Sir John Major on Climate Change
In an interview with BBC Newsnight and BBC Radio 5 Live, Sir John Major, former Conservative Prime Minister, spoke about the growing challenges faced by governments today and why climate change must be treated as a long‑term priority1.
Why Governing Has Become Harder
Sir John explained that being Prime Minister is more difficult than in the past. Governments now face wider, more complex problems but have less time to deal with them. As a result, serious issues are often delayed, turning into long‑term problems instead of being solved early.
One example he raised was the ageing population, which already places strain on public services. He warned that climate change poses an even greater threat if it continues to be ignored.
Climate Change Is Real and Visible
Sir John was clear in rejecting climate change denial. He argued that denying climate change is an excuse to avoid spending money on difficult policies, allowing politicians to focus instead on short‑term, popular decisions.
Passing the Problem to Future Generations
Sir John strongly criticised the idea of delaying action on climate change, arguing that postponing solutions simply shifts the burden onto future generations.
By failing to act now, today’s leaders are leaving:
- An overstretched economy
- A population ageing faster than it can be supported
- A worsening climate crisis that could have been addressed earlier
He warned that this approach is unfair to today’s children and grandchildren.
The True Role of Government
In Sir John Major’s view, the main responsibility of any government is to improve the world it hands on. He believes this is no longer happening. Young people today are inheriting a harder and less secure future than previous generations, and this trend will continue unless long‑term problems are taken seriously now.
Politics Should Serve the Public
Sir John Major reflected on the purpose of politics, arguing politics should not be treated as entertainment or a platform for personal ambition. Politicians are elected to improve people’s lives, not to please the media or ignore difficult issues.
If governments fail to face problems such as climate change honestly and responsibly, he warned, they risk failing the public and weakening democracy itself.
Earlier Warning from another Prime Minister
Sir John Major was not the first Prime Minister to raise concerns about climate change. In a speech to the Royal Society nearly forty years ago, Margaret Thatcher warned about the risks of rising global temperatures. In those days even a 1°C increase had been considered too dangerous2.
Almost immediately Prime Minister Thatcher’s concerns were challenged by her Chancellor, Nigel Lawson, who questioned the scientific consensus and focused on economic arguments instead. Lawson’s views continue to influence modern climate change denial3.
The People’s Emergency Briefing
As CA-WN joins many hundreds of local groups in screening a film version of last November's National Emergency Briefing for an invited audience of MPs and senior business representatives it is reassuring to have two inhabitants of 10 Downing Street speak plainly about the role and responsibilities of our elected representatives - Politicians are elected to improve people’s lives, not to please the media or ignore difficult issues.
Links
1 Sir John Major’s Interview on BBC’s Newsnight – 1 May 2026
2 Margaret Thatcher Speech to the Royal Society on climate change
3 The Trouble with Climate Change - Nigel Lawson, The Global Warming Policy