Sally Keeble slates Reform's plans to scrap WNC's net zero commitment

Labour leader on West Northants, Cllr Sally Keeble, has slated the Reform administration's plans to scrap the council's commitment to net zero.

Speaking at the Cabinet meeting, Cllr Keeble said: "Climate change is the biggest challenge of our times, with the biggest impact on our communities and planet. It is also one of the most difficult in policy terms, requiring strong political leadership backed up by detailed work.

"By dropping the net zero goals Reform is ducking its responsibility to act now to protect the future.

"It’s no good having a general commitment to sustainability without a clear roadmap to net zero. There’s also a need for points along the way to assess progress: that’s why the 2030 and 2045 goals were so important.

"And it’s nonsense to say there are no implications for poorer communities. Climate change always hits the poorest people hardest. Look at the vulnerable people washed out of caravans repeatedly on Billing Aquadrome.

"It is shocking that there has been no public consultation on these plans. Many people in West Northamptonshire are passionate about tackling climate change. Parish councils across West Northamptonshire have held a climate change summit led by Northampton Town Council to plan their contribution to tackling climate change. A whole community of climate change campaigners have had the rug pulled from under their feet.

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Reform have jettisoned a commitment to protect the future for short term political expediency. "

For more information on Reform's plans to scrap net zero targets, click here