MPs in traditionally Labour-voting seats won by Conservatives are urging Rishi Sunak to let the public have their say on the Government’s 2050 net zero target with a referendum.
The Prime Minister has committed to the campaign which see Britain legally obligated to slash greenhouse gases by 100 per cent over the next 27 years.
Red wall MPs are now demanding that Sunak puts the 2050 date to a referendum.
However, blue wall Tory MPs have challenged their calls as they claim it could run the risk of losing their seats at the next election if he complies with right of the party on climate change and human rights commitments.
Both Labour and Conservatives condemned Sadiq Khan expansion of London’s ultra-low emission zone (Ulez)
PAThe scheme has sparked a debate about net zero after a Tory victory in the Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election last month.
Both Labour and Conservatives condemned Sadiq Khan expansion of London’s ultra-low emission zone (Ulez).
“Given the complexity of this issue and its far-reaching consequences, I believe that involving the public through a referendum is right," Marco Longhi, the MP for Dudley North, told The Telegraph.
“A proper debate has never been had, and it should be. A referendum would require the Government to communicate the intricacies of the 2050 net zero target to the public, fostering a better understanding of the challenges and benefits.”
Karl McCartney, the Lincoln MP, added: “The establishment was solely focused on chasing approval from London’s woke eco-zealot crowd who have no clue what happens in the real world.
“Just like Brexit, the Government needs to make sure the public are on board with such radical changes, and that they hear the arguments and can make an informed decision.”
However, a group of around 150 Tories told Sunak to ignore the “siren voices” of those calling on the weakening of net-zero targets.
Chris Skidmore, the MP for Kingswood and former net-zero tsar, said: “Net zero is no longer just about the environment, critical though that is.
The scheme has sparked a debate about net zero after a Tory victory in the Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election last month
PA"The vital importance of net zero is whether you understand the economies of the future and want the UK to lead and succeed in these, or be condemned to following, to missing out, on these opportunities and costing the UK and local communities jobs and economic growth.”
According to one senior Tory MP, No 10 had been advised against any move to pull out of the convention saying it would “play into the hands of the Lib Dems” in several seats at the next electiom.
“It would be completely self-destructive,” the MP said. “A lot of colleagues are very nervous. It might play well on the right but among the voters we need to win to hold our seats in the south it just plays into the hands of the Lib Dems.
"It is wrong-headed and bad politics.”
A Government source added: “Net zero was a manifesto commitment that all Conservative MPs stood on, building on our energy security from hostile states. This Government has been clear that it needs to be achieved in a way that brings people along.”
