MPs from the Red Wall are advocating for a public referendum to assess the level of support for the U.K.’s 2050 Net Zero emission goal and to clarify its details to the public. The Telegraph has the story.
Britain is legally obliged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 100% over the next 27 years, an objective signed into law by Theresa May.
Mr. Sunak has committed to achieving it in a “proportionate and pragmatic” manner, but backbenchers in traditionally Labour-voting seats won by the Conservatives at the last election have urged him to give the public a say on the 2050 date.
It comes amid a wider debate about Net Zero following a surprise Tory victory in the Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election last month, which both main parties attributed to the backlash against Sadiq Khan expanding London’s ultra-low emission zone (Ulez).
Marco Longhi, the MP for Dudley North, said: “Given the complexity of this issue and its far-reaching consequences, I believe that involving the public through a referendum is right.
“A proper debate has never been had, and it should be. A referendum would require the Government to communicate the intricacies of the 2050 Net Zero target to the public, fostering a better understanding of the challenges and benefits.”
Karl McCartney, the Lincoln MP, agreed that Mr. Sunak should “rethink the headlong rush for Net Zero”, saying: “The establishment was solely focused on chasing approval from London’s woke eco-zealot crowd who have no clue what happens in the real world.
“Just like Brexit, the Government needs to make sure the public are on board with such radical changes, and that they hear the arguments and can make an informed decision.”
Worth reading in full.
To join in with the discussion please make a donation to The Daily Sceptic.
Profanity and abuse will be removed and may lead to a permanent ban.