Former Conservative leadership candidate to make intervention on net zero.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch (Image: Getty)
Sir James Cleverly is set to deliver a speech backing net zero in an apparent split from Kemi Badenoch. The former Tory leadership candidate will argue that his party must not give up on the green agenda.
He will insist it is wrong to choose between economic growth and tackling climate change. His remarks are in stark contrast to his party leader who has declared that net zero by 2050 is “impossible”.
In his speech at the pro-green Conservative Environment Network (CEN) tonight, Sir James will say: “Conservative environmentalism doesn’t mean a choice between growth and sustainability. It means creating policies that unlock the potential of new industries while ensuring that we protect the environment.
“It’s about finding practical solutions to achieve long-term growth without sacrificing our environmental obligations.”
The former Cabinet minister will add: “The idea that we must choose between a strong economy and protecting our environment is outdated. The future I believe in is one where these two aims go hand in hand, driving innovation and opportunity.”
He is expected to urge his party to “push further, faster and smarter” and “set the pace” internationally on green technology.
