During her visit to King’s Lynn, Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP reinforced the case James Wild MP has been making against National Grid’s proposed Grimsby to Walpole pylon route.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio West Norfolk, she said she opposes the proposals too and wants a more holistic approach, including putting more cables underground where possible.
James has consistently campaigned against the plans locally and in Parliament, warning they would blight the countryside, take up farmland, and disrupt local communities across West Norfolk.
He has consistently called for changes to the plans including more undergrounding and offshoring of cable routes, meaningful community benefits, and discounted energy bills for communities affected - if National Grid is not prepared to drop them entirely.
Speaking to Radio West Norfolk, Kemi said:
“One of the things that concerns me is that the grid is being upgraded, but not necessarily in the areas where the benefit is most needed. I see the same issue in my own constituency - pylons passing through communities without directly delivering the energy those areas actually require.
“I’ve campaigned on this, and I know Conservative MPs in Lincolnshire and Norfolk have been doing the same, calling for a different approach. The current push for electrification is being driven by net zero targets, but we should also be looking at a broader energy mix, including the oil and gas resources we still have. Gas, in particular, should be recognised as a transition fuel.
“I think we need to slow this process down and take a more considered approach. That includes putting more of these transmission cables underground where possible. Overhead pylons have a significant visual impact and can create real challenges, especially for farmers.
“Overall, I don’t think we’re looking at this holistically. As it stands, this isn’t the best solution, which is why I’ve opposed similar proposals in my own constituency. And I know the local MP here shares those concerns as well.”
