Local communities across Essex continue to voice strong opposition to the National Grid's plans for 100 miles of new pylons and overhead power lines from Norwich to Tilbury. The plans, which the Labour Government are trying to force through in a desperate attempt to hit their net zero targets, will damage rural communities and agricultural land, harm community facilities and be a blight on the Essex countryside. Witham MP Priti Patel, whose constituency could see around 50 new pylons run through it from Coggeshall to Fuller Street, has met with local farmer and campaigner John Stacey. Mr Stacey has been working with Priti and other campaigners to oppose these plans and put forward alternative options. Priti said:
"It's appalling that the Labour Government continues to back National Grid in pressing ahead with these reckless and ill thought through plans. They will cause significant damage and disruption to farms like the one owned by John Stacey and it is typical of the arrogance of this Government that they are refusing to consider alternatives options. John and other campaigners have put forward plans for undergrounding the infrastructure and and for offshore grids but Labour ministers would rather ignore these options in a last-gasp attempt to hit the unrealistic targets they are already behind on.
"The Labour Government is desperate to destroy rural Essex. From their housing targets to their obsession with net zero targets, when Labour governs Essex loses. I'll keep campaigning against these plans and challenge this rotten Labour Government."
