← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
New Pylons: East Anglia
19 July 2022
Lead MP
Bernard Jenkin
Harwich and North Essex
Con
Responding Minister
Greg Hands
Tags
ClimateEnergy
Word Count: 13595
Other Contributors: 10
At a Glance
Bernard Jenkin raised concerns about new pylons: east anglia in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
I urge the Minister to consider rerunning the consultation so all Members of Parliament and their constituents can have a fair say in this matter. Furthermore, I ask for more information on health impacts from these pylons as expressed by my constituents who are worried about potential adverse effects. The MP calls on National Grid to publish a fully costed offshore alternative to East Anglia GREEN and urges the Minister to accelerate the new regime allowing for more comprehensive strategic planning. He requests that non-monetised costs such as property value depreciation be reflected in the proposals, highlighting the need for a balanced approach between renewable energy development and local community welfare.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
I am concerned about the lack of proper consultation regarding National Grid's plan for new pylons in East Anglia. My constituents were not notified, despite the project running close to my constituency of Rayleigh and Wickford. The absence of detailed figures and analysis provided by National Grid suggests that the consultation process was inadequate. The MP is concerned about the environmental and societal impacts of new pylons in East Anglia, particularly the destruction of valuable agricultural land, disruption to local communities, and negative psychological impact on residents. He notes that his constituents have expressed a strong preference for an offshore transmission system over overhead cables, which would avoid blighting farmland and homes.
Alex Burghart
Con
Brentwood and Ongar
I agree with the lead MP's point that it is challenging to explain to constituents why an offshore route is not being taken when such routes exist elsewhere. The lack of evidence makes it difficult to argue for fairness in this decision.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
The Member raises concerns about the lack of transparency in the National Grid's decision-making process and the pledge to provide more detailed figures by the end of summer, suggesting that this is an unorthodox approach to consultation. He confirms that officials from BEIS stated during recent discussions with Ofgem and National Grid that existing contracts could not predetermine planning applications, thus leaving open how electricity will be shifted through the onshore grid. My hon. Friend has a reasonable and passionate view on offshore wind, but highlights that there is an approved sub-sea link going ahead off East Anglia called Sea Link 1, which will provide additional network capacity to enable the import and export of wind energy to and from Europe. He notes that National Grid's proposal for Sea Links 2, 3 and 4 faces challenges under current policy but argues that it is a reality within the existing framework. Expressed concerns about the consultation process for new pylons in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, arguing that it was a predetermined decision and not transparent. Questioned why an offshore grid option was dismissed when similar projects are being pursued elsewhere. There is another email about the reasoning for the eastern link, highlighting that going undersea can be quicker due to delivery timescales. The MP reiterated concerns over the adequacy of the consultation, noting that a detailed assessment of an alternative offshore route would be conducted by National Grid during the summer. This underscores why constituents believe the consultation should be reopened. He suggested that NGET could commission an independent expert under its contract to address some of the concerns raised.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland and Fakenham
He questions the rationale for reinforcing the transmission network from Norwich south due to additional power coming from offshore wind farms. He calls for an accelerated adoption of an offshore transmission network by 2025, which could save £6 billion according to National Grid ESO estimates. He also asks the Minister to review the decision behind connection points and consider taking advantage of an offshore route to deliver electricity more efficiently.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
I express sympathy for the lead MP's loss and raise concerns about potential health impacts on individuals living near the pylons, citing a constituent's worry over pylons surrounding her property.
Jo Churchill
Con
Bury St Edmunds
The speaker is concerned about the National Grid's proposal to build pylons through East Anglia, arguing that it fails to offer choice and meaningful consultation with constituents. She highlights the importance of protecting communities, countryside, and food production in the region. Churchill questions the lack of impact assessments on food production, environment, and alternative options like subsea transmission. My hon. Friend is making a very powerful case. If I understand him correctly, he said that in the consultation the value and worth of communities and environment was a strong rationale, but we are being told that we have to be bound by the rationale of the NPS, which is economic and efficient. Does he feel, like me, that we are not being treated fairly? She stated that she and her constituents have not been provided with the necessary options or data regarding environmental impact, expressing frustration over a lack of information.
Kerry McCarthy
Lab
Bristol East
The MP acknowledged the debate's focus on genuine concerns over local impact, food production in East Anglia due to Ukraine's situation, and the need for clearer processes. She called for National Grid to publish costed offshore alternatives and highlighted the importance of transparency in decision-making regarding energy infrastructure.
Mark Francois
Con
Rayleigh and Wickford
I support the lead MP's call for a rerun of the consultation process, emphasizing that members of Parliament were not notified, despite the proximity of the project to their constituencies.
I express condolences and agree on the broader issue of undervaluing environmental factors. The lack of consideration for community wellbeing and environmental impact is a significant concern, urging the Government to reconsider their approach.
Discusses the opportunities for East Anglia to become an engine room of renewable energy in the UK, focusing on the roll-out of zero carbon renewable energy. Highlights the transition to net-zero emissions and the importance of offshore wind as a low-cost technology for generating electricity. Acknowledges concerns about new pylons but emphasizes the need to work with National Grid and local communities to mitigate impacts while ensuring no holdup in the roll-out of offshore wind projects.
Richard Bacon
Con
South Norfolk
The lead MP's concerns are echoed regarding the need to revisit decisions that have led to reinforcing parts of the network, arguing that following National Grid's advice would save billions of pounds in costs. He shares concern that without implementing an offshore grid soon, the current issues with pylons could be exacerbated in a few years. He questions how reasonable it would be to install even more pylons due to inefficiencies of the ones currently being installed. He reiterated concerns about planning permission and the time constraints affecting offshore wind development. Emphasised the importance of following Gunning principles for consultation and warned against judicial review delaying progress towards net zero targets.
Government Response
Greg Hands
Government Response
Acknowledged the debate's importance and National Grid's engagement with MPs. Stressed the need for more electricity network infrastructure to connect cheap, green energy produced by offshore wind farms in East Anglia. Addressed concerns about the proposed new projects, such as East Anglia GREEN, being nationally significant infrastructure projects subject to quasi-judicial processes under the Planning Act 2008. Emphasized ongoing efforts like the Holistic Network Design and Offshore Transmission Network Review to improve coordination and address environmental impacts.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.