Senior Conservative MP James Cleverly has issued a veiled criticism of party leader Kemi Badenoch’s decision to scrap net zero targets, cautioning against “neo-luddites” on the political right who he says fear adopting green technologies. In a speech to be delivered on Wednesday evening to the Conservative Environment Network, Cleverly will argue that the idea of choosing between economic prosperity and environmental responsibility is a false dilemma. His remarks are widely seen as a direct challenge to Badenoch, who has claimed that existing climate targets are economically damaging.
++ Women prefer blokes with more feminine faces, study finds
In March, Badenoch declared that a Conservative government under her leadership would abandon the legally binding targets set by Theresa May, branding them “impossible” and warning they would drive up energy costs. Without naming Badenoch, Cleverly is expected to dismiss this view, condemning elements of the party he describes as the “negative right”, who oppose innovation out of fear of change. He contrasts this with Britain’s legacy of scientific progress, pointing to achievements ranging from the steam engine to the internet, and calls for a renewed push in clean energy and carbon capture.
Cleverly will urge the party to pursue a future where green technologies underpin both economic and environmental gains. “The notion that we must choose between a strong economy and a healthy environment is outdated,” he will say. “The future I believe in is one where these goals go hand in hand – creating innovation, investment, and opportunity for the next generation.” He advocates for a Conservative approach that champions technological advancement to meet environmental goals while fuelling economic growth and job creation.
++ Reform surges as labour support plummets in polls
His intervention marks one of the most prominent challenges yet to Badenoch’s leadership, particularly her effort to counter Reform UK by adopting more sceptical climate policies. A party spokesperson responded by asserting that Cleverly’s remarks aligned with Badenoch’s broader environmental message, although they reiterated that the official party stance is that net zero targets are financially unviable. When asked whether Badenoch viewed herself as a “luddite”, the spokesperson reaffirmed her commitment to the party’s revised policy and dismissed internal criticism as personal opinion.
