The better-than-expected results for Jeremy Corbyn and his Labour Party in the June 8 snap elections shocked the United Kingdom and the world. The election led to Prime Minister Theresa May and the Conservatives losing their majority in Parliament, forcing May to form a coalition with Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party, a group of extremists who once appointed a climate denier as environmental minister. Following the election, Corbyn and his party have continued to surge in the polls. The prospect of a Corbyn-led government seems increasingly likely.
The transformation of Corbyn from obscure backbencher to odds-on favorite to become prime minister should be a welcome change for environmentalists. Corbyn has called for keeping 80 percent of fossil fuels in the ground, promoting renewable energy development and championing community energy cooperatives. He has been a vocal proponent of the Paris Agreement and harshly criticized May for her tepid condemnation of President Donald Trump’s decision to leave the agreement.
.@Theresa_May has refused to stand up to Donald Trump after he pulled the United States out of the Paris Climate Change Deal. #GE2017 #BBCQT pic.twitter.com/izlqXJVXpy
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) June 2, 2017
The 2017 Labour Manifesto offers a radical alternative to the much-maligned Conservative Manifesto on key issues such as the economy, Brexit, health care, education and housing. As for the environment, Labour offers a bold vision for the future of the United Kingdom. The Manifesto reaffirms the party’s commitment to meeting the country’s climate change targets, promises to introduce a new Clean Air Act, calls for a ban on fracking and commits to generating 60 percent of the country’s energy from renewables by 2030.
The Conservative Manifesto offers a different take on climate action. Green Party co-leader Caroline Lucas described the Conservative Manifesto as an “absolute car crash for the environment”. While the manifesto emphasizes the importance of climate leadership and renewable energy development, the document lacks vision on critical issues such as air pollution and fossil fuel extraction. Unlike the Labour manifesto, it devotes an entire section to developing the shale gas industry in the United Kingdom, drawing on the natural gas boom in the United States as a model.
Labour in government will build a green & sustainable economy. Investing in our environment is investing in our future. #WorldEnvironmentDay pic.twitter.com/fEcvpCVI5L
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) June 5, 2017
With Corbyn’s fortunes on the rise, the Labour Party is ready to lead the United Kingdom in transitioning to a low-carbon economy. In an era when climate leadership is needed more than ever, Labour offers a welcome change from May’s weak leadership.
Great little read Sam! Keep spreading word!
LikeLiked by 1 person