The Tory leader said the UK’s target to reach net zero by 2050 is ‘impossible’ in a break from longstanding political consensus, sparking backlash from environmental groups.

Sam Hall, head of the Conservative Environment Network, said: "It is a mistake for Kemi Badenoch to have jumped the gun on her own policy review and decided net zero isn't possible by 2050.

"This undermines the significant environmental legacy of successive Conservative governments who provided the outline of a credible plan for tackling climate change.

"The important question now is how to build out this plan in a way that supports growth, strengthens security and follows conservative, free market principles."

Hall agreed with Badenoch that Labour's approach risks undermining net zero with higher prices, but said the target is driven "not by optimism but by scientific reality".

"Abandon the science and voters will start to doubt the Conservative Party's seriousness on the clean energy transition, damaging both growth and the fight against climate change."

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