MP's Climate Change Badge of Shame
Newark Liberal Democrats have expressed their extreme disappointment after research by the Guardian newspaper showed that Newark MP Robert Jenrick has one of the worst voting records on climate issues of any MP. In the research the Guardian ranked each MP by the percentage of positive votes that they have cast to tackle climate change and Mr Jenrick scored zero percent.
Lib Dem parliamentary spokesperson David Watts said:
"There have been 8 major votes on issues to do with climate change since Robert was first elected as an MP. In every single one he has voted in the way that is most harmful to the environment. Representing a largely rural constituency he should recognise the importance of tackling climate change, and yet his voting record shows that he either doesn't understand or doesn't care. Liberal Democrats demand better from their local MP. Tackling climate change is our number one priority. We are in a climate emergency and cannot afford not to act, but Robert has failed to protect the future for his constituents. To be the joint worst rated MP in terms of climate votes is a real badge of shame."
Overall the Guardian newspaper looked at how MP's voted on 16 different pieces of legislation. Eight of those were prior to Mr Jenrick being elected as the MP for Newark. The eight where he voted were to vote against a temporary fracking ban (Jan 2015), against requiring permits for fracking to be carried out (Jan 2015), against extending the climate levy for non-household customers (September 2015), against extending a variable tax on vehicles based on their emissions, against a national strategy for carbon capture and storage (March 2016), against setting targets to decarbonise the UK's electricity supply (March 2016), against subsidies for onshore wind farms (March 2016) and for Heathrow expansion (June 2018).
Local Election Results May 2023
A spectacular set of elections both nationally and locally here in Newark and Sherwood!
Overall Lib Dem gains were 405 nationally, which posed a problem for Sky News, whose swingometer apparently was not able to contemplate a set of gains of this magnitude. We exceeded 'Exceeded Expectations'!
Our local gains at the district level saw the addition of our third District Councillor with the victory of Keith Melton in Trent Ward. We also kept 2 of 3 councillors for Southwell, now Karen Roberts and Peter Harris. We were encouraged to see the increase in our share of votes in other seats where we were able to field candidtes. Congratulations to everyone.
We had a very good performance in Southwell Town Council, gaining 10 of the 14 seats for which there were candidates, with 6 of these won in elections and 4 being uncontested. Two Conservatives, one Labour candidate and one Independent were also successful. One place on the council remains to be appointed to.
The Conservatives had a terrible set of district and parish elections, losing about half of their district councillors and many PCs. The final DC result was Conservative 14, Labour 11, Independents 11 (8 for Independents for Newark and 3 for other Independents) and Lib Dems 3. Discussions will take place for some time on the composition of the new administration, which is unlikely to include Conservatives for the first time since 2007.
On behalf of the executive, we are extremely grateful to everyone who stood as candidates, as well as everyone who performed the various roles which were necessary for the campaigns. We are a small party and many of you worked very hard.
We are very grateful for their past work to councillors who have stood down at this election, including Peter Scorer and Stuart Thompstone. Malcolm Brock has stood down from the District, though continues to serve on Southwell TC.
We welcome new members to the party, who were motivated by this campaign. This phenomenon was particularly marked in Trent Ward. Upton support has to be singled out, evidenced for anyone who drove through, by the huge number of LD stakeboards and posters.
Philip Barron
Chair, Newark Liberal Democrats
7 May 2023