James Wild MP spoke in the Clean Energy Superpower Mission statement to raise local community concerns about pylons and substations affecting Walpole and other areas.
Text of Speech:
James Wild, MP for North West Norfolk:
Plans for 90 miles of pylons from Lincolnshire to my North West Norfolk constituency and new substations are strongly opposed by local communities. Will the Secretary of State commit to a review of network technologies, and consider a presumption in favour of underground or offshore proposals?
Edward Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero
I will look at all proposals, but I think the hon. Gentleman knows that underground cables cost six to 10 times more; that is why the last Government did not agree to them. If part of our challenge is to cut bills for people, that is not a sustainable solution for the future. I am sympathetic to all MPs who raise issues on behalf of their constituents, but I gently say again to him that if we want to avoid a repeat of the cost of living crisis, if we want to tackle the climate crisis, and if we want energy security, we will have to build the grid in our country.
The Conservative Party manifesto committed to a rapid review to consider moving to a presumption in favour of underground options.
