Concern £15bn Humber investment could be lost. Mayor Campbell challenged to defend Humber jobs against Reform policy

Liberal Democrats Sound Alarm Over £15bn Threat to Humber Investment.

​The East Riding Liberal Democrats have issued a stark warning this week,  the economic backbone of our region is under direct threat. As East Riding of Yorkshire Council deliberates on the Humber Economic Strategy, a dark cloud has gathered over the projected £15 billion of private investment earmarked for our shores.

​The source of this instability? A reckless policy shift from Reform UK that seeks to dismantle the very framework supporting our transition to a high-tech, green industrial powerhouse. By proposing to scrap support for carbon capture and wider net-zero initiatives, Reform UK isn't just debating climate policy they are gambling with the livelihoods of thousands of families across the Humber.

​The Engine Room of the UK at a Crossroads

​The Humber is not just a scenic waterway; it is the UK’s largest industrial cluster. It is a complex ecosystem of steel, chemicals, refining, and energy production that sustains our local economy. To survive in a changing global market, this industrial base must evolve.

The Liberal Democrats on the Council, have been clear about what is at stake.

​"The Humber is the UK’s largest industrial cluster, supporting thousands of jobs in steel, chemicals, refining and energy. Projects like the Humber Carbon Capture and Storage Programme are central to securing the long-term future of the region's industrial base." Cllr Phil Redshaw 

The Liberal Democrat vision for the East Riding is one of energy security and economic resilience. In an era of volatile global energy markets, we believe the Humber has the answers the country needs. Through offshore wind, hydrogen production, and carbon sequestration, we can transform from a "carbon-intensive" past to a "carbon-secure" future.

​The Reform Risk: Pulling the Rug Out

​The investment currently on the table a staggering £15 billion, is not guaranteed. It relies on a partnership between private enterprise and a stable government framework. However, Reform UK spokesperson Robert Jenrick MP recently confirmed plans to axe investment in carbon capture and slash billions from the renewables sector.

​For the Liberal Democrats, this is an unacceptable betrayal of our local workers.

​"It is alarming that Reform spokesperson, Robert Jenrick MP has confirmed they plan to scrap investment in carbon capture and wider net zero programmes as part of billions in cuts to the renewables sector,"  "Reform UK’s plans would pull the rug out from under the Humber economy. They would walk away from critical investment, tell global investors the UK is not a reliable partner, and all but invite major employers to take jobs and growth elsewhere." Cllr Phil Redshaw 

​By signaling that the UK is no longer committed to these long-term projects, Reform UK is effectively telling international businesses to take their capital and their jobs, to Europe or the United States instead.

​A Challenge to Mayor Luke Campbell

​The Liberal Democrats believe that leadership requires standing up for your constituents, even when it means challenging your own party's national rhetoric. We are calling on Mayor Luke Campbell to break his silence and defend the Humber’s economic interests.

​The Mayor’s current stance suggesting that companies must invest "at their own risk", is a dereliction of duty. It signals a lack of fight for the regional deals that bring prosperity to our towns and villages.

​Cllr Phil Redshaw has issued a direct challenge to the Mayor:

​"He cannot claim to stand up for Humber jobs while backing, or refusing to challenge, a policy that tells investors they are on their own. When he says companies must invest 'at their own risk', what he is really saying is that he is prepared to let billions in investment and thousands of local jobs slip through our fingers." Cllr Phil Redshaw 

​The Liberal Democrat Commitment

​This is a defining moment for the East Riding. We can choose a path of growth, innovation, and global leadership in green energy, or we can follow Reform UK down a path of isolation and industrial decline.

​The Liberal Democrats will continue to fight for the Humber Carbon Capture and Storage Programme and the expansion of our renewable sector. We understand that these aren't just "green projects", they are the factories, apprenticeships, and tax revenues of tomorrow.