Bath MP slams government for “costly” delays to renewable energy development

11 January 2024

On 11th January, Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath and spokesperson for Energy Security and Net Zero, called for the government to propose a comprehensive plan for renewable energy development.

The Bath MP responded to a statement given by the Parliamentary Under Secretary for Energy Security and Net Zero, Andrew Bowie, on the Civil Nuclear Roadmap. She reminded Mr Bowie that the best way to achieve affordable energy security was through renewable resources.

Mrs Hobhouse criticised the extensive delays to renewable energy development that have occurred under the Conservative government. She also drew attention to the huge increase in costs for offshore wind projects, noting that they had risen by 40%.

The Liberal Democrat Energy spokesperson demanded that the government propose a renewables road map to address the current challenges to renewable energy development. She also urged the government not to fall behind their international partners and lose their competitive advantage in offshore wind development.

Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath and spokesperson for Energy Security and Climate Change, commented:

“The UK was once a world leader on climate change. Yet the Conservatives have damaged our reputation severely by not taking the opportunities to properly develop our renewable energy and offshore wind projects. Their dither and delay is costly for both purses and the planet.

“Nuclear power is blighted by delays and sky-high costs, which the government is rarely honest about. Instead, we should be turning to the cheaper and greener alternative: renewable energy.”