Kemi Badenoch Calls for a Realistic Energy Strategy in Conservative Policy Renewal
Kemi Badenoch has launched the Conservative Party’s Policy Renewal Programme, placing energy and net zero at the heart of the discussion. In a speech outlining her stance, she argued that current policies have led to high costs and unrealistic targets, without a clear economic plan to deliver net zero.
Badenoch criticized what she described as “government by press release,” warning that major commitments had been made without fully considering their economic impact. She positioned her policy review as a shift toward a pragmatic and sustainable approach—one that balances affordability, security, and environmental goals.
⚡ Energy Affordability & Security
Badenoch emphasized that energy should be "cheap, reliable, and abundant" for both consumers and businesses. She warned that high costs are undermining the UK’s global competitiveness, particularly in manufacturing.
“If we want to maintain our living standards, we need energy that doesn’t cost a fortune and that people can actually afford.”
She also pointed to inefficiencies in the energy market, calling for a reassessment of environmental levies and subsidies that contribute to rising costs.
🌍 The Lack of a Clear Net Zero Plan
Badenoch criticized past governments for making legally binding climate commitments without a credible strategy. She pointed to the 2008 Climate Change Act and the 2019 net zero target as policies set without fully considering feasibility or costs.
“We have committed to net zero, but we’ve not been honest about the cost or the trade-offs.”
She argued that the UK needs a realistic roadmap rather than “aspirational targets that sound good in press releases but don’t work in reality.”
🔧 Challenges of the Energy Transition
Badenoch raised concerns about the practicality of current net zero policies, particularly in areas like home heating and industrial energy use. She cited the government’s goal of replacing gas boilers with heat pumps by 2040 as an example of an unrealistic mandate.
“We’re expecting people to replace their boilers when the technology isn’t ready, and the costs are too high. That’s not a plan—it’s wishful thinking.”
She also warned about over-reliance on imported solar panels and batteries, particularly from China, arguing that this weakens the UK’s energy security.
📜 Conservative Policy Renewal on Energy
As part of the Conservative Party’s policy renewal, Shadow Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho will lead a review of UK energy and net zero policies. The focus will be on balancing affordability, security, and sustainability while avoiding expensive, unrealistic targets.
Badenoch framed this as a move away from "political posturing" and toward pragmatic policymaking.
“We need to be honest with the public about what’s possible and stop making promises that we can’t deliver.”
A Shift Toward ‘Realism’ in Energy Policy
Badenoch’s speech signals a potential shift in Conservative energy policy—away from rapid net zero commitments and toward a more phased, economically driven approach. By focusing on affordability and security, she is positioning the party as a pragmatic alternative to Labour’s net zero strategy.
This approach could resonate with businesses concerned about rising costs, as well as voters wary of expensive green policies. However, it may also raise questions about the UK’s ability to meet its legally binding climate targets.