I met Graham Stuart MP, Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, to advocate against the exceptionally large solar parks that energy companies are proposing in my constituency, totalling 16 square miles in our area.
I took the maps for the Fosse Green, Springwell, Heckington Fen and Beacon Fen North Solar Farms with me to the meeting to highlight the sheer scale of the issue. I stressed how companies are proposing to industrialise swathes of Lincolnshire countryside, and that brownfield sites and rooftop solar must be prioritised.
I am grateful that the Minister took the time to listen to the concerns I am raising on behalf of affected communities, particularly surrounding the loss of agricultural land and how these proposals will engulf entire villages and communities. I will continue to highlight this issue and work with Ministers across Parliament to ensure that net zero is achieved in a pragmatic way, which is what the Prime Minister has stressed is absolutely necessary going forwards to meet our green commitments.