Ben Bradshaw with Regen chief executive Merlin Hyman
Twenty-three MPs and Peers supported the development of a world-leading renewable energy industry in the south west of England today when they signed up to the UK’s first regional renewable energy manifesto at Westminster.
Signatory MPs include Liberal Democrat Sir Nick Harvey, Labour’s Ben Bradshaw and Conservative Charlotte Leslie.
Launched today at House of Commons by renewable energy not-for-profit organisation Regen SW, the manifesto sets out an ambitious target to deliver 34,000 high-value jobs in renewable energy this decade through eight specific commitments including supporting:
- a consistent regulatory framework to incentivise long-term investment in renewables
- investment in the national and local grid, and to roll out new ‘smart’ technology
- putting communities at the heart of new energy developments
Regen’s research shows a rapid growth in renewable energy generation over the past 12 months, and more than 10,000 jobs in the sector. However, despite this, the region is not on track to hit the government’s 15% renewable energy targets by 2020 and will miss out on the potential to create 34,000 jobs by 2020.
Sir Nick Harvey, MP for North Devon, said: “We are fortunate to have some of the country’s richest natural resources like strong winds and waves, but a lack of financial support has held the technology back for us to really harness this potential – particularly when it comes to marine energy. It is time for us to grasp the region’s energy resources and put the south west on the map as a world leader in renewable energy.”
The full South West Renewable Energy Manifesto can be viewed here.
MPs and Peers that signed up to the manifesto
Annette Brooke MP, Mid Dorset & North Poole
Ben Bradshaw MP, Exeter
Neil Carmichael MP, Stroud
Oliver Colvile MP, Plymouth Sutton & Devonport
Tobias Ellwood MP, Bournemouth East
Stephen Gilbert MP, St Austell & Newquay
Andrew George MP, St Ives
James Gray MP, North Wiltshire
Charlotte Leslie MP, Bristol North West
Nick Harvey MP, North Devon
Sarah Newton MP, Truro & Falmouth
Dawn Primarolo MP, Bristol South
Lord Matthew Taylor
Alison Seabeck MP, Plymouth
Adrian Sanders MP, Torbay
Sarah Wollaston MP, Totnes, Brixham & the South Hams
Robert Buckland MP, South Swindon
John Glen MP, Salisbury
Kerry McCarthy MP, Bristol East
Tessa Munt MP, Wells
Lord Robin Teverson
Stephen Williams MP, Bristol West
Neil Parish MP, Tiverton & Honiton
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