Put 2050 net zero target to a referendum, Red Wall MPs tell Sunak

 Backbenchers in traditionally Labour-voting seats won by the Tories urge Prime Minister to give public a say

Source - Daily Telegraph - 14/08/23

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Red Wall MPs have urged Rishi Sunak to put the Government’s 2050 net zero target to a referendum.

Britain is legally obliged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 100 per cent over the next 27 years, an objective signed into law by Theresa May. 

Mr Sunak has committed to achieving it in a “proportionate and pragmatic” manner, but backbenchers in traditionally Labour-voting seats won by the Conservatives at the last election have urged him to give the public a say on the 2050 date.

It comes amid a wider debate about net zero following a surprise Tory victory in the Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election last month, which both main parties attributed to the backlash against Sadiq Khan expanding London’s ultra-low emission zone (Ulez).

Marco Longhi, the MP for Dudley North, said: “Given the complexity of this issue and its far-reaching consequences, I believe that involving the public through a referendum is right.

“A proper debate has never been had, and it should be. A referendum would require the Government to communicate the intricacies of the 2050 net zero target to the public, fostering a better understanding of the challenges and benefits.”

Karl McCartney, the Lincoln MP, agreed that Mr Sunak should “rethink the headlong rush for net zero”, saying: “The establishment was solely focused on chasing approval from London’s woke eco-zealot crowd who have no clue what happens in the real world.

“Just like Brexit, the Government needs to make sure the public are on board with such radical changes, and that they hear the arguments and can make an informed decision.”

The calls were echoed by Tory MPs in the party’s traditional heartlands. Craig Mackinlay, who chairs the Net Zero Scrutiny Group of backbenchers, cautiously welcomed a vote because “politicians led us into this – there is seemingly no way out”.

Greg Smith, who represents Buckingham, added: “If there is a groundswell of support for a referendum, then let’s do it.”

A Government source told The Telegraph: “Net zero was a manifesto commitment that all Conservative MPs stood on, building on our energy security from hostile states. This Government has been clear that it needs to be achieved in a way that brings people along.”

It came as Dame Priti Patel, the former home secretary, warned Mr Sunak that his green proposals could cost Tory votes at the next election.

She said: “The forthcoming general election is an important opportunity for hard-pressed families and businesses who have been shut out of the discussions around the environment, climate change and pollution to have their voice and vote heard.”

Downing Street was contacted for comment.