Durham County Council Reverses Climate Emergency Declaration

A Reform-led council in the UK has rescinded its climate emergency declaration, becoming the first to do so. Durham county council, with a Reform majority, voted to rescind the 2019 declaration and declared a County Durham care emergency instead. The move was criticized by the Liberal Democrat councillor Mark Wilkes as 'cynical and insulting.' Wilkes argued for keeping the climate emergency declaration, citing financial and environmental benefits.

The council's climate action reportedly saved over £13m in the last year and attracted external funding. However, the Reform council leader, Andrew Husband, defended the decision, emphasizing data-driven and common-sense approaches.

During a heated debate, accusations were made regarding child labor in lithium battery and solar panel production. The council's deputy leader, Darren Grimes, proposed the motion, labeling the 2019 declaration as 'virtue-signalling' and prioritizing practical actions over symbolic gestures.

Green member Jonathan Elmer criticized the decision, calling it a 'dark day' for the council and highlighting public support for climate action. Energy secretary Ed Miliband also warned against rejecting net zero policies.

The debate was limited to 30 minutes, with attempts to extend it voted down. Protesters outside county hall expressed concerns about climate change and criticized the council's decision.