DUP’s Climate Change Commissioner Vote Branded "Dereliction of Duty"
A decision by the DUP to vote against a plan for a climate change commissioner has been labelled a "dereliction of duty" by First Minister Michelle O’Neill. The move was part of a debate on regulations brought by the Executive Office that would provide powers to appoint a commissioner.
According to the BBC, MLAs were discussing the regulations, which were brought forward due to a legal requirement. However, the DUP has previously expressed concerns over the cost of the office, estimated at £1m a year. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly stated that she saw "no need" for the specific role.
The role of climate change commissioner was agreed in the Climate Change Act, passed by the assembly in 2022. First Minister Michelle O’Neill told reporters that the DUP’s opposition to the role was "illogical" and that the assembly had a "moral duty" to help tackle climate change.
In response, Emma Little-Pengelly distanced herself from some of O’Neill’s personal remarks. She stated that while she understood the importance of addressing climate change, she had concerns over the cost, added value, and timing of the commissioner’s role.
Ulster Unionist MLA, Robbie Butler, criticised the DUP’s stance, saying it would be "penny wise and pound foolish" to suggest that the estimated cost of the commissioner’s office would be spent on other areas. "It’s not something that can be used as a trade-off," he said. Butler also reflected on the current wildfires in the Mourne Mountains, stating that climate change had made the "fire loading in those mountains and grassland areas significantly worse than it was 20 years ago."
The chair of the Executive Office (TEO) committee, Paula Bradshaw, accused the DUP of opposing the plan at the "last moment." She outlined that the plan for a climate change commissioner had been discussed at least five times in the TEO committee. Bradshaw responded to the DUP’s Harry Harvey, saying: "You had the opportunity on many occasions to raise these concerns, to ask TEO officials for some guidance and information, and you never took that opportunity."
The BBC reports that 51 MLAs voted in favour of progressing with the role, while the DUP and the TUV voted against it. The debate highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing climate change in Northern Ireland.
Michelle O’Neill’s comments were reported by the BBC, which stated that she had spoken to reporters on Tuesday after the NI Assembly motion. The BBC also reported that Emma Little-Pengelly had spoken to media at Parliament Buildings in Stormont, on Thursday, April 3, 2025.
The decision by the DUP has sparked concerns that Northern Ireland may struggle to meet its climate change targets. As the BBC notes, the role of climate change commissioner was established to help drive progress in reducing carbon emissions.
Further analysis of the issue will be required to assess the long-term implications of the DUP’s decision. However, according to the BBC, it is clear that there are differing opinions on the best approach to tackling climate change in Northern Ireland.
In conclusion, the DUP’s decision to vote against the plan for a climate change commissioner has been met with criticism from First Minister Michelle O’Neill and other parties. As reported by the BBC, the move has raised concerns over Northern Ireland’s ability to address the pressing issue of climate change.
