Local elections results announced

Commenting on today's local election results, which has seen strong gains for Reform UK, Friends of the Earth's chief executive, Asad Rehman, said:

"Many people will be deeply concerned about what Reform UK's policies will mean for action to tackle the climate and nature crises - and for their families and communities.

"It's no surprise that the political parties that argued loudest during the election for more oil and gas are funded by the billionaires and fossil fuel interests profiting from soaring energy prices, while millions of people struggle to make ends meet.

"But keeping us dependent on fossil fuels for decades to come would leave people exposed to volatile global markets, soaring energy prices, and worsening climate extremes.

"Yet polling consistently shows widespread public support for climate action from voters across the political spectrum.

"The response from councils and government must be to rapidly deliver on the green growth that will make a real difference to ordinary people - from clean, homegrown renewable energy that cuts bills, to better insulation that keeps homes warm, to improved bus services that cut emissions and clean-up our air.

"A fair transition to a zero-carbon economy, funded in part through windfall taxes on the fossil fuel giants, will create many more jobs, grow the economy and improve lives.

"The message from the election is clear: people are desperate for change. But they want politicians to offer solutions that benefit us all, not just a privileged few. Tackling inequality and the climate crisis, whilst protecting the places we live, can unite communities and deliver a fairer, cleaner future for us all."