Labour MPs ordered to sink landmark climate and environment bill | Green politics

Labour MPs ordered to sink landmark climate and environment bill | Green politics

January 23, 2025 Catherine Williams - Chief Editor Business

Title: UK’s Climate Bill Stumbles Over Labour’s Demands

A landmark bill aimed at making the UK’s climate and environment targets legally binding seems unlikely to pass after government whips ordered Labour MPs to oppose it. The move comes after negotiations between the parties broke down.

MPs Backbill
Introduced by Liberal Democrat MP Roz Savage, the bill had gathered significant support, with over 80 Labour MPs, including several ministers, publicly backing it. It was one of the few private member’s bills with a realistic chance of becoming law, having won a high spot in the ballot.

Labour’s Departure
However, talks reached an impasse over Labour’s insistence on removing clauses that would make ministers accountable for meeting international targets signed at events like COP. Supporters argue these cuts render the bill "largely pointless."

In a last-ditch effort, negotiators including Ed Miliband, the energy and climate change secretary, worked to find a compromise. But as of now, Labour MPs remain instructed to scuttle the bill during its second reading this Friday.

Rebels Anticipated
While Labour whips have ordered MPs to run down the clock or vote against the bill, several backbenchers are expected to rebel. Norwich South MP Clive Lewis vowed to support the bill, stating, "This will send a strong signal that we are still focused on [climate and nature commitments]."

Nature and Climate Charities Urge Support
Environmental organizations have called on the government to adopt Savage’s bill, citing it as a crucial step towards tackling nature depletion and the climate crisis. Harry Bowell of the National Trust urged the government to "lead by example," while Joan Edwards of The Wildlife Trusts stressed the need for urgent, scientifically credible action.

With the government yet to set out its position on the bill, its future remains uncertain. As the clock ticks down, both supporters and opponents are gearing up for a heated debate.