Chris Packham issues legal challenge to PM over delay to net-zero policies

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. If Rishi Sunak does not reverse the changes he announced last month, Mr Packham said he will apply to the High Court to challenge this in a judicial review, arguing that such a delay is unlawful given the Government is required to follow a series of carbon budget plans on the way to becoming net zero by 2050. Reneging on clear-cut measurable and guaranteed means of reduction without offering real alternatives to balance the targets is reckless and irresponsible Chris Packham, TV presenter Mr Packham said this change of direction was made without any public consultation, without informing Parliament or the Climate Change Committee – which advises the Government on how to meet its carbon budgets. He said the Prime Minister is “playing populist politics with the future of life on Earth”, adding: “Even before this spontaneous, ill-judged and – we contend – unlawful announcement, the UK Government’s plans to meet its legal net-zero commitments were shambolic and destined to failure. “It also highlighted a lack of urgency across Government, a worrying hesitancy and lack of political leadership on the climate issue.” The CCC said they are reviewing the impacts of Mr Sunak’s decision but its chief executive, Chris Stark, has previously said the Government was already going slow on rolling out electric cars.