Suffolk council says climate declaration will not stop wildfires

A county council has defended its choice to axe its climate emergency declaration after a huge wildfire destroyed acres of heathland.

Suffolk County Council, led by Reform UK, announced last month it had reversed the declaration, which was previously made in 2019 when the council was being led by the Conservatives.

On Wednesday, a huge wildfire broke out, destroying Dunwich Heath, which prompted the local Green Party to call for the declaration to be reinstated as it was “abundantly clear” Suffolk, like the rest of the world, was experiencing climate change.

But Morgan Brobyn, the council’s cabinet member for food, waste and rural affairs, said “declaring a climate emergency does not stop a wildfire from starting”.

“At a time like this, Suffolk residents expect elected representatives to come together, support those on the frontline and thank the many people working tirelessly to protect lives, property and our natural environment,” he said.

Richard Daniel/BBC

He added: “The decision taken by the council at its recent meeting was not about whether we care about the environment. We do.

“It was about ensuring our approach is focused on practical action and real outcomes rather than symbolic declarations.”