Derbyshire Council Leader Denies Climate Change is Man-Made Amid Policy Overhaul
The leader of Derbyshire County Council, Alan Graves of Reform UK, has sparked controversy after stating he does not believe climate change is man-made, following a major revision of the local authority’s environmental policy that saw all references to "net zero" and "fossil fuels" removed.
The remarks were made during a recent interview with BBC Derby, where presenter Ian Skye questioned whether the council regretted its decision to abolish its climate change committee last year. In response to the query, which cited the recent series of extreme weather events, including record-breaking heatwaves and wildfires, Coun Graves was unequivocal in his stance.
“Yes, because I don’t actually believe that it is man-made,” Graves said. “But more importantly, the UK is responsible for less than one per cent of the world’s global environmental problems. So whatever we do it will impact very, very slightly. I also believe the country is doing a great deal about climate change.”
A New Strategic Framework
The council’s previous focus on explicit climate targets has been replaced by a "wider framework" designed to balance environmental, economic, and social goals. While the new strategy remains legally compliant regarding the council’s statutory duties—such as its role as a lead local flood authority—the shift in language is notable.
As part of this restructuring, the cabinet portfolio held by Councillor Carol Wood has been rebranded. Formerly the "cabinet member for net-zero," her title has been streamlined to focus on the broader "environment," covering policies on clean energy.
Eight Core Themes
Despite the removal of the specific terminology, the council claims the new strategy remains committed to environmental stewardship. It lists eight core themes, including:
- Caring for Derbyshire’s natural environment and landscape
- Using energy, fuel, and water efficiently
- Supporting clean, secure energy for Derbyshire
- Maintaining and improving air quality
- Reducing waste and using resources wisely
- Preparing for extreme and adverse weather
- Making it easier for people to travel around Derbyshire
- Helping people connect with the natural environment
Notably, the strategy maintains a collaborative link with the Midlands Net Zero Hub, which works alongside various local authorities to increase the number of locally-owned clean energy projects.
Mounting Pressure
The decision to pivot away from climate-specific rhetoric comes at a time of increased public scrutiny regarding the climate change policies of local governments. With Britain experiencing significant weather volatility, including back-to-back wet winters and damaging summer wildfires, the debate over how local councils should address these issues is likely to continue.
Critics argue that by removing the climate change committee and stripping specific terms from policy documents, the council risks downplaying the urgency of the environmental crisis. However, supporters of the current leadership, including Coun Graves, maintain that the new approach is a more practical, locally focused way to manage the county’s resources.
