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

From The Guardian · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • UK Labour MPs express concern that the party is not sufficiently addressing the climate crisis, fearing it alienates voters.
  • They argue that prioritizing climate action, combined with affordability, would energize the party's base and appeal to swing voters.
  • This comes amid record heatwaves and wildfires, with polling showing strong public concern about climate change, even among supporters of climate-skeptic parties.

A growing number of Labour MPs are voicing alarm that the party is failing to make climate change a central issue, potentially costing them electoral support. They believe the party's caution on environmental policy risks alienating its core voters and failing to capitalize on public concern over the escalating climate crisis.

We’re not remotely prepared for the fact that our voter base is radically changing.

— Labour MPExpressing concern about the party's current strategy on climate change and voter demographics.

Record-breaking heatwaves, wildfires, and thousands of heat-associated deaths in England this summer have highlighted the visible impacts of climate change. Despite this, MPs argue there has been no significant political push for climate action or a renewed case for net zero policies at the heart of British politics. "We're not remotely prepared for the fact that our voter base is radically changing," one MP stated, expressing concern that the party is trying to appeal to different factions simultaneously.

Some within the party advocate for a bolder climate message, arguing it could be an electoral advantage. "Climate is a fight that fires up our base, persuades the middle and splits our opponents," said Jeevun Sandher, a Labour MP. He suggests combining climate action with an affordability agenda to appeal to a broader electorate. This contrasts with recent statements from the shadow energy and net zero secretary, who called for prioritizing cheap electricity over net zero targets and suggested relying more on nuclear and gas.

Climate is a fight that fires up our base, persuades the middle and splits our opponents.

— Jeevun SandherArguing that Labour should embrace climate action as an electoral strategy.

Public opinion appears to be more aligned with strong climate action than the political debate suggests. Recent polling indicates that two in three Britons are worried about increasingly hot weather and believe climate change is a factor. Significantly, this concern extends to a majority of supporters of Reform UK, a party often associated with climate skepticism. The debate highlights a tension within Labour between addressing the climate crisis and navigating a politically charged environment.

When it’s a bit warm, let’s enjoy it.

— Richard TiceDismissing efforts to tackle the climate crisis and suggesting people should enjoy warmer weather.
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Originally published by The Guardian. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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