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In 2022, when Rishi Sunak took the helm as the UK's Prime Minister, many expressed a sigh of relief. Though Sunak's environmental record wasn't exactly stellar, he was viewed as less problematic for the environment than his predecessor, Liz Truss. However, this initial optimism completely evaporated, especially in light of Rishi Sunak’s support for new North Sea oil and gas licences and his decisions to water down several green policies.
As we examine Rishi Sunak's brief tenure and his stance on the environment, the question now shifts to understanding his impact on the UK's climate policies and what his recent election defeat means for the country's future environmental commitments.
👉 As we explore Rishi Sunak's rise and his environmental legacy, the question remains: How did his time in office shape the UK's approach to climate targets and what does the future hold post-Sunak?
A long-time member of the Conservative Party, Rishi Sunak has represented Richmond (York) as an MP since 2015. Prior to his ascension to Prime Minister, he served as the Chancellor of the Exchequer, a pivotal role in the UK Government overseeing the nation's economy.
👉 Throughout his 8-year political journey, Sunak hasn't carved out a notable reputation as a green policy champion. His voting record typically aligns with the broader Conservative Party stance on environmental matters. While the party acknowledges the dire implications of climate change, its actions and statements have sometimes veered towards inconsistency and insufficient commitment.
Many optimists hoped Sunak would rejuvenate the UK Government's approach to climate action, especially given the perceived setbacks under Truss. However, his two years as Prime Minister have proven to be completely the opposite. In September 2023, Sunak implemented significant U-turns on green policies and granted new oil and gas licences, raising serious concerns about his commitment to climate action.
Born on May 12, 1980, in Southampton, England, Rishi Sunak's upbringing was deeply rooted in the values of his Indian immigrant parents. His father, a dedicated general practitioner, and his mother, who ran her own pharmacy, were pillars of their local community.
Witnessing their service from a young age, Sunak was instilled with a desire to make a positive impact, a sentiment that later influenced his decision to become a Member of Parliament. This commitment to service was coupled with a natural aptitude for numbers and leadership. His parents' strong work ethic and emphasis on community values not only shaped his childhood but also laid the foundation for his future endeavours.
Rishi Sunak's educational journey is marked by prestigious institutions. He began at the esteemed Winchester College, where he was chosen as head boy - a testament (some might say) to his leadership qualities. Later, he progressed to Oxford University, enrolling in the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) program.
Beyond achieving first-class honours, his time at Oxford also marked the inception of his political interests. He interned at the Conservative Central Office and subsequently joined the Conservative Party. However, Rishi Sunak's dive into full-fledged politics would come later as he decided to enrol at Stanford University, where, as a Fulbright scholar, he achieved his MBA.
After completing his studies, Rishi Sunak took on a role within the financial sector. He started with investment bank Goldman Sachs and subsequently worked for The Children’s Investment Fund Management and Theleme Partners (both hedge funds). These roles afforded him a nuanced understanding of the global economy and the intricate dynamics of financial markets - a reputation that followed him into politics.
Rishi Sunak's ascension in UK politics began with his entrance to the House of Commons in the 2015 by-election, where he was elected as MP for Richmond (York), succeeding the former Conservative Party leader, William Hague. Retaining his seat during the 2017 general election, Sunak consistently demonstrated his support for the UK's exit from the European Union and was vocal in championing numerous economic reforms.
In recognition of his commitment and capabilities, Prime Minister Boris Johnson appointed him as the Chief Secretary to the Treasury in 2019. However, it was his subsequent promotion to Chancellor of the Exchequer in 2020 that truly cemented his influence in the government. As Chancellor, Sunak faced the unprecedented economic challenge brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, he unveiled a £330 billion emergency aid package for businesses and pioneered the furlough scheme, an innovative policy that provided employers with grants to cover a significant portion of their employee wages – a move never before seen in the UK.
Yet, his tenure was not without controversies. From his participation in a gathering that defied pandemic protocols to concerns related to his family's wealth and their tax position, Sunak found himself at the centre of public scrutiny.
The landscape of his political journey shifted dramatically in 2022, due to a scandal that engulfed fellow Conservative member, Chris Pincher, and then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Amidst this chaos, Sunak, along with other pivotal members of the cabinet, opted for resignation, a move that catalysed the upheaval within the Conservative Party and culminated in Johnson stepping down. In the wake of these dramatic events, Sunak emerged as a formidable contender for the leadership of the Conservative Party.
