Reform councillors asked if they believe in man-made climate change

Reform UK councillors in Walsall have been asked whether or not they believe in man-made climate change as the council scraps net zero targets.

At a public meeting on July 27, all Reform members and one ex-Reformer now sitting as an independent, voted against an amendment that said ‘as the earth is round, man-made climate change exists’. 

All 30 who voted down the amendment were approached by the Local Democracy Reporting Service to confirm their position on the matter. 

None replied with the exception of the leader and deputy, Councillor Elaine Williams and Councillor Nicky Barker. In their responses neither confirmed whether or not man-made climate change exists in their view. 

Councillor Williams said: “As the motion stated our administration is committed to delivering best value for residents and ensuring that taxpayers money delivers direct local benefit and good outcomes. 

“That is why the motion resolves to review our available resources to make sure investment is targeted on practical interventions focusing on things like energy efficiency and providing support on the cost of living where that is within the council’s power.”

Councillor Barker said: “I don’t want to get drawn into debating whether climate change is man-made or not. What I will say is that I believe the climate has always changed throughout the Earth’s history, and it will continue to do so.

“Where I disagree is with unrealistic net zero targets that cost taxpayers huge amounts of money while having little or no meaningful impact on the environment, either here in Walsall or globally.

“Instead, I believe we should focus on practical environmental improvements that make a real difference to people’s lives. That means cleaner streets, cleaner rivers, reducing litter, protecting green spaces, and planting more trees, which naturally absorb CO2 and produce oxygen.

“That’s why we vote to scrap unrealistic Net Zero targets. We believe in sensible, practical environmental policies that deliver real benefits locally, rather than symbolic targets that come at significant cost to taxpayers.”

It was Councillor Aftab Nawaz, leader of Walsall Community Independents, who put forward the July 27 amendment. 

In response to Reform’s vote at the meeting, he said: “It was bizarre as the scientific evidence is overwhelming and the refusal of Reform UK to accept that man-made climate change exists shows the borough the wacky nature of the Reform UK party.

"Unfortunately the wackiness of Reform UK, I fear, will get worse.”