In a refreshing move, Durham County Council, now led by a strong Reform majority, has made history as the first UK local authority to ditch its 2019 climate emergency declaration. The council voted to focus instead on a County Durham care emergency, redirecting attention to real, pressing issues that matter to residents.

The decision, passed after a lively debate, reflects a council now grounded in data and common sense, as Reform council leader Andrew Husband put it. He pointed to historical evidence of a warmer climate during Roman times, noting vineyards once thrived near Hadrian’s Wall around 45AD. “Mind, how the climate has always shifted,” Husband said, highlighting the need for practical priorities over alarmist rhetoric.

Reform councillor Kenny Hope called out the hidden costs of so-called green policies, pointing to ethical concerns in the production of lithium batteries and solar panels. “We’re standing against exploitation in supply chains,” Hope said, emphasizing a commitment to fairness and transparency.

Deputy leader Darren Grimes, a former GB News presenter, championed the motion, slamming the 2019 declaration as “expensive virtue-signalling tripe.” He argued that chasing “net-zero rainbows” ignores the reality of global energy demands, particularly in countries like China, which continue to rely heavily on coal. “Durham is done with policies that leave residents colder and poorer,” Grimes declared.

The debate, though limited to 30 minutes by council rules, was decisive. A push by Liberal Democrat councillor Mark Wilkes for a longer discussion was voted down. Wilkes claimed the climate declaration had saved £13m last year and warned of potential funding losses, but Reform’s focus remained on immediate local needs, like social care, over speculative environmental goals.

Green councillor Jonathan Elmer called the move “bonkers,” while Wilkes expressed personal concerns about his son’s future. Yet, Reform’s leadership stood firm, prioritizing practical governance over what they see as feel-good gestures. This bold shift signals a new direction for Durham, one that puts residents’ real-world needs first.

This win comes within 2 weeks of the same County Durham claiming a big victory against a solar installation.