Suffolk County Council axes climate emergency status after fiery debate

Why it matters: The vote marks one of the new Reform UK administration's first major policy decisions since taking control of the council in May, scrapping a declaration first made in 2019 and reaffirmed in 2023. Campaigners and opposition councillors branded it a backwards step, coming as fire crews report a rising number of wildfires across the country.

The details: The motion was put forward by Councillor Morgan Brobyn, the council's Cabinet Member for Food, Waste and Rural Affairs. It commits the council to:

• Rescind the Climate Emergency declaration adopted in March 2019
• Remove references to a Climate Emergency from council policies, strategies and communications where appropriate
• Undertake a comprehensive review of climate, net zero and environmental programmes, projects, partnerships and expenditure across the council
• Report the findings of that review to Cabinet, including recommendations for the continuation, modification or cessation of individual schemes

The motion passed with last-minute changes suggested by the Conservative group.

What they're saying: Morgan said the council's responsibility was "not to maintain declarations for their own sake."

"Our responsibility is to deliver practical outcomes that protect Suffolk's environment and support our communities," he said. "Whether that's improving flood resilience, enhancing biodiversity, reducing waste or making sure taxpayers' money is spent effectively, those are the things that will make the biggest difference on the ground."

He added: "I was pleased that some members from across the chamber were able to find common ground on the importance of practical environmental stewardship, and I was happy to support the Conservative group's amendment which further reinforced that principle within the motion.

"The choice at today's council meeting was not between caring about the environment and not caring about the environment. It was about ensuring that environmental stewardship is practical, effective and focused on outcomes."

Councillor Tony Gould told the meeting "there is no emergency," claiming climate change was down to "greedy industrialists pulling the strings of political puppets to create a new lucrative industry."

The other side: Green Group leader Andrew Stringer said he would not stop pushing for change. "It will redouble my efforts to make sure we do the right thing for my children, my grandchildren and our planet," he said.

Peter Aiano, the Green Group's spokesperson for environment and biodiversity, called the decision "devastating."

"The Climate Emergency Declaration had excellent cross-party support when it was first proposed by the Greens in 2019, and then brought back to the chamber by us for reaffirmation in 2023," Peter said. "The council has a responsibility to use its influence and platform in Suffolk to show residents and businesses how they can make practical changes to safeguard the environment."

Adrian Ramsay, Green MP for Waveney Valley, who joined the protest outside Endeavour House, called the decision "deeply irresponsible."

"It's deeply irresponsible of Reform-led councils, like the one here in Suffolk, to be taking backward steps when we should be taking forward ones," Adrian said. "I'm calling on the Government to urgently step up action on preparedness for extreme heat, on nature security, and on cutting emissions, and I'm calling on this council to reverse course."

Ramsey had earlier written to council leader Cllr Hadwen, warning that undeclaring a climate emergency would not remove the threats of flooding or extreme heat that Suffolk residents face, and would not save the council money.

Richard Beeby, secretary of Suffolk's Fire Brigades Union, told protesters the declaration was not just "a piece of paper" but represented the "stark reality" for firefighters.

"The clothing we wear is completely inadequate for the wildfires and field fires we spend our time fighting," he said. "We're going around fields putting flames out in thick wool tunics and wool leggings."

Siobhan Harris, a protester from Sudbury, said: "I think that they're being hypocrites and that they're putting the lives of Suffolk residents at risk."

By the numbers: According to the council, £14.7m has been invested in around 150 decarbonisation programmes since the 2019 declaration, the vast majority from Government grants and interest-free loans, with £3.8m from the authority's cash reserves.

Council data shows that if energy prices had stayed constant since 2019, bills would now be £4.8m higher without the projects, with the council cutting nearly 8,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. Solar panels installed across the authority's buildings and car parks are estimated to save about £600,000 a year in energy costs.

What's next: The council says further details of the environmental review, including timescales and reporting arrangements, will be announced in due course. Findings and recommendations will be reported to Cabinet.

The bottom line: Suffolk's Reform UK administration has scrapped the county's Climate Emergency status in favour of a review of all its environmental spending, arguing the move prioritises practical outcomes over symbolism – a decision that has drawn fierce criticism from Green councillors, an MP and fire service representatives, who warn it comes at exactly the wrong moment.

Don't forget: If you enjoy our content, please add Ipswich.co.uk as a "preferred source" on Google so you can easily find more of the content you value.

This article cost us ~£68 to produce

It's free for you to read thanks to the generous support of our partners. Please support us by supporting them.