22 February 2012 | Alan Bouquet
Energy, Wind, Europe

 

The UK Prime Minister David Cameron has had to defend his stance on wind farms to 100 conservative backbenchers today, after an open letter from them asked for cuts in on-shore wind subsidies. The letter complained that the national interest was being put ahead of local opinion on the sites.

Mr. Cameron has responded by saying he has sympathy with local residents, but that there were ‘hard-headed’ reasons for the building of on-shore wind farms. "On-shore wind plays a role in a balanced UK electricity mix, alongside gas, nuclear, cleaner coal and other forms of renewable energy," he said. "A portfolio of different supplies enhances energy security and prevents the UK from becoming over-reliant on gas imports."

He also added that it was an important stimulator for green jobs and that a strong low-carbon energy sector was important for Britain’s economy. The only concession given was that there would be a 10% cut in subsidies in the near future due to the decreasing cost of building. This was already part of the government’s policies along with new planning laws giving local residents more say in the planning proposals in their area.

The organiser of the letter, Mr Heaton-Harris MP has said, "I obviously didn't expect the prime minister to just say: 'OK, you are right,' and change policy in this area and I am pleased he understands the massive concern that local residents have about these plans." The next step however could be to form an all parliamentary group on the matter, as the group has at least 10 labour MP’s in support.
 

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