REVEALED: Labour candidate was XR activist who was architect of ZERO emissions zones in Oxford
Labour's candidate for Bournemouth East, Tom Hayes, had previous links with Extinction Rebellion and supported some of their initiatives, GB News can reveal.
He also oversaw the introduction of a number of anti-motorist policies as the Oxford cabinet member for Zero Carbon Oxford.
Anti-motorist policies introduced by Hayes resulted in £120,000 worth of fines in the first 6 months despite Hayes saying that the aim of the ZEZ in Oxford is "to earn zero money."
Labour's candidate for Bournemouth East, Tom Hayes, has links with Extinction Rebellion and Greenpeace, GB News can reveal
PA
He has also praised campaigns from Extinction Rebellion, including their proposal to introduce citizens' assemblies on climate change.
Posting on Facebook, and tagging XR in the post, Hayes shared a letter from Labour candidate Stella Creasy urging Michael Gove to listen to calls for a citizens assembly.
He said: "Oxford City Council will be the first UK council to create a citizens assembly for dealing with climate change.
"Thanks to Anneliese Dodds MP who raised our approach in Parliament today and Stella Creasy MP who's urged Michael Gove to listen to calls for a citizens assembly and highlighted Oxford's new democratic engagement."
XR has long advocated the creation of citizens assemblies to take action on climate change, saying it would "put fairness and justice at the centre of decision-making".
Posting in the XR Oxford Facebook in 2019, Hayes shared a speech from Jeremy Corbyn in the Commons, saying there is "lots of momentum building".
He said: "Jeremy Corbyn has called on the Government to declare a formal climate emergency, and heed the warnings of schoolchildren and Extinction Rebellion, receiving cross-party support.
"Oxford MP Anneliese Dodds spoke in the debate today. Lots of exciting national momentum building!"
Hayes' climate campaigning has also seen him support and introduce a number of anti-motorist policies in Oxford, including the Zero Emissions Zone (ZEZ).
The candidate said the aim of the ZEZ in Oxford is "to earn zero money".
This came after the BBC reported that the ZEZ in the first 6 months resulted in £120,000 worth of fines, after 3,979 warnings and 7,545 PCNs.
Hayes said: "The aim of Oxford’s Zero Emission Zone is to earn zero money. When that happens, traffic within the Zone doesn’t pollute your lungs or our planet. Plus all net proceeds exclusively fund clean air and climate friendly travel, such as cycling and buses."
Oxford's ZEZ was introduced in 2022, while Hayes was serving as the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Green Transport and Zero Carbon Oxford at Oxford City Council.
The ZEZ is an area where zero-emission vehicles (such as fully electric motorcycles, cars and vans) can be used without incurring a charge but where other motor vehicles may be charged.
All petrol and diesel vehicles, including hybrids, will incur a daily charge if they are driven in the zone between 7am and 7pm unless they have a 100 per cent discount or exemption.
Tom Hayes told GB News: “In my job as the cabinet member for green transport on Oxford City Council, I engaged with residents, motorist groups and climate campaigners alike, both in person and on social media.
“While I have long been a passionate advocate for tackling the climate crisis and improving air quality, I have never been a member of Extinction Rebellion and of course do not in any way condone unlawful action by any group."