Reform's 'war on green energy' puts 12,000 jobs at risk in Lincolnshire, study suggests

Reform UK's declaration of war on green energy in Lincolnshire puts at risk almost £1bn in local investment and more than 12,000 jobs, analysis suggests.

- Helena Horton Jessica Elgot

No 10 said it would fight any attempt by the party to dismantle or block renewable investment in the area after its deputy leader, Richard Tice, said Reform-controlled councils and its mayors would be able to block what he called "net stupid zero" infrastructure, including solar farms, pylons and battery storage systems.

In Greater Lincolnshire, net zero industries contribute nearly £1bn to the local economy, accounting for 12,209 jobs, according to analysis by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit thinktank.

Tice said: "We will attack, we will hinder, we will delay, we will obstruct, we will put every hurdle in your way. It's going to cost you a fortune, and you're not going to win. So give up and go away."

The Reform mayor for Lincolnshire, Andrea Jenkyns, as well as the county council, which is also controlled by the rightwing party, would be able to block and delay renewable projects, experts said.

Jenkyns has claimed carbon dioxide is "not pollution", called for the "ditching" of net zero and declared that Lincolnshire will "not be a dumping ground for pylons" as well as campaigning against solar farms.