Nigel Farage has launched a scathing attack on Britain's net zero policies, branding them "crackpot" legislation that is causing economic damage to the nation.
In a heated exchange with former Conservative MP Jane Stevenson, Nigel demanded answers about the Government's environmental commitments.
The confrontation comes as the Conservative Party faces mounting scrutiny over its environmental policies, with Kemi Badenoch acknowledging mistakes in their approach to climate targets.
Speaking on GB News, Nigel said: "So why did your government put in put into law this crackpot net zero stuff that's damaging Britain so badly economically?"
Ex-Tory MP, Jane Stevenson said: "I think it always has to be affordable for people. People want to do the right thing. What they perceive is the right thing. Be kind to the planet.
"We can have less impact. But if someone just says to an average person in Wolverhampton, £10,000 for a heat pump, you can't have a boiler. This is crazy. They can't afford it."
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Nigel replied: "This heat pump issue is really coming up now, isn't it?
"Because that cold snap that we've just had, you know, when the temperature gets down below 2 or 3 degrees, suddenly when the heat pump is not working, your electricity bill then absolutely goes to the moon.
"I understand the argument and I get the argument. If you ask the British public, do you think we should do all we can to look after the planet?
"You know what the answer is? If you then ask them, do you want to pay hundreds of pounds a year for it? The answer is no."
The target, written into law by Theresa May in 2019, led to proposals including bans on new petrol cars and gas boiler installations.
Badenoch, a long-standing critic of the target, has previously warned it risked "bankrupting" the UK.
The Leader of the Opposition's speech earlier today marked her first major public appearance of the year, having only replaced Rishi Sunak in November.
Badenoch's comments have fuelled speculation that the Conservatives may water down or abandon their net zero target ahead of the next general election.
The timing is particularly significant as Reform UK continues to make substantial gains in recent polls.
The two parties are now running neck-and-neck in a number of polls, with Labour also entering the dead-heat contest.
Badenoch also used her speech to distance herself from previous Conservative Governments' decisions.
She said: "For the next four years and beyond we are going to be telling the British people the truth, even when it's difficult to hear."
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In a heated exchange with former Conservative MP Jane Stevenson, Nigel demanded answers about the Government's environmental commitments.
The confrontation comes as the Conservative Party faces mounting scrutiny over its environmental policies, with Kemi Badenoch acknowledging mistakes in their approach to climate targets.
Speaking on GB News, Nigel said: "So why did your government put in put into law this crackpot net zero stuff that's damaging Britain so badly economically?"
Ex-Tory MP, Jane Stevenson said: "I think it always has to be affordable for people. People want to do the right thing. What they perceive is the right thing. Be kind to the planet.
"We can have less impact. But if someone just says to an average person in Wolverhampton, £10,000 for a heat pump, you can't have a boiler. This is crazy. They can't afford it."
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Nigel replied: "This heat pump issue is really coming up now, isn't it?
"Because that cold snap that we've just had, you know, when the temperature gets down below 2 or 3 degrees, suddenly when the heat pump is not working, your electricity bill then absolutely goes to the moon.
"I understand the argument and I get the argument. If you ask the British public, do you think we should do all we can to look after the planet?
"You know what the answer is? If you then ask them, do you want to pay hundreds of pounds a year for it? The answer is no."
The target, written into law by Theresa May in 2019, led to proposals including bans on new petrol cars and gas boiler installations.
Badenoch, a long-standing critic of the target, has previously warned it risked "bankrupting" the UK.
The Leader of the Opposition's speech earlier today marked her first major public appearance of the year, having only replaced Rishi Sunak in November.
Badenoch's comments have fuelled speculation that the Conservatives may water down or abandon their net zero target ahead of the next general election.
The timing is particularly significant as Reform UK continues to make substantial gains in recent polls.
The two parties are now running neck-and-neck in a number of polls, with Labour also entering the dead-heat contest.
Badenoch also used her speech to distance herself from previous Conservative Governments' decisions.
She said: "For the next four years and beyond we are going to be telling the British people the truth, even when it's difficult to hear."
Find Out More...