Dame Andrea Jenkyns, newly appointed as the inaugural mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, has ignited debate by advocating for fracking as a measure to reduce costs for local taxpayers. Discussing the topic on the BBC’s Politics North programme, Jenkyns expressed intentions to converse with a fracking corporation to ascertain the viability of gas extraction from beneath the county. Her party, Reform UK, has recently overthrown the Conservatives to take control of the county council. Despite the government’s opposition to fracking and their ambition to promote green energy, Jenkyns remains hopeful about the financial benefits which fracking could bring to Lincolnshire. She argues that the current political agreement on achieving net zero is inadequately challenged. One company has hinted at a sufficient gas supply near Gainsborough to power the country for seven years, but this is countered by critics who spot environmental hazards, including threats to water and air quality. Further debates during the programme focused on Reform UK’s plans to terminate the positions of diversity officers within local councils, an action supported by Jenkyns who advocates for appointments based on merit. Figures from across the political scene, including Conservative councillor Keane Duncan and Labour MP Rachel Maskel, joined the discourse on energy strategy. Maskel promoted the notion of investment within green energy as a method for regional expansion.
This article has been modified by The Lincoln Post using original reporting provided by www.bbc.com.
