Reform oppose net zero… unless it's in their own backyard
Nigel Farage's Reform are campaigning hard against plans to make Britain net zero by 2050, this week making claims – roundly mocked by economists – that the party would save £225 billion over five years by scrapping all related projects if it wins the next election.
Also sat alongside Farage was Luke Campbell, newly elected mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, who has previously spoken out against net zero. The former boxer told the Yorkshire Post last month that he would 'bring back oil and gas and drilling and stuff like that, which then would create more jobs or if not just the same', adding that net zero was 'a lot more hype'.
And how does he feel now he's actually in office and inheriting his authority's bid to host a £1.6 million project installing rooftop solar panels and battery storage units at local authority buildings across the area, adopting new car ports and extending a solar farm at a council-owned holiday park?
'I have consistently supported the region in green energy business and for creating jobs, and I will keep on that track,' Campbell told his first executive board meeting of the combined authority as mayor this week.
'I was brought into this by the people of the region, and I will represent them. If I can create local jobs and help local businesses that is what I will do. I have been very vocal in stating that I represent this region, and I put it first ahead of party politics. I will always put this first over anything.'
Like Groucho Marx, Reform has principles, and if you don't like them… well, they have others!
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Rayner's youth blunder
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17 minutes ago
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Ex-minister says no ‘fierce opposition' to Afghan route amid data breach fallout
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Former veterans minister Johnny Mercer claimed he had 'receipts' regarding the previous government's actions in relation to Kabul, and has described the handling of the breach as 'farcical'. Sir Ben Wallace, who applied for the initial injunction as defence secretary, has said he makes 'no apology' for doing so, saying it was motivated by the need to protect people in Afghanistan whose safety was at risk. Mr Heappey backed up his former boss, saying the superinjunction was 'needed' to protect people from 'mortal danger'. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has apologised on behalf of the Conservatives for the leak (Chris Radburn/PA) He said: 'The intelligence assessment was clear: if the Taliban got their hands on the list, violent and even lethal reprisal was likely.' Mr Heappey added that, although a review by retired civil servant Paul Rimmer found there was now little threat to those on the list as a result of the breach, this did not mean the threat had never existed. 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Telegraph
18 minutes ago
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Reform accused of hypocrisy after Richard Tice welcomed Afghan refugees
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