Having been a leading figure calling for a proper offshore solution over several years, I recognise that the East Anglia Green proposals put forward by National Grid (although not directly impacting upon Mid Norfolk) are a big part of that wider campaign.

That’s why I added my name to the letter submitted to my former BEIS colleague the Energy Minister by OffSET MPs last summer criticising the lack of proper public consultation conducted by National Grid over the EAG plans (see more here) – and why I now welcome the news that National Grid ESO have listened to the concerns of MPs and campaigners and are now launching a review that will consider “offshore routes” for energy transmission in our region as well.

As has been widely publicised in recent years, the East is at the forefront of the offshore wind revolution that is already strengthening our UK energy resilience and driving forward the decarbonisation of our energy network. However, our region must have a proper say in how the necessary infrastructure is delivered, with all of the available options up for consideration.

As local MPs, we disagreed with National Grid’s assertion that they DID properly consult the public on whether or not this infrastructure should go ahead onshore (with new pylons running from Norwich to Tilbury) or be included in an offshore solution.

The news of this review is therefore a positive step in the right direction and I would encourage all of my constituents to take the time to have their say.

Rest assured, I will continue to work with parliamentary colleagues and local campaigners on this key campaign.

To learn more about the announcement, please click here.

To stay up to date with all of my work on this issue, please visit my website campaign page here.