Reform UK’s Tice Slams ‘Eco Zealots’ Over Heatwave Hysteria

Richard Tice stood by his controversial remarks after telling a Reform press conference that the public should “celebrate” and “enjoy” recent heatwaves rather than adopting a perpetually negative outlook, according to Georgia Pearce writing in GB News.

The Deputy Leader sparked fury among environmental activists when he questioned the effectiveness of net zero policies during Monday’s press event, stating that whilst climate change is real, there remains no evidence that current government targets will actually halt it.

Tice highlighted the success of England’s growing wine industry as a positive consequence of warmer temperatures, suggesting the country could soon rival French producers. He argued that Britons should welcome opportunities for economic growth rather than succumbing to constant doom-mongering about climate trends.

Following significant media backlash, including being featured on the front page of the Daily Mirror with the label “wine buffoon,” Tice defended his position to GB News with characteristic defiance.

The eco zealots have gone absolutely tonto at me, he told the network, insisting that celebrating successful British industries should not be controversial.

The Reform politician maintained that if Britain has genuine opportunities for substantial new growth sectors such as English wine production, which he described as “delicious,” there should be no hesitation in promoting them publicly.

Tice also took aim at France, joking that any chance to challenge the traditional wine-producing nation should be enthusiastically encouraged by patriotic Britons.

The comments reflect growing tensions between climate activists and politicians who question the economic costs of aggressive decarbonisation policies, particularly as energy prices continue to strain household budgets across the country.

With information from GB News