Andy Burnham acknowledged on Friday that climate change is driving widespread wildfires affecting parts of the United Kingdom, marking his first such statement as prime minister. The disaster has prompted extraordinary government measures, including military deployment, a ban on disposable barbecues, and activation of national alert systems to provide safety guidance across England and Wales.
However, environmental groups have criticized the government’s simultaneous moves to weaken climate policy. On the same day the prime minister spoke about the climate crisis from the West Midlands, the government launched a consultation proposing significant reductions to electric vehicle sales targets for 2030. Current rules require 80% of new cars sold to be electric, but the consultation proposes lowering this to options ranging from 50% to 70%. Officials justified the review as necessary to remain “pro-business and grounded in the real world,” citing pressure from automotive manufacturers who say existing targets force discounts and threaten factory closures.
Burnham also defended a “pragmatic” approach to North Sea oil and gas extraction, with decisions pending on the Rosebank and Jackdaw drilling fields. Environmental organizations have warned against permitting new extraction following five heatwaves this summer, with Greenpeace characterizing it as a critical threshold the government must not cross. The consultation on Rosebank drilling was set to close Monday.
The announcement came hours after the country recorded its hottest day of the year and fifth hottest on record. Scientists have attributed the extreme heat events to global warming from carbon emissions. Recent wildfires destroyed 19 homes and burned 200 hectares in the West Midlands, with dozens hospitalized. Climate advocates argue that electric vehicle rollout represents one of the most significant policies for reducing UK emissions over the next decade and could protect consumers from volatile fuel prices, while the charging industry has planned billions in investment for infrastructure development.
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