William Eichler 19 September 2025

Kent CC votes to scrap climate emergency declaration

Kent CC votes to scrap climate emergency declaration image
Reform UK Kent County Council leader Linden Kemkaran © Kent County Council.

Reform UK-led Kent County Council has voted to rescind its climate emergency declaration despite criticisms it is ‘ignoring scientific evidence’.

The motion, put forward by Reform UK councillors Chris Hespe and Paul Chamberlain, questions the scientific consensus that human-induced climate change is a threat and says the council has had ‘no discernible affect on the world’s climate.’

A total of 50 Members backed the proposal, while 21 voted against it. Three councillors chose to abstain.

The decision effectively reverses the council’s previous stance on recognising climate change as an emergency, a position that had shaped policies and strategies since its introduction.

Earlier this week, Polly Billington, MP for East Thanet in Kent, wrote to council leader Linden Kemkaran criticising the motion and warning that Reform UK was ‘ignoring scientific evidence in favour of fringe online conspiracy theories’.

'In reality, at least 97% of climate scientists agree that man-made climate change is real,' she added.

To learn more about Reform UK, check out: Reform UK: What Britain’s fastest rising party stands for and Reform UK’s ‘Doge’ witch-hunts will achieve little.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Chief Executive

Ebbsfleet Development Corporation
up to £165,000
Ebbsfleet is one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration projects, a 21st-century Garden City Ebbsfleet, Kent
Recuriter: Ebbsfleet Development Corporation

Partnership Co-ordinator - Voluntary & Community

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£43,545 - £52,767
Partnership Co-ordinator - Voluntary & ... Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Planning Support Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Up to £34359 per annum
Keep our planning service running smoothly, supporting the team that shapes the future of our borough.As a Planning Support Officer, you'll play a vit England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Change Communications Lead

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
£42,839-£48,226
Having come out of government intervention after two years in 2024 Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Finance Officer - Debt Collection

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £27653.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Finance Officer - Debt CollectionPermanent, Full Time£25,081 to £27,653 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner