East Surrey Climate Emergency Motion Rejected – What Happens Next?
Woodhatch Place, Reigate. Photo: Richard Kelly - Wikimedia Commons
East Surrey Shadow Authority has voted against declaring a Climate Emergency. While the decision is disappointing, it may open the door to a more ambitious, practical and cross-party approach to tackling climate change and biodiversity loss.
What happened?
On 24 September 2026, the East Surrey Shadow Authority rejected a motion proposed by Green Party councillor Jonathan Essex to declare a Climate Emergency.
The motion called for the new council to meet or exceed existing climate commitments, including achieving net zero emissions from its own operations by 2030. It was defeated by 40 votes to 32, following debate about the cost, feasibility and timescale of the proposals.
At first sight, this might suggest that East Surrey's new council is stepping back from tackling climate change. However, the political context and the response from the council's leadership suggest a more complicated picture.
The importance of cross-party support
Climate emergency declarations have traditionally been most effective when supported across political parties. When Elmbridge Borough Council and Mole Valley District Council declared climate emergencies in 2019, they demonstrated a shared commitment to addressing the issue.
In contrast, the East Surrey motion was brought forward by the Green Party, which is in opposition. Although the proposal itself included establishing a cross-party working group, it had not secured sufficient support from other political groups.
This does not necessarily mean that those voting against the motion oppose climate action. Political differences over the scope, timing and deliverability of the proposals may also have influenced the outcome.
A revised motion, developed collaboratively across parties and supported by a clear implementation plan, could ultimately secure broader backing and lead to more lasting results.
A commitment to a broader environmental strategy
Following the vote, Surrey Climate Commission sought clarification from the Liberal Democrat leadership.
In her response, Councillor Claire Malcolmson, Executive Member for Climate, Environment and Waste, reaffirmed the administration's commitment to tackling climate change and ecological breakdown.
She argued that East Surrey needs a more ambitious environmental strategy, supported by a credible, financially sustainable delivery plan.
The proposed approach would cover not only carbon emissions, but also biodiversity and nature recovery, trees, rivers and wetlands, climate adaptation, waste reduction, sustainable procurement, council contractors and community involvement.
Councillor Malcolmson explained that the administration had considered amending the Green Party motion but believed the changes required were too substantial.
Her response concluded:
"We want East Surrey Council to be ambitious, practical and comprehensive — and to build an environmental strategy that the council can actually deliver."
Read Councillor Malcolmson's full response, published by Surrey Climate Commission.
Why the next few months matter
East Surrey Council will formally take over responsibility for local services on 1 April 2027, replacing the existing county and borough or district councils in its area. The council will then serve a four-year term, taking it beyond 2030 — a critical milestone for many local and national climate commitments.
Decisions made during the transition will therefore have long-lasting consequences. Establishing a clear environmental strategy, measurable targets, appropriate resources and effective accountability arrangements from the outset will be essential.
The new authority also presents an opportunity to build on the work already undertaken by the existing councils, while integrating climate and environmental considerations into decisions about transport, planning, housing, procurement, waste and other services.
Working together to turn commitments into action
Surrey Climate Commission is calling for East Surrey to declare a Climate and Biodiversity Emergency and develop a practical, comprehensive environmental strategy before April 2027.
Green Elmbridge has been working alongside Surrey Climate Commission, the Our Future Surrey network and environmental groups across the boroughs to engage with the new council and ensure that climate and nature remain high on its agenda.
An important part of this work is holding councillors accountable for the commitments made during the local elections, including the pledges to tackle climate change, protect and restore nature, support sustainable transport and empower local communities.
We believe that climate and biodiversity action should transcend party politics. A cross-party declaration would provide an important statement of shared intent, but it must be backed by a credible action plan, measurable targets, adequate resources and regular public reporting.
The rejection of September's motion should therefore not be the end of the discussion. Instead, it should be an opportunity for councillors from all parties to work together on an approach that is both ambitious and achievable.
What can residents and community groups do?
Continued public engagement will be essential to ensure that these commitments translate into meaningful action.
We encourage residents and community organisations across East Surrey to contact their councillors and ask them to support:
A cross-party Climate and Biodiversity Emergency declaration.
An ambitious, costed and deliverable environmental strategy.
Clear targets and milestones, including meaningful progress by 2030.
Opportunities for communities and environmental organisations to contribute to developing and delivering the strategy.
Transparent monitoring and regular public reporting on progress.
With the new council taking office in April 2027, there is an important opportunity to establish strong environmental priorities from the outset. Green Elmbridge will continue working with its partner groups to maintain public pressure and help ensure that the council delivers on its commitments.
Find out more and take action:
Read Surrey Climate Commission's report and Councillor Malcolmson's full response