Richard Tice accuses Britain of 'green colonialism' as part of 'eco zealotry' obsession

Richard Tice has accused Britain of “green colonialism” by depending on “slave” labour abroad as part of its "eco zealotry” obsession. He suggested the UK was pursuing so-called green policies that actually depended on huge amounts of pollution and human rights abuses in other parts of the world.

China has dominated the renewables market and up to 50% of the world's supply of polysilicon - a key component in solar panels – comes from the Xinjiang region. The production of solar panels in this region has been linked to the alleged exploitation of Uyghur Muslims.

The UK imports more than 40% of its solar PV from China, according to HM Revenue and Customs data.

Reform UK’s deputy leader said: “I think actually, we at Reform, we're great conservationists. We are great environmentalists but it's the British countryside that we want to protect.

“And by the way, it doesn't help internationally if you are so obsessed with the sort of the eco-zealotry that you're digging out huge mines, whether it's in Chile or elsewhere, using slave labour and appalling conditions. That's green colonialism.”

He added that it is not environmental on an international basis.

Speaking to the Express at Reform’s conference in Birmingham, he added: “I don't think covering Lincolnshire with 150 square miles of solar farms is environmentally sensitive or protective of our environment.”

Mr Tice also rejected findings that the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.

Species have declined by about 19% since 1970 and nearly one in six are currently threatened with extinction, largely because of habitat loss, intensive land management, pollution and climate change.

Mr Tice said: “Why do you think the UK is one of the most nature-dependent places? You look at our countryside, look at the environment, it's incredible. It's absolutely remarkable.”

When asked whether it could be better, he said: “We can always improve on everything we do. That's called progress."

It was put to him that species had declined or disappeared but he said: “Dinosaurs disappeared. That's what's called evolution, and yeah, there's areas where we can be…but there are many areas where actually there's no point making the British people poorer in order to try and protect the odd bird species that may or may not be in decline for other reasons.”

Kitty Thompson, head of campaigns at the Conservative Environment network, said: "Reform cannot simply ignore the fact that the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.

“Our countryside is iconic and remains a source of national pride, but it has also changed over generations, little by little. The land of our grandparents, replete with native flora and fauna, is no more. It is our duty to accept the facts as they appear and work to restore our countryside to its former glory. It is irresponsible to do otherwise.

“With Reform in denial and Labour seeking to further harm nature through its Planning and Infrastructure Bill and farming policy, the Conservatives have an opportunity to win back rural Britain as the party for restoring nature. They must seize it.”

Richard Benwell, CEO of Wildlife and Countryside Link, said: “Mr Tice is wrong to dismiss wildlife losses as if they were inevitable or something that people don't care about. Nature's decline is being driven by human choices. Protecting our countryside means protecting the species and habitats that make it what it is. Sacrificing wildlife for short-term gain is not progress, it is neglect. The truth is, investing in nature safeguards our health, our food security and our economy now and for future generations. Turning our backs on that would leave Britain poorer, not richer.”