Last week, along with other MPs from across the region, I met with Greg Hands MP, Minister of State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, to raise concerns about the East Anglia GREEN (EAG) proposals and consultation.
This meeting was further to the letter sent to the Minister by six local MPs, where we highlighted our concerns about the narrow nature of the consultation – given that overland was the only transmission option being consulted on. I had a further meeting this week where I was able to discuss my concerns and those of my constituents.
I was grateful for the Minister meeting with us and he was left in no doubt of the strength of objection there is to these proposals from local communities. These proposals would impact local communities, businesses and the countryside and all other options have been discarded without local people having a say.
I also took the opportunity to push for East Anglia to be included in the Holistic Network Design given our region’s role in the UK’s energy supply. Offshore transmission and an offshore grid are in my view the right way forward to ensure the plans are future proofed.
Along with many people from across the constituency and wider region, I responded to the consultation to make my views clear to National Grid. This stage of the consultation process is now closed, however there will be further engagement in the future.
I will continue to work with other members of OffSET to raise concerns about the proposals as they stand.
