A local election candidate from the Reform party, who was running on an Anti-Net Zero platform, inaugurated a Coca-Cola solar facility and commended the company for “adopting sustainable energy” during her time as a Conservative Member of Parliament.
Dame Andrea Jenkyns shared images online via a now-removed tweet when she attended as the guest of honor at the inauguration of the 20-acre location near Wakefield in West Yorkshire.
The former
Tory
The skills minister is running to become the mayor of Greater Lincolnshire.
Nigel Farage
‘ s gathering, having switched sides after she lost her Morley and Outwood constituency in the election
general election
.
Lady Andrea has also served as a director for the Net Zero Watch group of climate skeptics since 2023, and one of the key platforms of her campaign involves combating the ‘destruction’ of productive farmland due to solar panel installations.
However, in 2017, when she was a Conservative backbencher, she inaugurated the Haigh Hall solar farm. This facility is utilized by Coca-Cola European Partners to supply electricity for the biggest soft drinks plant in Europe.
In a press release issued by Coca-Cola, they commended “a significant and worthwhile initiative situated near our own backyard” and expressed their hope that it would ‘
encourage more companies to take such leadership roles in crucial societal matters.
Four years later, in April 2021, when she was still a backbench member, she commended the enlargement of the same solar plant, with
the Yorkshire Times reporting
She stated: “Given the current circumstances, companies bear significant responsibility for facilitating a sustainable resurgence.”
In response to queries regarding her backing of the solar farm in 2017, Dame Andrea informed MailOnline that when speaking with Coca-Cola previously, she expressed disagreement with the project. However, within her capacity as an MP, she supported a significant local job provider.
She stated, “Ultimately, when you become an MP, you’re expected to cut ribbons and open facilities, right?”
‘When you’ve been collaborating with Coca-Cola, who has attended your job fairs and joined your business club, do you abruptly respond ‘no I won’t,’ especially since they’re a significant local employer asking for your assistance to promote and back their business?’
She mentioned that she couldn’t ‘voice her concerns’ on this matter during her time as a government whip from September 2021 to July 2022, but she subsequently became part of Net Zero Watch.
There are plans underway that could lead to the establishment of solar farms covering over 30,000 acres in Lincolnshire.
A few weeks following his entry into the government, Ed Miliband’s department, as the Secretary of Net Zero, gave approval to various initiatives. These included the development of the expansive 2,000-acre Mallard Pass location close to Stamford and another project at Gate Burton, not far from Gainsborough.
He revitalized the Solar Taskforce to assemble industry professionals and government officials, aiming to increase solar power output threefold by 2030.
“I see no issue with companies seeking more affordable energy, particularly since we already face some of the highest energy prices globally. However, when Miliband proposes installing 30,000 acres of solar farms on farmland in Lincolnshire, it simply doesn’t make sense,” Dame Andrea commented.
Dame Andrea’s Conservative opponent, Rob Waltham, who leads the North Lincolnshire Council, has pledged to “combat vigorously to safeguard Lincolnshire’s green areas and farmland from solar farm developments.”
Earlier this month, he stated: “Extensive solar farms should not be placed in our picturesque rural areas or agricultural lands.”
However, despite his past opposition to solar farm developments in his local capacity, he has demonstrated broader environmental qualifications.
In 2023, as leader of the council, he said that its aim to be Net Zero by 2030 was ’embedded into the heart of everything we do’.
He explained that he began lowering the heat at his house himself and ceased purchasing plastic products, adding:
Our net-zero initiatives are sincere, bold, attainable, and synchronized with corporate expansion, employment generation, and enhanced quality of life.
However, to create the impact we require, ensuring that coming generations inherit a healthier environment, everyone needs to contribute — we are specifically urging individuals in North Lincolnshire to participate and commit to making changes.
There are many small actions individuals can take to participate; although our council can make significant changes, the effect will be greatly amplified if everybody joins in.
Earlier this month, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch stated during a speech to initiate the party’s policy refresh in London that it was essential to ‘face reality’ regarding the United Kingdom’s aim to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Mrs Badenoch faced backlash from key figures within her party, such as ex-prime minister Theresa May, after stating that achieving the objective was ‘unattainable.’
He has assigned shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho, along with support from shadow Scotland secretary and energy minister Andrew Bowie, to explore ways of providing affordable and clean energy.
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