A debate on a Reform proposal to scrap a council's climate emergency declaration has been delayed because of scorching temperatures. Councillor Austen Moore had put forward a motion to rescind King's Lynn & West Norfolk Borough Council's climate emergency declaration, which was scheduled for discussion on Thursday. However, the meeting has been called off amid predicted temperatures exceeding 30°C and red and amber Met Office alerts for heat.
Postponement Due to Heatwave
In a Facebook statement on Tuesday, the council announced: "Due to the current Red Heat Alert and forecast temperatures exceeding 30°C this week, the Mayor has taken the decision to postpone the Full Council meeting originally scheduled for this Thursday. The meeting will now take place on Thursday 2 July at 5pm at the Assembly Room, Town Hall. This decision has been made in the interests of the comfort, wellbeing and safety of councillors, staff and members of the public. The Mayor also wishes to ensure that the environment is comfortable for Councillors to be able to concentrate fully and make the best possible decisions."
Background on the Climate Emergency Declaration
In 2021, the then-Conservative controlled council voted to declare a climate emergency, joining hundreds of councils nationwide that made comparable declarations. Councillor Austen Moore, a self-employed 'life coach', was elected as a Reform councillor for North Lynn at a by-election in June 2025.
Moore's Motion and Concerns
In his proposed motion, Moore states: "Many of the most vulnerable residents are facing rising energy bills, fuel poverty, and financial hardship linked to policies that increase the cost of heating, transport, and daily living. No local environmental strategy should make life harder for those already struggling or force people into choosing between heating and eating."
Council Control and Precedent
King's Lynn & West Norfolk Borough Council is currently under no overall control. Reform-led Durham County Council became the first UK local authority to rescind its climate emergency declaration in July 2025.
Ongoing Heatwave Warnings
A Met Office amber warning for 'extreme heat' remains in effect for the entire day, with temperatures predicted to hit 31°C on Thursday. A red warning has been issued across much of the south, midlands, and Wales, with temperatures in London expected to reach peaks of 33°C.
