Overview

• In a June 4 speech to the Conservative Environment Network, Sir James Cleverly directly challenged Kemi Badenoch’s decision to abandon the 2050 net zero target.
• Cleverly argued that economic growth and environmental protection can coexist by investing in green technologies and new industries.
• The intervention exposes deep divisions within the Conservative Party between moderates backing carbon commitments and hardliners aligning with Reform UK’s anti-net zero stance.
• Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has pledged to scrap net zero subsidies while some of its MPs question the science of man-made climate change.
• Cleverly’s challenge intensifies pressure on Badenoch’s leadership as the party heads into the Hamilton by-election