Richard Tice has dismissed the Conservatives' new energy policy framework, warning that the party is preparing to repeat the mistakes of its 14 years in government. Writing for Reform UK, Tice responded to a paper from the think tank Onward, which features a foreword by the Conservatives' energy spokesperson, Claire Coutinho.
On the surface, Tice acknowledged the proposals appear promising, with promises to reduce energy generation costs and plans to row back on the Net Zero 2050 target. He also noted a belated recognition that the party might have considered the costs before imposing the target.
Subsidies and Costs Under Fire
Tice argued the plan is a recipe for disaster, claiming it would keep all existing 'Contract for Difference' subsidies, leaving consumers to pay for intermittent renewable energy. He also criticised the retention of Renewable Obligation payments until 2033 and the Emissions Trading Scheme for businesses, which he said would load punitive costs onto industry.
The Reform UK leader also highlighted a lack of emphasis on ending Carbon Capture and Storage projects, which he described as a risky technology the Government plans to spend billions on. He questioned what would happen to projects starting before support ends in 2030.
Gas Generation and Investment Concerns
Tice noted that wind would retain a large share of the energy mix, with no clear path to increasing gas generation. He argued that reduced carbon taxes and longer capacity market contracts are insufficient, given rising demand for turbines and the harm caused by policy changes under the 'Uniparty'. He called for tangible state support to build out gas capacity and cut bills.
The core problem, according to Tice, is that the Conservatives are trying to 'have their cake and eat it' – seeking credit for dropping Net Zero without doing the hard work of undoing their project.
Past Record Questioned
Tice reminded readers of Coutinho's past boasts while in office, including that Britain had set the toughest emissions targets and was a 'poster child' for Net Zero. He also cited Kemi Badenoch's changing positions on the steel industry, questioning whether the party has genuinely changed its approach.
He concluded that the same Tories who imposed and boasted about Net Zero would do the same again if given another chance, and argued that only Reform UK has a serious plan to fix the energy system and save taxpayers billions.
