Clash in Reading on fifth anniversary of climate emergency

Reading Borough Council’s Labour administration has touted figures showing a 51 per cent reduction in the town’s carbon emissions since 2005 and a 68 per cent reduction in emissions from waste since 2015/16.

But the figures have been met with scepticism from the Greens, the main opposition party in Reading.

The climate emergency was declared at a full council meeting on February 26, 2019.

Reading Borough Council’s figures show that it has reduced its own carbon emissions by 74 per cent in 14 years, with a target of reducing its use of fossil fuels by 50 per cent being met two years ahead of schedule.

The Labour administration aims to reach a target of net zero carbon emissions in Reading by 2030.

John Ennis (Labour, Southcote), lead councillor climate strategy said: “We have made good progress with the help and support of our partners, communities and residents.

“We are now entering a critical period of time, not only for our borough but for our future on the planet.

“Last year was the warmest on record, this February is likely to be one of the wettest on record, July 2022 saw UK temperatures exceed 40 degrees for the first time and Reading’s all time temperature record was also broken.

“I would urge everyone in Reading to do what they can to help the town become net zero by 2030.

“It can seem like a daunting task, but if we all commit to taking action on climate change, together we can make a big difference.”

Councillor Dave McElroy (Greens, Redlands) replied with scepticism over the figures presented, arguing emissions reductions are down to the closure of ‘offshoring’ industrial emissions.

Cllr McElroy said: “Despite central government hiding that part of our footprint with their cheeky bookkeeping, the borough carbon reductions have still managed to stall in the last couple of years.

"With Labour nationally scrapping its £28 billion green investment pledge this isn’t likely to get better fast enough with a change of government.

David McElroy and Kathryn McCann, both Green councillors for the Redlands ward of Reading outside the Royal Berkshire Hospital. Credit: Reading Green Party

“So what is the council doing locally? Not much. The last transport plan doesn’t actually contain any plans, just a lot of greenwash. And what about warm homes for the local people who need them?

“The council failed to spend a £500,000 grant they got a few years ago to insulate homes and even had to give the money back. Reducing people’s fuel bills, giving them warmer homes and cutting carbon emissions. Win win win, so why not?

“As the main opposition party in Reading, the Greens will keep up the pressure for the council to do more for people and planet.

“We’ll demand more action and less hot air.”