In a dramatic intervention that exposed deepening Cabinet rifts, Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch launched a blistering attack on the government's net zero policies during the Conservative Party conference in Manchester.
The senior minister warned that Britain was engaging in "unilateral economic disarmament" through its aggressive climate targets, directly challenging Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's environmental agenda just weeks after he announced a significant softening of green policies.
Conference Clash Over Climate Commitments
Addressing a packed hall of party members, Mrs Badenoch didn't hold back in her criticism of what she termed "ideological" climate policies. "We are not going to save the planet by shutting down our own industries," she declared to enthusiastic applause from Tory activists.
The Business Secretary's remarks represent the most significant public challenge to Mr Sunak's authority since he became Prime Minister, revealing fundamental disagreements within the highest levels of government about how Britain should approach its climate commitments.
The Economic Cost of Green Policies
Mrs Badenoch argued passionately that Britain's current approach to net zero was damaging the country's economic competitiveness. "Other nations are not following our lead," she stated. "We cannot unilaterally disarm ourselves economically while our competitors continue to expand their industries."
Her intervention comes amid growing Conservative concern about the potential electoral consequences of green policies that could increase costs for voters already struggling with the cost of living crisis.
Sunak's Recent Net Zero Revisions
Just last month, the Prime Minister announced a major overhaul of Britain's net zero strategy, delaying the ban on new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035 and weakening plans to phase out gas boilers.
However, Mrs Badenoch's comments suggest that even these revised measures don't go far enough for some within the Conservative Party, who want a more fundamental rethinking of Britain's climate commitments.
Industry Reaction and Political Fallout
The Business Secretary's remarks have already drawn sharp criticism from environmental groups and some business leaders who argue that Britain's climate leadership has attracted significant green investment.
However, they were warmly received by Conservative members in Manchester, many of whom see net zero policies as electoral liabilities that could cost the party crucial votes at the next general election.
With the Conservatives trailing significantly in the polls, Mrs Badenoch's intervention highlights the difficult balancing act the government faces between its environmental commitments and political survival.
