As the campaign to ensure an Offshore Transmission Network is delivered as swiftly and comprehensively as possible continues, I welcomed yesterday that we, the core group of MPs that have been driving these efforts over recent years, had the opportunity to liaise with representatives of OFGEM, National Grid and National GridESO over their extremely controversial East Anglia Green proposals (which would see new overland pylons carrying electricity from offshore wind infrastructure off the East coast down from Norwich to Tilbury), as well as the flawed consultation that has accompanied them.

Together, the group voiced the very serious concerns of our constituents and once again pressed the case that we need the Offshore Transmission Network (which we successfully ensured is now government policy – see more here) to be constructed and in operation as soon as possible – building on the letter that we collectively sent to the Minister of State for Energy, Clean Growth and Climate Change earlier this month (see more here).  

While there is no doubt that we must transport south the crucial power that offshore wind will generate off the East coast in the coming years, we believe it makes far more sense for this to be done as part of the Offshore Transmission Network that the Government has committed to. And, at the very least, local residents, businesses and other key stakeholders should have a proper say as part of a proper consultation.

Although East Anglia Green does not directly affect my own constituency of Mid Norfolk, it is a key part of the overall issue that I have been so committed to working on over recent years. It is for that reason that I was delighted Sir Bernard Jenkin MP was able to secure a Westminster Hall debate on East Anglia Green this morning – where the Minister heard first hand the views of local MPs.

Rest assured, I will continue to do all I can on this issue – for Mid Norfolk, as well as Norfolk and the East more widely. I am committed to working with parliamentary colleagues and local community groups along the way.

To stay up to date with all my work on these issues, please check my website campaign page here.