In July 2022, Rishi Sunak declared his intention to run in the Conservative Party leadership race following Boris Johnson's departure. Launching his campaign via social media, he emphasised values of "patriotism, fairness, and hard work", and made several policy pledges including tax reforms and stricter refugee policies.
Sunak and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss were the frontrunners, with Sunak leading the MPs' votes. However, Truss clinched the final membership vote with 57.4%. After briefly taking a backseat during Truss's tenure, Sunak re-entered the leadership fray in October when Truss resigned. With significant MP backing, and after other potential candidates like Johnson and Mordaunt opted out, Sunak was declared the Conservative leader on 24 October 2022. Rishi Sunak subsequently became Prime Minister one day later, on 25 October 2023 - the first British Asian Prime Minister.
On the personal front, Sunak's life is intertwined with another influential family. He is married to Akshata Murty, the daughter of Narayana Murty, the co-founder of Infosys, a global tech consulting giant. The Murty family's wealth and prominence in the business world have sometimes been a focal point in discussions about Sunak, though he maintains that his personal and political life are distinct. Still, the couple came under scrutiny when it was discovered that Sunak’s wife has secured a non-domiciled status allowing her to avoid paying an estimated £20 million in taxes.
Rishi Sunak was initially portrayed as the more liberal option during the summer 2022 Tory leadership contest. Yet, beneath the young, smiling, well-suited exterior lies one of the most conservative leaders since Margaret Thatcher. While his predecessors nudged the Conservative Party towards liberal ideals, Sunak's agenda was clearly more traditionalist. Let’s take a closer look at the former Prime Minister's political views.
During his time in office, Sunak prioritised halting illegal immigration, introducing rigorous measures that make it increasingly difficult for refugees to seek asylum in the UK. And this isn't solely influenced by Suella Braverman, the Home Secretary - it’s also emblematic of Sunak's profound conservative views. Rishi Sunak's assertive actions, such as docking a barge in Dorset to house 500 asylum-seekers, go beyond mere posturing. His moves are deeply rooted in his beliefs.
Sunak also diverged from the liberal stances of predecessors such as David Cameron, who supported gay marriage, and Theresa May with her gender transition reforms. His opposition to certain trans rights measures is underscored by his veto of the Scottish First Minister's gender reform bill and his apparent support of Kemi Badenoch's amendments to the Equality Act, which would limit trans women's rights in single-sex spaces. Moreover, Sunak, whose daughters are enrolled in single-sex schools, reportedly backs notifying parents when a child questions their gender – a stance that has drawn criticism from LGBTQ+ charities concerned about potential family backlash.
Despite being accused of being a 'leftie' for his spending during the pandemic, Rishi Sunak is in fact a fiscal conservative, more reminiscent of Nigel Lawson from the Thatcher era. He believes in cutting taxes when the nation can afford it, contrary to the recent trend in Tory economic thinking.
Amongst recent Conservative leaders, only Sunak has been a consistent believer in the merits of Brexit. His long-standing view distinguishes him from peers who either opposed it or embraced it opportunistically.
Despite Sunak's clear conservative stance, he is often not seen in that light. Historically, younger leaders like Blair and Cameron championed liberal agendas, perhaps leading to assumptions about Sunak's politics. Since the political upheavals of post-2016, conventional political affiliations have been in flux, causing confusion about Sunak's true position. To many, his composed demeanour signals a more liberal approach. However, Sunak's conservatism is not merely strategic but a deeply held belief.
While past Conservative leaders, like David Cameron and Theresa May, proudly showcased their environmentalism - with Cameron's exaggerated green credentials and May's groundbreaking "net zero" legislation - Rishi Sunak appeared less enthused. Accusations of his environmental indifference were notably echoed by Zac Goldsmith, a former minister, who mentioned in his resignation letter that Sunak seemed "simply uninterested" in environmental concerns.
During his short tenure as Prime Minister, Sunak's government was seen as a reluctant follower, maintaining the same climate targets as his predecessors but without the same enthusiasm. In September 2023, Sunak implemented significant U-turns on green policies, including postponing the ban on new petrol and diesel car sales and delaying the phasing out of gas boilers. He also supported new North Sea oil and gas licences, which drew intense criticism both domestically and internationally.
