Thanet Labour MP, Polly Billington, Enemy Of Minster Marshes

Enemy of Minster Marshes

Despite claiming to support the saving of  Minster Marshes I don’t  believe Thanet Labour MP Polly Billington is being honest with her constituents about  her commitment to protect this rare and scientifically important area of nature. In fact I believe MP Billington  to be a deceptive, two faced, enemy of Minster Marshes. This is why

Before being elected to Parliament in 2024,  Billington was the Director and owner  of  environmental lobbying  company  UK100 which works in the local government sector. Whilst in charge of UK100  Billington accepted financial support from National Grid, the organisation which now intends to annihilate Minster Marshes and replace it with a huge  electrical convertor station.

Yesterday it was announced that National Grid had appointed international  engineering giant Siemens to build the convertor station which will wipe out Minster Marshes. Evidence shows  that whilst in charge of UK100  Billington also accepted financial support from Siemens.

Soon after becoming Thanet’s Labour MP in 2024, Billington became the Chair of the influential All-Party Parliamentary Renewable & Sustainable Energy Group. This  group is financed by National Grid and other less than reputable companies such as forest destroying, wood burning Drax.

For someone who describes herself as a “lifelong environmentalist” Billington seems quite happy to take money from companies  who make vast profits from destroying the environment she claims to protect. The word hypocrite comes to mind.

Bear in mind that,  as an MP, Billington must always follow the Seven Principles Of Public Life. These principles require her to  avoid placing  herself “under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work”. And that she “must declare and resolve any interests and relationships” which may be perceived as being likely to influence her decisions.

Since becoming a Thanet MP  Billington has, when commenting on Minster Marshes,  never publicly disclosed her longstanding financial links with National Grid  and Siemens,  even though the seven principles require her to do so.

Her lack of honesty with her constituents on a matter as important as saving Minster Marshes leads me to conclude that her declaration of support for the nature site was false and dishonest.

In my opinion Billington is in the pocket of the energy industry making her an enemy of Minster Marshes.

Election imprint. Published by Ian Driver election candidate Thanet Independents, 45 Seaview Rd, CT101BX ianddriver@yahoo.co.uk  07866588766