Keir Starmer's commitment to net zero is under strain as the UK faces surging electricity demand from data centres and artificial intelligence. The prime minister, who once declared climate action was 'in the DNA of my government', is now grappling with internal divisions over green policy after a disastrous byelection defeat.
The Labour loss of the safe seat of Gorton and Denton to the Green party has exposed the tension between Starmer's pro-climate instincts and the sceptical advisers who have sought to water down environmental policy. Sources say Downing Street has been home to figures who believe the party should tack towards Reform and Conservative anti-net-zero stances.
Starmer's Lancaster House speech last April, in which he vowed to go 'all out' for net zero, was largely sidelined by his own press office. By September, briefings suggested he would skip the Cop30 climate summit, though he ultimately attended. The mixed messaging has left Labour vulnerable to Greens, who won on a platform of hope and strong environmental action.
Greenpeace UK's Ami McCarthy said the byelection result showed 'people are hungry for change' and urged Labour to offer bold solutions on climate and cost of living. Friends of the Earth's Asad Rehman added that voters see green policies as key to lowering bills and improving public transport.
With tech giants demanding vast amounts of clean energy for AI and data centres, Starmer faces a stark choice: re-embrace his net zero pledge or risk further electoral damage. The prime minister must decide whether to ditch the anti-green advice that has brought him to this point.