The reality seemed to be that for Sunak, political ambitions took precedence, and any environmental commitments that might hamper his path to re-election were likely to be sidelined. His approach raised serious concerns about the UK's dedication to its climate targets and underscored a period of environmental policy regression under his leadership.
As Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak was at the helm of the UK's economic decisions, and this position afforded him significant influence over environmental and sustainability matters. Let’s take a closer look at his track record on climate change measures:
Sunak's time as Chancellor showcased a mix of initiatives - some benefiting the environment and others drawing criticism from environmentalists. This left many eager to see if and how his stance on sustainability and climate action would evolve during his tenure as Prime Minister, especially given the urgency of the global climate crisis.
However, environmentalists were ultimately disappointed. If we focus on Rishi Sunak's voting record regarding climate change, it becomes clear that he almost always voted against government measures intended to tackle climate change (or simply didn't turn up to vote in parliament). Most strikingly, he previously voted against financial incentives for low-carbon energy generation.
During his time as Prime Minister, he further solidified this stance by implementing U-turns on green policies, postponing critical climate measures, and supporting new oil and gas licences, leading to significant criticism and concerns about the UK's dedication to its climate targets.
In light of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's less-than-inspiring environmental track record, you may be wondering why he was initially viewed as a vast improvement on Liz Truss.
Well, to put it simply - Lizz Truss was worse! The problem with ex-Prime Minister Liz Truss wasn't just her own view on environmental policy, but that some of her team didn't believe that climate change was even a legitimate threat in the first place. Truss chose Jacob Rees-Mogg as her energy secretary, a man who has questioned whether climate change is even caused by human activity.
It was therefore clear from the very start that Liz and her team weren't going to prioritise developing new environmental strategies. In fact, what happened was quite the opposite - she seemed to make every effort to dismantle the Government's existing environmental policies.
In her brief time as Prime Minister, Liz Truss moved to outlaw the use of solar panels on most farmland, overturned a ban on fracking (a move Rishi Sunak later reversed), and got rid of hundreds of laws and subsidies designed to protect nature.
During his tenure as the UK's Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak's approach to climate change was marked by a series of contentious decisions and policy shifts that have drawn significant criticism from environmentalists.
Early in his premiership, Sunak established the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, which seemed to signal a commitment to addressing climate issues. However, his decision not to retain COP26 President Alok Sharma in his cabinet and his initial plan to attend COP27 only virtually raised doubts about his dedication to climate action.
In September 2023, Sunak's administration implemented significant U-turns on green policies, including postponing the ban on new petrol and diesel car sales and delaying the phasing out of gas boilers. These changes were widely criticized for undermining the UK's climate targets.
One of the most controversial moves during Sunak's time as Prime Minister was his approval of hundreds of oil and gas licences in the North Sea. This decision provoked protests by environmental groups, including Greenpeace activists who draped his North Yorkshire residence with black fabric. The government's responsezzz to exert more control over protests further stirred concerns about curbing basic rights such as freedom of expression.
Another concerning move was the Conservative Party’s decision to target London Mayor Sadiq Khan's ultra-low emission zone in the July 2023 Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election. The Conservatives used Khan’s low-emission strategy as a tool to criticise Labour, accusing the party of alienating owners of older, more polluting vehicles. This tactic, often referred to as wedge politics, framed Labour as adversaries to car owners and alleged the existence of a "carless society" plan.
Following the by-election, Sunak seemed to interpret the win as a signal that challenging green policies could offer electoral advantages. There were immediate rumblings of potential rollbacks, delays, and even the abandonment of climate policies that might burden consumers. Statements from Downing Street emphasised a pragmatic approach to net zero measures, ensuring costs were not passed on to hard-working families. Critics, however, viewed these statements as an electoral strategy to distinguish Sunak from Labour leader Keir Starmer.
In an effort to address cost-of-living concerns, Sunak announced plans to delay several UK climate targets. The key changes included:
These measures were met with widespread condemnation, yet Sunak insisted they were motivated by genuine concerns for the cost-of-living crisis rather than political maneuvering. He claimed the UK would still meet its net zero targets and that the country was over-delivering on climate promises.
