping from 68% in 2024 to 45% currently, with opposition rising from 12% to 23%. This suggests that while awareness of the climate crisis is high, confidence in the feasibility of achieving net-zero targets is waning. Political figures on the right have also begun to acknowledge the need for a broader conversation on climate issues. Max Anderson of the Conservative Environment Network acknowledged the importance of slowing climate change through emission reductions but stressed that the debate must extend beyond decarbonization to include discussions on adaptation and resilience. Such perspectives underscore the evolving nature of the climate discourse, even as the physical consequences of global warming continue to intensify.