Cllr Iman Less, Labour’s Shadow Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecology:
The Conservatives laid out an action plan in 2021, recognizing the urgent need for climate action. Cllr Rachael Robathan stated they were committed to making Westminster a net-zero council by 2030. However, it seems that pledge has faded into the background.
Currently, there’s no Cabinet Member specifically focused on Climate and Ecology. Leadership for climate initiatives appears to be lacking, and there’s little indication that environmental concerns are a priority for the current administration.
What’s more alarming is the Conservatives’ minimal commitments. They lack a solid plan to meet Westminster’s 2030 net-zero target. Their environmental policy is filled with vague goals about electric vehicle charging, tree audits, and air quality targets, most of which are extensions of previous Labour projects. There’s a concerning absence of detailed execution plans or urgency, ignoring the significant climate challenges Westminster faces.
In contrast, Labour’s track record over the past four years speaks volumes. We have made Westminster one of the top councils in the country for climate action. Some of our achievements include:
- Reducing council carbon emissions by 27%.
- Implementing a leading Air Quality Action Plan.
- Boosting biodiversity through extensive tree-planting efforts.
- Engaging 126 businesses, representing 43% of the city’s commercial space, in our Sustainable City Charter.
- Upgrading nearly 100 council properties, including schools and community centers, for better energy efficiency.
- Forming the Westminster Climate Citizens’ Assembly for public engagement.
- Launching the Environmental Justice Measure tool to guide eco-friendly policies.
- Providing climate funding for schools and local groups.
- Addressing flooding and heat issues related to climate change.
- Promoting rooftop solar projects and community energy initiatives.
Looking ahead, we will keep pressing the Conservative administration to prioritize climate actions. Residents of Westminster deserve more than empty promises and a lack of action.
