All 30 Reform UK and former Reform councillors in Walsall have declined to confirm whether they believe in man-made climate change, after voting against an amendment that explicitly stated it exists. The vote took place at a full council meeting on July 27, where members also scrapped the borough's net zero targets.
The amendment, proposed by Councillor Aftab Nawaz, leader of the Walsall Community Independents, read: 'as the earth is round, man-made climate change exists'. Every Reform member and one independent who previously sat with the party voted it down.
Only two of 30 councillors responded to questions
Following the vote, the Local Democracy Reporting Service approached all 30 councillors who opposed the amendment to ask for their personal position on man-made climate change. Only two replied: the group's leader, Councillor Elaine Williams, and deputy leader, Councillor Nicky Barker. Neither explicitly confirmed or denied their belief in human-caused climate change.
Councillor Williams said: "As the motion stated our administration is committed to delivering best value for residents and ensuring that taxpayers money delivers direct local benefit and good outcomes. That is why the motion resolves to review our available resources to make sure investment is targeted on practical interventions focusing on things like energy efficiency and providing support on the cost of living where that is within the council's power."
Councillor Barker added: "I don't want to get drawn into debating whether climate change is man-made or not. What I will say is that I believe the climate has always changed throughout the Earth's history, and it will continue to do so. Where I disagree is with unrealistic net zero targets that cost taxpayers huge amounts of money while having little or no meaningful impact on the environment, either here in Walsall or globally."
Reform leader defends practical environmental approach
Barker continued: "Instead, I believe we should focus on practical environmental improvements that make a real difference to people's lives. That means cleaner streets, cleaner rivers, reducing litter, protecting green spaces, and planting more trees, which naturally absorb CO2 and produce oxygen. That's why we vote to scrap unrealistic Net Zero targets. We believe in sensible, practical environmental policies that deliver real benefits locally, rather than symbolic targets that come at significant cost to taxpayers."
The pair's responses highlight a broader divide in the council over how to address environmental issues. Reform's stance has drawn sharp criticism from opposition members, who argue that ignoring scientific consensus undermines local action on climate.
Opposition leader hits out at 'wacky' Reform UK
Councillor Aftab Nawaz, who tabled the amendment, did not hold back in his assessment of Reform's vote. He said: "It was bizarre as the scientific evidence is overwhelming and the refusal of Reform UK to accept that man-made climate change exists shows the borough the wacky nature of the Reform UK party. Unfortunately the wackiness of Reform UK, I fear, will get worse."
The vote to scrap net zero targets marks a significant policy shift for Walsall Council, which had previously committed to reducing carbon emissions. Reform's majority has enabled the change, despite opposition from other parties and environmental groups.
Net zero scrapped amid cost concerns
The decision to abandon net zero targets was framed by Reform as a cost-saving measure. Councillor Williams emphasised the need to focus resources on "practical interventions" like energy efficiency and cost-of-living support, rather than what she described as unrealistic targets.
However, critics argue that scrapping net zero could leave Walsall unprepared for future climate impacts and miss out on government funding opportunities tied to green initiatives. The council's approach now diverges from many other local authorities in the West Midlands that retain net zero commitments.
With 30 councillors declining to publicly state their position on man-made climate change, questions remain about the scientific literacy and policy direction of Walsall's largest political group. The issue is likely to resurface at future council meetings as opposition parties push for greater accountability.
