Grant Shapps described on shore wind farms as an ‘eyesore’ for communities
Boris Johnson’s cabinet remains split on how to move forward with energy plans, with the transport secretary expressing his opposing views publicly.
Grant Shapps has said the government’s upcoming energy security strategy will not include plans to increase onshore wind farms.
He previously described onshore wind farms as “something of an eyesore” which cause noise problems, and has suggested the government proceed with solar, tidal, offshore wind farms and new nuclear energy.
The government’s energy strategy was set to be published last week, but has since been delayed. The plan will include the government’s aims for more renewable energy and to reduce the UK’s reliance on Russian fuel.
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Aisha Rimi3 April 2022 14:38
Facts need to be established amid allegations against MP David Warburton, says minister
Allegations about the conduct of David Warburton should be investigated and the facts established, said transport secretary Grant Shapps.
Mr Shapps made the comments when asked about the backbench MP having the Tory whip withdrawn pending an investigation into claims about his conduct.
The allegations, relating to sexual misconduct and a claim he had taken cocaine, are being examined by Parliament’s Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS).
Aisha Rimi3 April 2022 13:40
Labour proposes a package of “emergency” measures to help ease rising costs on businesses
In an effort to ease the burden of rising costs on businesses, Labour has proposed a package of “emergency measures” – including an immediate tax cut.
Alongside the tax cut, Labour’s proposals include an energy support fund, a “green steel” fund and the scrapping of the scheduled hike in national insurance
Under the proposed plans, a pub would be £2,600 better off, while for the average cafe or restaurant, it would be £2,700.
Jonathan Reynolds, shadow business secretary, said businesses are facing a “tidal wave of extra costs” and so are being “held back” under the Tory government.
Aisha Rimi3 April 2022 13:25
Jonathan Reynolds said the government is “making a huge mistake” by not lifting the onshore wind ban
The shadow business secretary told Times Radio: “I really think the Government are really making a mistake if they believe that onshore wind, which is the cheapest form of new electricity generation, isn’t going to be part of the solution to this.
“You need secure supplies that are renewable and that meet our net-zero objectives, but also which are delivered at a cost that means that the burden on consumers and households is as light as it can possibly be.
“Onshore wind and offshore wind are a huge part of that because they’re not just renewable but at the cheapest price.
“I think onshore wind – the public supports the arguments around there and the Government is making a huge mistake if they still can’t make their minds up about that.”
Aisha Rimi3 April 2022 12:45
Grant Shapps said the “logical place” to expand wind energy production is off shore
Asked if the Government’s upcoming energy security strategy will see the UK build more wind turbines onshore, the Transport Secretary told Times Radio: “I think that in terms of very large expansion – we already actually do the most offshore wind in the world – but in terms of large expansion I would look to see more of it offshore.
“I think that’s the logical place to do it, both in terms of the amount of wind and where the investment can go and where you can build it at very large scale.
“I’m not saying there can be no more onshore wind. There may be places where…
Read More: Boris Johnson news today: Cabinet split on energy plans as Shapps attacks new onshore wind farms