The Reform Party, led by chairman Zia Yusuf and prominent figure Richard Tice, is spearheading the opposition against net-zero projects in the UK countryside. Their strategy involves actively obstructing and delaying these projects, employing tactics described as 'attacking, hindering, delaying, and obstructing' to increase costs and discourage progression.
Reform's energy policy includes taxing the renewables sector and blocking new pylons. Richard Tice specifically called for underground cabling or offshore placement of new cables in Lincolnshire, demonstrating a clear opposition to existing infrastructure plans.
This stance directly opposes the UK government's current approach, exemplified by Ed Miliband's prioritization of solar farms and onshore wind farms. Even a significant intervention by Sir Tony Blair questioning the efficacy of the current approach doesn't appear to sway the Reform Party.
The article highlights a significant political conflict within the UK regarding net-zero targets and the methods employed to achieve them. The Reform Party's aggressive stance presents a major challenge to the government's energy and climate policies.
On Saturday, Zia Yusuf, the party chairman, wrote on X: “Reform controlled councils will move at great speed to see that all its hiring is merit-based and colour blind.
“Reform-controlled councils will be where DEI goes to die.”
Reform outlined its energy policy in February, which included taxes on the renewables sector and new laws blocking new pylons from being erected.
Mr Tice demanded that any new cables in Lincolnshire be put underground or “around the Wash offshore”, which he said would be “the smarter, quicker thing to do”.
He added that he had met with senior figures in the National Grid, telling them about the party’s plans should it win the next general election.
In remarks to The Telegraph, he said: “We will attack these people and these ideas from every angle at every conceivable opportunity.
“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 party’s position on net zero stands at odds with the Government’s current approach, with Ed Miliband having prioritised giving the green light to new solar farms and energy projects.
The Energy Secretary lifted the effective ban on onshore wind farms within weeks of taking office last year.
But in a significant intervention in the debate last week, Sir Tony Blair said that “the current approach isn’t working”.
If you often open multiple tabs and struggle to keep track of them, Tabs Reminder is the solution you need. Tabs Reminder lets you set reminders for tabs so you can close them and get notified about them later. Never lose track of important tabs again with Tabs Reminder!
Try our Chrome extension today!
Share this article with your
friends and colleagues.
Earn points from views and
referrals who sign up.
Learn more