UK government accused of trying to ‘stoke culture war on climate issues’

Green MP Caroline Lucas criticized the UK government's strategy to boost investment in gas-fired power plants as a divisive tactic ahead of elections, arguing it undermines the country's commitment to achieving net zero emissions.

Lucas questioned Energy Minister Graham Stuart in Parliament about these plans, suggesting their push for increased gas power in the 2030s threatens to derail the UK's climate targets.

Meanwhile, Shadow Climate Change Minister Alan Whitehead also questioned the absence of specific details on the number of new plants intended.

The government's proposal includes maintaining current plants and adding roughly 5 gigawatts of new gas power capacity for backup. This stance has sparked backlash from environmentalists but received support from some Conservative MPs, including Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg who has expressed views against the net zero goals, deeming them economically disadvantageous in comparison to countries like the US and China.

The UK is legally bound to a net zero emission target by 2050, yet energy generation last year relied on gas for nearly 40% of its electricity. Advisers at the Committee on Climate Change warn that gas power must be limited to 1-2% in the 2030s to stay on track with climate objectives.

Rees-Mogg called to indefinitely postpone the net zero target, attributing economic competitiveness to cheaper energy sources, a position countered by Minister Stuart, who emphasized the importance of addressing the climate crisis.