Walsall Green Party has accused Reform UK councillors of 'declaring a war on reality' after the council voted to rescind its climate emergency declaration. The decision, made at a full council meeting on July 27, was described as 'dangerous' by local Green Party members.
Reform majority votes to scrap climate pledge
Reform leaders at Walsall Council described the 2019 pledge to take action against global warming as 'virtue signalling' and claimed it had delivered no benefit for Walsall taxpayers. The motion to rescind the declaration was passed by Reform members, who hold a majority on the council.
Joe Belcher, Walsall Green Party coordinator, said: "Europe is currently experiencing 'mega-fires' that are breaking historical records in both size and behaviour. While Europe has always experienced seasonal burning, the current 2026 wildfire season is marked by a dramatic escalation in scale, speed, and unpredictable intensity."
Green Party warns of conspiracy theories
Belcher added: "I understand why leaders and executives of a political party would promote these dangerous policies when they're funded by fossil fuel investors. But for local councillors to hold these dangerous views is shocking. They appear to have fallen for conspiracy theories claiming that climate change is a hoax. The Reform administration in Walsall is dangerous."
Helen Neville, Walsall Green Party executive committee member, said: "The argument that climate action is somehow opposed to good financial management misses the point. Improving energy efficiency saves money. Better public transport reduces congestion and pollution. Tackling climate change and being responsible with taxpayers' money are not competing priorities. Leadership means facing difficult realities, not pretending they don't exist."
Council leader defends 'practical approach'
Responding to the Green Party's comments, leader of the council, Councillor Elaine Williams, said: "This administration is committed to delivering best value for residents and making sure council resources are focused where they can have the greatest impact. It's about taking a practical, common-sense approach – one that is proportionate, realistic and deliverable, and clearly linked to better outcomes for local people."
Williams added: "This council remains committed to focusing on practical action that supports residents and communities. That includes improving energy efficiency, protecting green spaces, helping households and working with partners to strengthen community resilience. A climate emergency declaration is not the only way to make progress. What matters most is delivering tangible outcomes that improve everyday life for the people of Walsall and focusing our limited resources where they are most needed."
