The Conservative leadership contest may seem irrelevant to UK climate policy, but the winner could make a significant difference. There are two approaches the Conservatives can take on environmental issues: championing their green legacy or labeling these issues as expensive and “woke.” Candidates like Robert Jenrick have moved away from net zero legislation, while others like Kemi Badenoch have not made their positions clear. Priti Patel is against green infrastructure but lobbies for more support for the farming sector. Mel Stride has committed to maintaining the UK’s climate targets, while Tom Tugendhat emphasizes environmentalism as a core tenet of Conservatism. James Cleverly aims to stick to targets but with a different approach, unlocking private investment instead of state-supported renewables. Overall, the candidates’ positions vary, with some focusing on traditional Conservative values regarding the environment. The outcome of the contest could shape the UK’s approach to climate policy and environmental issues for years to come.
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Best Conservative leader for UK climate goals?
