The council's motion also proposed lobbying the UK government to develop small nuclear reactors and work with water companies on flood prevention and water resource management.

The vote on rescinding the climate declaration was passed with 50 votes in favor, 21 against, and three abstentions, with the debate streamed live on the council's website.

Climate experts reaffirmed that human activities have unequivocally caused global warming, with recent data indicating 2024 was the hottest year on record, underscoring the urgency of climate action.

Opposition leaders, including Liberal Democrat Antony Hook, condemned the move as political vandalism that risks increasing energy costs, flooding vulnerability, and economic setbacks.

Reform UK leader Linden Kemkaran emphasized the importance of a proper debate on the climate motion, scheduled for Thursday, amid heated political tensions.

Green councillor Stuart Jeffery emphasized the severe local impacts of climate change in Kent, such as water stress and rising sea levels, criticizing the council's decision as based on misinformation.

The move to rescind the declaration followed Reform UK's control of the council after the May local elections, reflecting a shift towards climate skepticism.

A county council in Kent, UK, led by Reform UK, voted to rescind its 2019 declaration of a climate emergency, citing concerns about the effectiveness and economic impact of climate policies.

The decision was supported by the Conservative Party and a UKIP member, while opposition parties including the Green Party, Liberal Democrats, and Labour strongly criticized it, emphasizing the severity of climate risks.

Opponents highlighted scientific consensus on human-caused climate change, with climate scientists and protesters outside the council condemning the move as anti-science and dangerous.

The debate was marked by controversy over fossil fuel donations to Reform UK, raising questions about conflicts of interest, and included heated exchanges over symbolic gestures supporting Palestinians.

Controversy also arose over a councillor's symbolic support for Palestinians, with accusations linking cultural symbols to political support for Hamas, leading to public backlash.