Barnsley Reform - climate targets scrapped: 'The war on woke is only just beginning'

Reform UK-led Barnsley Council has announced its intention to withdraw its climate emergency declaration and its climate targets as part of its “war on woke”.

The party said a review of all climate and net-zero activity is underway, saying programmes lack “a clear resident benefit, financial saving or statutory requirement are set to be wound down”.

It is understood that their intention is to withdraw the climate emergency declaration, as well as Zero40, Zero45, and similar net-zero targets, and to direct resources to frontline services.

Zero40 is the council’s environmental strategy aiming for the authority’s operations and carbon emissions to reach net zero by 2040.

Zero45 is its strategy to make the entire borough net-zero by 2045.

Reform Barnsley leader and council leader Councillor William Brown, said: “Our focus is on practical priorities that matter to residents, rather than ideological targets and costly political posturing.

“The war on woke is only just beginning. We have taken the first steps, but there is much more to do,” he said.

“We have stood up for our countryside, got the bins back on track and we are standing firm on our intention to withdraw the climate emergency declaration.”