Peer Praising Rising Temperatures Joins Climate Committee
David Frost, a prominent Conservative peer known for his controversial views on climate change, has been appointed to the House of Lords select committee on environment and climate change. The move has sparked criticism from the Labour Party, signaling concerns about the acceptance of unconventional climate perspectives within the political mainstream.
Frost, who previously served as Boris Johnson's Brexit negotiator, has drawn attention for his assertion that rising global temperatures could be beneficial to the UK. He is set to join the climate crisis committee at the end of the month, raising questions about the alignment of his views with the committee's objectives.
The former diplomat, elevated to the peerage in 2020, is also a trustee of the Global Warming Policy Foundation, a group known for opposing certain net-zero environmental policies and supported by affluent Tory donors. Frost characterizes the foundation as an "educational charity in this area."
In a House of Lords debate last year, Frost controversially stated that rising global temperatures, a consequence of the climate crisis, could be advantageous for the UK, arguing that it might reduce cold-related fatalities.
Labour has seized upon Frost's appointment to highlight what they perceive as a shift of "wacky, fringe views on climate" into mainstream politics, contending that such perspectives are no longer confined to the extremes of the Conservative party.
Ed Miliband, the shadow secretary of state for climate change and net zero, criticized Frost's appointment, suggesting that it reflects weaknesses within the government and Rishi Sunak's attempt to placate internal dissent.
"Rishi Sunak is so weak that he has allowed this key position to go to someone who thinks the climate crisis is a good thing," said Miliband. He further argued that unconventional climate views are no longer limited to the fringe of the Conservative Party, characterizing them as the official stance of Sunak's government.
The controversy surrounding Frost's appointment adds another layer of debate to the broader discussions about the UK's energy policy, energy security, and international standing on climate-related issues. As Frost assumes his role on the climate crisis committee, his views and influence on policy decisions are likely to be closely scrutinized.
