Are Labour’s climate policies sustainable enough to win an election?

Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves have their work cut out to convince critics on all sides that their plan can go the distance, writes Sean O’Grady

Keir Starmer has faced some hostility at the GMB conference over his plan to end new fossil fuel projects in the North Sea (PA)

Labour’s flagship policies to tackle climate change are coming under attack from critics both inside and outside the party, with the underlying fear that the costs and debts involved in funding them will also become increasingly unpopular with voters as the general election nears and they are subject to more intense scrutiny.

Keir Starmer has had to face some hostility at the GMB conference over his plan to end new fossil fuel projects in the North Sea. He has also had to justify accepting a £1.5m donation from Dale Vince, the owner of the green electricity company Ecotricity and a high-profile supporter of Just Stop Oil – which advocates precisely the policy on UK oil and gas exploration that Labour has just adopted.

The Conservatives have also suggested that Labour’s £28bn climate investment pledge is unaffordable. So the question arises: are Labour’s green policies sustainable enough to make it into government?