Nigel Farage sparked a strong on-air debate after criticising Labour’s net zero policies during a live BBC panel discussion, arguing that current climate targets are placing excessive strain on British industry and household energy bills.

Speaking during the programme, Farage said the UK’s approach to net zero was “unrealistic” and warned that existing policies risk accelerating the decline of key manufacturing sectors. He pointed to recent developments in heavy industry, including the closure of traditional steelmaking operations at Port Talbot and the transition of the Grangemouth refinery site toward fuel import and distribution activities.

Farage argued that such changes reflect a wider shift away from domestic industrial production and claimed that the UK is increasingly relying on overseas manufacturing while still consuming large amounts of energy-intensive products. He also criticised the structure of renewable energy subsidies, stating that households could face higher long-term electricity costs as part of contracts supporting offshore wind projects, some of which are owned by international investors.

During the discussion, he said the government’s climate policy risked “exporting emissions rather than reducing them”, and warned that industrial jobs could continue to be lost unless energy costs for UK manufacturers become more competitive.

Members of the BBC panel challenged several of his claims, noting that the government’s net zero strategy is designed to meet legally binding climate targets while supporting investment in new green industries and technologies. They highlighted government and industry initiatives aimed at creating new employment in renewable energy, battery production and low-carbon manufacturing.

Labour representatives have previously said that their climate and energy plans are intended to strengthen energy security, cut long-term costs and attract private investment into clean power and infrastructure. The party has also argued that reforming the energy system is necessary to protect consumers from future price shocks linked to global fossil fuel markets.