Ahead of the upcoming general election, the Advertiser asked readers to share questions they would like answering by candidates vying to become their next MP. Among the topics were solar farms, and the wider issue of climate change. Newark candidates were asked: “There are a lot of solar farm applications for agricultural land across this area and beyond.
What should be done about these - and tackling climate change in general?” Here are their responses, in alphabetical order: Saj Ahmad — Labour “Climate change is a real and already present threat. Renewable energy not only reduces carbon emissions, it gives us energy independence and cuts our bills. That’s why clean energy is a key Labour goal.
“But we don’t want to see swathes of productive farmland taken out of action. Labour will introduce a land-use framework in England to ensure the correct balance between food and energy production. “We will invite communities to come forward with projects, make sure all are subject to appropriate planning scrutiny and work with local leaders to ensure local people benefit directly from this energy production.
“I recently declined the offer of a large donation from the solar company behind the planned local development. “I want to be an honest MP with demonstrable integrity, who is committed to tackling climate change, through carefully regulated green energy schemes, that have community consent.” Lyn Galbraith — Independent “I will lobby against applications .