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Electricity Infrastructure: Rural Communities
21 October 2025
Lead MP
John Lamont
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Con
Responding Minister
Michael Shanks
Tags
TaxationClimateScotland
Word Count: 5015
Other Contributors: 9
At a Glance
John Lamont raised concerns about electricity infrastructure: rural communities in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
There must be a balance in modernising electricity networks that does not come at the expense of rural environments or communities' wellbeing. The debate calls for coherent planning with buy-in from local communities, addressing issues such as visual impact on quality of life and potential harm to tourism and agriculture.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The Scottish Borders are being inundated with plans for new energy infrastructure such as wind farms, solar farms, battery storage units, and mega-pylons. A proposed substation near Threepwood Moss threatens to destroy a special area of conservation and cover an area equivalent to around 40 football pitches. This project is deeply unpopular with local people and will do significant damage to the rural environment.
Ann Davies
PC
Caerfyrddin
In her constituency, pylon proposals are causing distress among rural communities and bypassing landowners’ rights. Proposes that electricity infrastructure developments should involve local communities rather than imposing them.
Ben Lake
PC
Ceredigion Preseli
Sought to speak but was not given way by the hon. Member.
David Chadwick
Lab
Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe
Asked the Minister if he was confident that Ofgem’s rules will deliver operational independence in Wales.
Harriet Cross
Con
Gordon and Buchan
Agrees with concerns about energy infrastructure being imposed on communities without proper consultation or planning, leading to loss of agricultural land and reduced quality of life.
Jamie Stone
LD
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Questions the proposed grid upgrade in Scotland for not taking into account future nuclear power development across the UK.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Highlights the need for modern technology to ensure resilience during storms but emphasizes the importance of community buy-in when upgrading infrastructure.
Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire
Suggests transmission line operators consider the impact on local communities by leaving legacy housing, employing graduate apprentices from the area, and not overburdening villages with workers’ camps.
Torcuil Crichton
Lab
Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Offers alternative of community-owned wind farms as seen in Western Isles, highlighting benefits such as alleviation of fuel poverty and local economic growth.
Wendy Morton
Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
Raises similar issues in the west midlands regarding battery energy storage systems being imposed on communities without their consent or benefit, advocating for a Government rethink.
Government Response
Michael Shanks
The Minister for Energy
Government Response
The Minister acknowledges community concerns and emphasizes the need to balance them with building infrastructure for future energy needs. He agrees that nuclear power has a crucial role in the UK’s energy mix but notes that Scotland is currently excluded from new modular reactor projects due to SNP policy. The Minister also supports rooftop solar initiatives across the country. Emphasised the need for upgrading and expanding the electricity grid, challenged previous Government’s plan for future of energy grid, mentioned NESO's strategic spatial energy plan, introduced community benefits for households affected by transmission infrastructure.
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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.