A Labour donor, who has also made substantial contributions to Just Stop Oil, has boldly announced his plans to increase his financial support for the eco-extremist group while simultaneously condemning his critics. Dale Vince, the millionaire founder of Ecotricity, has declared that he will double all donations made to JSO over the next 48 hours, in response to senior Conservatives calling on Sir Keir Starmer to return the funds he received from the green energy entrepreneur. Questions have arisen regarding Vince’s support for Labour, amounting to £1.5 million since 2015, and whether it has influenced the party’s environmental policies. Last week, Vince confirmed that he had spoken with Sir Keir about banning new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea, a key demand of JSO. Defiant in the face of criticism, Vince called on Twitter users to make donations to the climate activist group, promising to match their contributions. In a recent interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Vince revealed that he had spoken with Sir Keir twice, the most recent conversation occurring last week. When asked about JSO’s actions, Vince asserted that sometimes laws are unjust and people must take a stand. He also addressed concerns regarding the £300,000 in taxpayers’ money received by Ecotricity during the pandemic while Vince was making donations to Labour. Meanwhile, members of JSO have been arrested for blocking roads during protests in London, with ten supporters being detained, including a wheelchair-bound retired cook and members of Christian Climate Action. Labour has confirmed its opposition to new drilling in the North Sea, asserting that it will not reduce energy costs. Shadow pensions minister Nick Thomas-Symonds has denied that Vince’s financial contributions are influencing party policy and has criticized JSO’s disruptive tactics. In addition to facing criticism for receiving pandemic-related grants while donating to Labour, Vince has also come under fire from a Treasury source and Jacob Rees-Mogg for allegedly misusing furlough funds to support the Labour party. Vince defended his use of the furlough scheme, stating that it was utilized to maintain jobs and keep his business running. He also expressed his continued commitment to supporting Labour, asserting that only the party can rectify the issues caused by successive Conservative governments. Sir Keir is facing mounting pressure over the £1.5 million in donations received from Vince since 2015, as they have been linked to the disruptive protests orchestrated by JSO. In response to criticism of JSO, Mr. Thomas-Symonds emphasized Labour’s clear stance on the group, stating that they do not align with the party’s objectives in addressing climate change and even urged them to discontinue their activities. He affirmed that Vince, as a successful UK-based businessman, is a legitimate donor to Labour and highlighted that his financial support does not shape the party’s position on JSO.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
