Witham MP Priti Patel has slammed the Labour Government for ceasing work on plans to develop greater coordination between offshore wind farms. The Energy Minister, Michael Shanks MP, has announced that the Labour Government will no longer fund the Offshore Coordination Support Scheme (OCSS), which was exploring options to reduce onshore infrastructure by improving coordination between offshore windfarms. This decision also reduces the prospects of an offshore grid being developed and appears to show the Labour Government favouring pushing forward with the National Grid’s plans to impose over 100 miles of pylons on communities across the East of England. Priti said:
“Communities across the East of England will be angered by the Labour Government ignoring them. The most effective way to support the expansion of offshore renewable energy generation is through better coordination of windfarm development and combining infrastructure to reduce harmful impacts to our environments. In less than two months since taking office it is appalling that Labour have dismissed this work and their arrogance is breathtaking.”
“Throughout the General Election campaign, I warned that Labour would ignore local communities. Sadly, this is further proof of their lack of interest in the concerns that my constituents and other communities have with the National Grid’s plans. With the OCSS work ceasing it is becoming increasingly clear that Labour will run roughshod over local views and force these plans through. I will continue to work with local communities to oppose them and make the case for an offshore grid.”
