⚡ Reform UK and Net Zero Policy

Part of the Nigel Farage & Environment hub

Overview

Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has made scrapping the UK’s legally binding Net Zero by 2050 target a core policy.
The party claims green measures are “crippling British industry” and “punishing working families with higher bills.”
However, evidence from independent economists, government data, and climate researchers shows that abandoning Net Zero would hurt the economy, reduce energy security, and cost jobs in fast-growing green industries.

Reform UK’s Core Claims

🔹 “Net Zero will destroy jobs.”
Reform UK argues that climate targets are forcing job losses in manufacturing and energy.
👉 Fact check: False.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and LSE’s Grantham Institute, the green economy supports over 400,000 jobs — a figure expected to double by 2030. Renewable energy and retrofitting sectors have created new employment opportunities nationwide.

🧾 Source: ONS, LSE Green Jobs Report 2024, BEIS Employment Data

🔹 “Net Zero raises energy bills.”
Farage and Reform UK claim that renewable policies increase household energy costs.
👉 Fact check: Misleading.
While short-term investment costs exist, Ofgem and Carbon Brief analysis show renewables have lowered wholesale energy prices and insulated the UK from gas price shocks.
Countries with high renewable uptake have seen more stable and cheaper electricity over time.

🧾 Source: Ofgem 2024 Report, Carbon Brief Energy Cost Analysis

🔹 “Scrapping Net Zero will free up funds for growth.”
Reform UK argues deregulation would “revive small business.”
👉 Fact check: Unsupported.
Studies by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) show that green investment delivers higher long-term returns than fossil fuel subsidies. The UK’s clean energy transition is projected to add £25 billion to GDP by 2035.

🧾 Source: IFS Green Investment Outlook, OBR Long-Term Growth Report

Political Strategy

Reform UK uses Net Zero opposition as a wedge issue, appealing to voters frustrated by energy prices.
Farage’s framing — that climate action is a “war on the working class” — mirrors rhetoric used by US right-wing media and lobbyists funded by fossil fuel interests.

Public Opinion

Despite Reform UK’s messaging, polling from YouGov (2025) shows 68% of Britons support Net Zero and believe climate action should remain a government priority.
Reform’s stance remains a minority position nationally, though it resonates strongly in regions facing economic transition.

Verdict

Reform UK’s position on Net Zero relies on economic misinformation and outdated energy assumptions.
Independent analysis consistently finds that climate action — when managed fairly — supports jobs, lowers costs, and strengthens national energy independence.

Sources

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