Tory net zero row threatens to overshadow conference

A majority of Conservative Party members support Britain's commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050, despite Kemi Badenoch’s pledge to scrap landmark climate legislation if the Tories win the next election.

- ARCHIE MITCHELL

In a survey of Tory members by Professor Tim Bale at Queen Mary University of London, 51 per cent said they back the UK's net zero plans, while 45 per cent said they were opposed.

Among the general public, 69 per cent said they support the net zero target, while just 20 per cent said they were opposed to it.

The survey came after Ms Badenoch announced plans to repeal the Climate Change Act, which was brought in by the last Labour government in 2008 and committed the UK to cut climate emissions by 80 per cent by 2050, with five-yearly carbon budgets to keep the country on track towards the goal.

As well as being opposed by a majority of members, the plans drew a fierce backlash from Tory grandees. Former prime minister Theresa May said it would be a “retrograde” step, ending almost two decades of cross-party collaboration on tackling climate change.