Richard Tice’s comments on climate change spark backlash
Richard Tice has been accused of being “completely out of touch with the public” after advising those concerned about global warming to stop being “doom and gloom,” suggesting instead that it could lead to an improvement in English wine, reports BritPanorama.
The Reform UK deputy leader acknowledged that climate change is “real,” but contended there is no evidence that net zero policies will effectively halt it, labeling the belief that it can be stopped as “arrogant.”
Mr Tice encouraged the public to embrace warmer weather, remarking, “If it means that English wine and sparkling wine gets better and better, fantastic.”
His remarks provoked strong condemnation from climate change campaigners, with critics arguing that those experiencing the ramifications of drought and wildfires do not need such comments to “belittle their summer from hell.”
James Sutton, co-director of Zero Hour, pointed out the severe impact of climate events this summer, stating, “As the public were forced to learn the word ‘firewave’ this summer, farmers faced yet another devastating harvest, and families struggled with overheating homes and school closures. But Reform UK’s deputy leader seems to have solved the issue: let’s just enjoy it.”
He added, “When almost 3,000 people have died from extreme heat, and what has felt like endless heatwaves may have cost the UK £4.4 billion, Richard Tice’s comments are completely out of touch with the public.”
Amy Cameron, Greenpeace UK’s programme director, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for actionable solutions. “There’s only one way to stop this extreme weather: cutting emissions from fossil fuels,” she stated.
In July, the Met Office reported that around 2,700 people are thought to have died from heat-related causes during the heatwaves in May and June across England and Wales. Of these deaths, an estimated 42 percent were attributed to human-induced warming.
When questioned by the Press Association about his views on climate change and potential solutions, Mr Tice reaffirmed, “Of course climate change is real, but where is the evidence that net zero is going to stop it? Where is the evidence? There isn’t any.”
He further stated, “Climate change has always happened, it always will. Maybe the smarter thing to do is to adapt to it rather than think arrogantly you can stop it.”
Mr Tice reminisced about the summer of 1976, remarking, “I’m old enough to remember 1976 – this feels a bit the same. That was 50 years ago.”
He concluded by emphasizing that warmer weather could be seen as a positive development, noting, “Let’s celebrate some of these things rather than just be sort of doom and gloom about it.”
Robert Jenrick, Treasury spokesperson for Reform UK, suggested that governments should increase the number of reservoirs to capitalize on wetter winters, while Labour has announced plans for nine new reservoirs, with the first estimated to be completed in 2036.
Mr Tice, who divides his time between the UK and the Middle East, expressed interest in discussing desalination as a solution. “Where’s been the discussion about desalination plans that are used in other parts of the world – very, very successfully?” he asked.
He argued, “If it’s too difficult to build a reservoir, let’s look at desalination plants. It’s a can-do, business-like, get stuff done attitude, that this country needs in order to get us out of the mess we’re currently in.”
On Friday, the Guardian reported that Thames Water is preparing to restart the UK’s only desalination plant, but it will not be ready until the winter. The Thames Gateway plant in Beckton, east London, has been infrequently utilized since its opening 15 years ago.