Sunak’s pragmatic approach also extended to energy security in the UK. In response to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and the cost of living crisis, Sunak advocated for new technologies to reduce dependence on foreign fossil fuels. He illustrated plans for the UK to transition towards energy independence through investment and measures to increase household energy efficiency. This included support for increasing oil production in the North Sea and even backing controversial fracking (though, it's hard to imagine any communities supporting the activity!).
During his tenure as Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak's approach to climate change raised strong concerns about his true commitment to reaching the 2050 net-zero targets. These actions often seemed contradictory, reflecting both a commitment to conservative party lines and a series of policy roll-backs that undermined substantial climate action.
On one hand, Sunak reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to climate goals at the September 2023 G20 summit and committed to attending the COP28 summit. Additionally, he announced a £1.6 billion contribution to the Green Climate Fund at Narendra Modi's behest, representing the UK's most significant climate-related financial commitment to date.
However, these pledges were overshadowed by his actions. He emphasised that tackling climate change shouldn't equate to sacrificing comforts or hiking household expenses, which illustrated his true priorities. Sunak was willing to commit to climate change goals, but only where it didn’t come at the expense of the economy and where it wouldn’t threaten future election results.
Sunak oversaw significant policy roll-backs, such as delaying the ban on new petrol and diesel car sales and postponing the phasing out of gas boilers. He approved hundreds of oil and gas licences in the North Sea and targeted London Mayor Sadiq Khan's ultra-low emission zone, using it as a political tool to attract voters skeptical of net-zero commitments.
This contradictory approach - balancing climate commitments with economic and electoral concerns - ultimately defined Sunak's environmental legacy. His tenure as Prime Minister highlighted the challenges of aligning short-term political gains with long-term climate goals. The new Labour government now faces the task of addressing and reversing many of these controversial decisions to set a renewed focus on sustainability and climate commitments.
Rishi Sunak claimed that the UK is consistently over-delivering in terms of meeting its climate change targets. But how does this claim hold up to reality?
For decades, the UK set a global example in addressing climate change, with its efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions outpacing most of its G7 counterparts. This commendable reduction largely stems from the UK's shift from coal-based power to North Sea oil and gas, which was responsible for half of the country's emissions drop since 1990.
However, while the power sector has made continuous progress with the integration of renewables, other sectors like transport, housing, and agriculture have witnessed stagnant emissions over recent years. Initiatives like transitioning to electric vehicles and the incorporation of heat pumps aimed to address these areas - two areas in which Rishi Sunak backtracked. The watering down of these policies now jeopardises the UK's commitment to its forthcoming carbon goals. Reports from the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) previously highlighted concerns over the nation's ability to meet the fifth and sixth carbon budgets set for 2028-2037. With the current policy adjustments, experts predict that the UK will be even further off target.
Rishi Sunak claimed that he backtracked on climate policies out of concern for the cost of living crisis and that wanted to reduce the cost burden on consumers. Is there truth to this claim?
While Sunak emphasised the importance of the UK avoiding dependence on costly imported energy from leaders like Putin and preventing undue financial burdens on British households, his recent actions suggest a contradictory stance. Slashing energy efficiency initiatives and decelerating the shift from fossil-fuelled cars and boilers will make individuals more vulnerable to the fluctuating costs of fossil fuels. Consequently, renters are poised to face escalated energy bills, and consumers might bear increased costs transitioning to EVs and heat pumps. In fact, some experts believe that Sunak's approach could end up costing renters approximately £2bn annually due to inefficient home insulation and that it could also cost drivers as much as £6bn.
Rishi Sunak might claim he's safeguarding households from "unacceptable expenses", but the long-term economic ramifications are more complex. Notably, MP Chris Skidmore, who led up the UK's Net Zero Review, labelled net zero as the "economic opportunity of the 21st century". Illustratively, when the ban on new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 was introduced, then-Secretary of State, Grant Shapps, predicted it could generate 40,000 additional jobs. A study by Cambridge Econometrics that same year surmised that this early prohibition could offer a staggering £4.2bn uplift to the economy. So Rishi Sunak's claim that he took action to reduce the cost burden on UK citizens doesn't hold up to scrutiny.
Sunak pointed to several "overzealous" measures he allegedly eliminated, including concepts like a "meat tax" and a levy on frequent flyers. Despite their discussion for a number of years, such measures have never become official government policies. Former leaders like Boris Johnson have dismissed such interventions as "nanny state" overreaches. For example, even though there are recommendations for a 30% reduction in meat consumption by 2031, a meat tax has never been endorsed.
