Some Labour MPs fear their party has softened on the climate crisis, warning there has been no major political push for net zero despite a summer of record-breaking wildfires, deadly heat and drought across Britain, the Guardian reports.
Key facts
- Almost 2,900 heat-associated deaths were recorded in England during May and June alone, according to the Guardian.
- Britain has experienced record-breaking wildfires, deadly heat and drought this summer, the report said.
- Homes have been destroyed by fires in the West Midlands, with deadly wildfires also sweeping across Europe.
- Polls suggest growing scepticism around net zero, leaving politicians uncertain how to proceed.
- Some Labour MPs express concern there has been no big political push for climate at the centre of British politics.
Some Labour MPs have raised concerns that their party has gone soft on the climate crisis, according to the Guardian, warning that there has been no significant political push for net zero at the centre of British politics.
The concerns come amid what the Guardian describes as a summer of record-breaking wildfires, deadly heat and drought in Britain. Almost 2,900 heat-associated deaths were recorded in England during May and June alone, the report said.
More recently, homes have been destroyed by fires in the West Midlands, while deadly wildfires have swept across Europe, the report said. These impacts, MPs suggest, have become increasingly visible.
Despite these developments, there is widespread concern within the party that no renewed case for net zero has been made, the Guardian reported. Some MPs feel the issue has slipped from the top of the political agenda.
Polls cited in the report suggest growing scepticism around net zero, leaving politicians feeling uncertain about how to proceed. That uncertainty appears to be contributing to the hesitation the MPs describe.
The tension highlights a broader question for Labour about how to balance public opinion on net zero with the physical impacts of a changing climate.
Why it matters
How Labour approaches net zero could shape the UK's climate policy and its response to increasingly severe weather. With heat-related deaths and wildfires cited in the report, the debate over political commitment to climate action carries consequences for public safety and the environment.
Frequently asked questions
How many heat-related deaths were recorded in England this summer?
According to the Guardian, almost 2,900 heat-associated deaths were recorded in England during May and June alone.
What climate impacts has Britain faced this summer?
The Guardian reports Britain has seen record-breaking wildfires, deadly heat and drought, including fires that destroyed homes in the West Midlands.
Why are Labour MPs worried about the party's climate stance?
MPs fear there has been no big political push for net zero and no renewed case made for it, amid polls suggesting growing public skepticism.