Rush to net zero is costing us so much money

THE leader of Reform UK on Lincolnshire County Council has dismissed the idea of a climate emergency, suggesting the path to net zero would be better taken over 100 years.

- BY JAMES TURNER Local Democracy Reporter

He has strongly criticised the government's target of achieving net zero by 2050 and Labour's aim to reduce emissions by 81 per cent by 2035.

Councillor Matthews was elected leader of the Reform group, with former South Holland Independents councillor Rob Gibson as his deputy, after Gibson defected to Reform in March. The two are expected to be voted in as leader and deputy leader of the council at the full council meeting on Friday, May 23.

In 2019, several councils across Lincolnshire — including South Kesteven, East Lindsey, and North East Lincolnshire — declared a climate emergency, reflecting the need to accelerate carbon emission reductions. However, the soonto-be leader of Lincolnshire County Council believes this is “absolutely not” the case.