Therefore, Sunak's assertions - like the one about having seven recycling bins, implementing a meat tax, or mandating car-sharing - are either distortions or misinterpretations of existing or proposed guidelines.
The 2024 UK general election marked a significant turning point in the country's political landscape. Keir Starmer led the Labour Party to a historic landslide victory, ending 14 years of Conservative rule under the leadership of Rishi Sunak.
Labour secured 412 seats, while the Conservatives were reduced to just 121, suffering their worst performance in decades. This overwhelming mandate reflects a strong public desire for change and a new direction, particularly in environmental policy.
Rishi Sunak’s defeat and future prospects: Rishi Sunak's tenure as Prime Minister, marked by controversial environmental policy U-turns and a perceived deprioritisation of urgent climate action, played a significant role in his party's downfall. Sunak's mixed signals on climate commitments, such as supporting new oil and gas licenses while also claiming dedication to net-zero goals, contributed to voter disillusionment.
Following his defeat, Sunak’s future in politics remains uncertain. He may choose to remain active within the Conservative Party, potentially influencing its direction from a different role, or he might decide to step back from frontline politics.
The Conservative Party, now facing the task of rebuilding and redefining its identity, must decide whether to shift further right to attract skeptical voters or return to more centrist policies to regain broader support.
Labour's green agenda: With a robust majority in Parliament, Keir Starmer's Labour government is poised to implement ambitious climate policies. Labour has promised to make Britain a “clean energy superpower” by establishing Great British Energy, a publicly owned clean energy company, by 2030. Their commitment includes generating all of the country’s electricity domestically and ensuring it is zero carbon by the end of the decade, while staying on track for net zero by 2050.
Experts and environmental advocates are hopeful that Labour’s victory will bring an end to what has been described as "fourteen years of dither, delay and retreat" on environmental issues. Mike Childs, head of policy at Friends of the Earth, emphasises that Labour’s plans are stronger than their predecessors but must be even more ambitious to meet crucial targets.
The UK has historically been a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, but it has also made commendable strides in reducing its carbon footprint. The phasing out of coal and substantial investments in renewable energy have been key steps.
Labour’s new mandate provides an opportunity to accelerate these efforts, making substantial progress in home insulation, green transportation, and overall energy efficiency.
The new government’s success in implementing these policies will be crucial in setting the UK back on track to meet its climate commitments. As the world faces increasingly severe impacts from climate change, the UK’s leadership in environmental policy will be more critical than ever.
In recent years, the urgency to combat climate change has been felt globally. The United Kingdom, with its historical influence and leadership, remains under the microscope, especially in light of its internal politics and shifting leadership. Rishi Sunak's tenure as Prime Minister initially offered hope for a renewed focus on environmental policies, especially after the perceived setbacks during Liz Truss' brief tenure. However, a review of Sunak's environmental initiatives, decisions, and pronouncements reveals a leader who navigated the climate crisis with an unwavering pragmatic lens. While his commitments, such as the significant contribution to the Green Climate Fund, were commendable, there's a sense that these decisions were made more from a strategic perspective than a purely environmental one.
The ongoing global energy crisis, as well as national economic considerations, clearly weighed heavily on Sunak's decision-making process. His prioritisation of energy security and economic stability, even if it meant continued oil and gas extraction, spoke to a leader more concerned about immediate practicalities than long-term sustainability. Yet, the battle against climate change demands both immediate action and a forward-looking vision.
With the landslide victory of Keir Starmer and the Labour Party in the 2024 general election, the UK stands at the cusp of a potentially transformative era for environmental policy. Labour's commitment to making Britain a "clean energy superpower" and reversing many of Sunak's controversial rollbacks offers a chance to realign the UK's climate goals with its legal commitments under the Climate Change Act of 2008.
As the new government takes on the challenge of implementing truly progressive climate policies, the world watches with anticipation. The choices made by the UK in the coming years will not only shape its own environmental trajectory but also set a benchmark for global efforts to combat climate change. The stakes have never been higher, and the opportunity for impactful change has never been more within reach.
If reading this article about the election of Rishi Sunak and what it means for climate change legislation in the U.K. has made you interested in reducing your carbon emissions to further fight against climate change – Greenly can help you!
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