Reform deputy leader accused of being ‘completely out of touch’ for telling people to ‘enjoy’ climate change

Richard Tice has been accused of people “completely out of touch with the public” after telling people concerned about global warming to stop being “doom and gloom”, as it could see an improvement in English wine.

The Reform UK deputy leader acknowledged climate change is “real”, but said there was no proof net zero policies would halt it – and to think it can be stopped is “arrogant”.

Instead, Mr Tice suggested the public should enjoy it when it gets warm , adding: “If it means that English wine and sparkling wine gets better and better, fantastic”.

The comments have been condemned by climate change campaigners, who said those affected by the ongoing drought and wildfires did not need him to “belittle their summer from hell”.

"As the public were forced to learn the word ‘firewave’ this summer, farmers faced yet another devastating harvest, and families struggled with overheating homes and school closures. But Reform UK’s deputy leader seems to have solved the issue: let’s just enjoy it,” James Sutton, Zero Hour Co-director said.

“When almost 3,000 people have died from extreme heat, and what has felt like endless heatwaves may have cost the UK £4.4 billion, Richard Tice’s comments are completely out of touch with the public.Politicians, regardless of party, have a duty to citizens and right now we need politicians who will stand up for and help protect communities, not belittle their summer from hell.”

Amy Cameron, Greenpeace UK’s programme director, said: “Reform should try telling nurses fainting on shifts, farmers losing their crops and people running from burning homes to enjoy the hot weather and see what reaction they’ll get.

“There’s only one way to stop this extreme weather: cutting emissions from fossil fuels.”

In July, the Met Office said that 2,700 people are thought to have died from heat-related causes during the May and June heatwaves in England and Wales.

Of those, they estimated that 42 per cent “died as a result of the extra heat caused by human-induced warming”.

Asked by the Press Association whether he believes climate change is real and what the solution to solving it is, Mr Tice said: “Of course climate change is real, but where is the evidence that net zero is going to stop it? Where is the evidence? There isn’t any.

“Climate change has always happened, it always will. Maybe the smarter thing to do is to adapt to it, (rather) than think arrogantly you can stop it.

“I’m old enough to remember 1976 – this feels a bit the same. That was 50 years ago.

“I think when it’s a bit warm, let’s enjoy it. And if it means that English wine and sparkling wine gets better and better, fantastic. That means we can take on the French, fantastic.