Environmental (Commonwealth Union)_ A landmark bill aimed at making the UK’s climate and environmental targets legally binding is in jeopardy after Labour Party whips instructed their MPs to oppose it. The climate and nature bill, introduced by Liberal Democrat MP Roz Savage, initially garnered broad support, including endorsements from over 80 Labour MPs and several ministers. However, a breakdown in negotiations between Savage and Labour has left the bill’s future uncertain.
The contentious issue revolves around clauses that would mandate the UK to meet international climate commitments, such as those outlined at COP summits. Labour insisted on removing these legally binding requirements, a move Savage and her supporters argue would render the bill ineffective. Efforts to renegotiate with Labour whips were unsuccessful, with no concessions offered.
Despite being a private member’s bill, Savage’s proposal had significant momentum, as her high placement in the September ballot ensured adequate parliamentary time for debate. However, Labour’s opposition threatens to derail the bill. MPs have reportedly been instructed to attend the second reading on Friday and deliver lengthy speeches designed to stall the debate, effectively running out the clock to avoid a vote. Another strategy under consideration is enforcing a three-line whip to vote against the bill, which could lead to disciplinary actions against dissenters, including the loss of the party whip.
A Downing Street spokesperson declined to comment on the specifics, stating only that the government’s position would be clarified during the second reading.
The bill has received strong backing from nature and climate advocacy groups, who have urged the government to adopt it. They argue that the legislation represents a crucial step toward addressing the UK’s nature depletion and climate challenges.
Roz Savage, MP for South Cotswolds and a prominent environmental activist, expressed disappointment over the stalled negotiations. Her bill, she believes, is a necessary tool for holding the government accountable to international commitments. Critics of Labour’s stance see it as a missed opportunity to reaffirm the party’s commitment to climate action.
Supporters of the bill warn that Labour’s insistence on removing the binding targets undermines its purpose. Without these measures, the legislation risks becoming little more than a symbolic gesture, failing to deliver meaningful change.
As tensions mount, some Labour backbenchers are expected to rebel against the party line. Clive Lewis, MP for Norwich South, has already pledged his support for the bill, regardless of party instructions. “I’m hoping the government and the climate and nature bill sponsors can come to an agreement. This will be good for Labour at a time when many people feel like we are backtracking on our climate and nature commitments,” Lewis said. He emphasized the importance of sending a clear message that sustainability remains a priority.
Environmental organizations have also voiced their frustration. The National Trust urged Members of Parliament to endorse Savage’s proposal, citing it as an opportunity to set a precedent in tackling the climate and nature crisis. Harry Bowell, the charity’s head of land and nature, described the bill as an opportunity for meaningful action, warning that the UK remains one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.
Joan Edwards, policy head at The Wildlife Trusts, criticized the government for failing to meet its environmental promises. She highlighted the alarming findings of the Office for Environmental Protection, which warned that the UK is severely off track to meet its 2030 nature targets. “The government must back up its bold election promises with credible, science-based steps to reverse environmental destruction,” Edwards urged.
Despite the mounting opposition, Savage and her supporters remain hopeful. Last-minute negotiations with senior Labour figures, including Ed Miliband, were ongoing as of Thursday afternoon. However, the lack of progress suggests Labour remains firm in its position.
Advocates of the bill view its passage as a test of the UK’s commitment to environmental leadership. With climate change accelerating and nature depletion reaching critical levels, many believe that legislation with binding targets is essential.
The fate of the climate and nature bill now hinges on whether Labour backbenchers are willing to defy party orders and stand in support of its objectives. As the debate unfolds, the broader implications for the UK’s climate and environmental policies remain uncertain.
