REFORM Wales and the Welsh Conservatives have criticised Plaid Cymru’s decision to pursue a 2040 Net Zero target, warning that Wales cannot afford to put ideological targets ahead of affordable energy, reliable power and economic growth.

While the UK-wide target remains 2050, Plaid’s Welsh Government is now pursuing a target a decade earlier. Reform Wales has pledged to end the use of net zero targets as the overriding driver of Welsh energy, planning and local government policy.

Commenting, Reform Wales’ Shadow Cabinet Minister for Food, Farming and Rural Affairs, Laura Anne Jones MS said:

“Plaid’s decision to push Wales towards Net Zero a decade ahead of the rest of the UK is a triumph of ideology over economic reality.

“Wales needs affordable energy for households, reliable power for industry and energy security for the long term. At a time when Wales desperately needs growth, investment and well-paid jobs, Plaid wants to make energy policy even more restrictive and expensive. Welsh steelmakers, manufacturers, farmers and families should not be sacrificed on the altar of an arbitrary political deadline.

“Reform Wales has a different approach. We will scrap the devolved Net Zero targets, end wasteful subsidies and put affordability and reliability first.”

Andrew RT Davies MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Farming and the Environment, said:

”We all want to see robust measures to tackle climate change, but setting an arbitrary target ten years ahead of the rest of the UK risks putting Welsh businesses and workers at a competitive disadvantage.

“The Welsh Government must be honest about the economic costs of this ambition, which would kill off economic growth and make people in Wales poorer.

“We should follow the evidence and support practical, affordable decarbonisation instead of pursuing ideological targets that could drive businesses, investment and jobs out of Wales.”