In a bold political move, prominent UK figures have aligned themselves with a US-based climate denial group, signaling a growing political offensive against climate science in Britain. Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, was the guest of honor at the launch event for Heartland UK/Europe, the British arm of the infamous Heartland Institute.

A Controversial Launch

Held in December at the exclusive Brooks’s private members club in Mayfair, London, the launch was attended by a slew of high-profile figures, including former Prime Minister Liz Truss, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, and Conservative MPs Andrew Griffith and Christopher Chope. The event marked the official introduction of Heartland UK, a lobbying organization with links to the US oil industry and wealthy Republican donors, including major players like ExxonMobil.

This move follows in the footsteps of Heartland’s controversial US operations, where the institute has gained notoriety for its climate science denialism and aggressive political lobbying. In recent years, the Heartland Institute has found itself aligned with conservative policymakers in Europe, eager to counter the growing momentum for environmental reform.

Heartland’s Troubling History

Heartland is no stranger to controversy. Known for its staunch opposition to climate action, the institute has been accused of spreading misinformation about the dangers of global warming. In the past, it has made egregious claims, including comparing climate advocates to the notorious US terrorist Ted Kaczynski—the Unabomber—and wrongly suggesting that heatwaves are not increasing due to climate change.

At the heart of its operations in the UK is Lois Perry, the former Ukip leader who has long downplayed the significance of the climate crisis. Perry has repeatedly referred to the climate emergency as a “scam” and has used her platform on GB News to dismiss the reality of global warming. Under her leadership, Heartland UK is expected to push hard against net-zero emissions targets, which have become a key area of contention in UK politics.

Reform UK and the Anti-Net-Zero Agenda

For Farage and his Reform UK party, the establishment of the Heartland UK branch aligns with their growing political push to abandon the UK’s ambitious net-zero targets. Reform UK MPs have used their time in Parliament to argue against climate policies, including calling for the revival of coal mining and scrapping net-zero targets altogether. Farage, who has positioned himself as a fierce critic of climate policies, views the climate agenda as a burden on businesses and ordinary citizens.

Heartland’s UK operations are set to provide resources for conservative policymakers across Europe, fueling an ideological battle that pits economic growth against environmental responsibility. James Taylor, president of the Heartland Institute, stated, “With our UK and European launch, we aim to fulfil this requested impact throughout Europe.”

The Political Fallout

The formation of Heartland UK comes at a time when climate change is becoming an increasingly urgent issue for global leaders. Despite the mounting evidence of climate change’s effects, including extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and the loss of biodiversity, a growing faction of UK politicians, emboldened by the support of organizations like Heartland, is actively pushing back against environmental policies.

Liz Truss, who attended the launch event, has had her own contentious history with climate policies. As Prime Minister, Truss was criticized for her stance on climate change and for promoting pro-business policies that environmental groups viewed as detrimental to green goals. Now, her association with the Heartland Institute signals a continuation of that legacy.

Heartland’s Influence on UK Policy

The launch of Heartland’s UK branch is a clear indication of the political battle brewing over climate policies in Britain. It signals a shift towards a more conservative, pro-business approach, where environmental concerns are often sidelined in favor of economic growth, even at the expense of long-term sustainability.

As Heartland works to influence policymakers across Europe, it could become a key player in the UK’s evolving stance on climate action. However, the group’s controversial reputation and its ties to the oil industry are likely to spark fierce debates. For Farage and the Reform UK party, aligning with Heartland is an opportunity to galvanize their anti-net-zero agenda and mobilize conservative forces across Europe.

A Growing Divide

The launch event and the presence of key political figures at the launch underscore the widening political divide over climate change. As global temperatures continue to rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, the UK faces a critical decision about how it balances economic interests with the urgent need to address climate change. For now, the country’s political landscape seems to be tilting toward the anti-climate action side, with Heartland UK leading the charge.

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