Cameron hits back at Tory MPs in defence of onshore wind
22/02/2012
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David Cameron said: "On-shore wind plays a role in a balanced UK electricity mix."
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The Prime Minister has hit back against a group of 100 Tory MPs who earlier this month demanded a cut in government subsidies for onshore wind farms.
David Cameron defended the form of renewable energy, stating there were “perfectly hard-headed reasons” for encouraging onshore wind sites across the UK.
In a letter responding to the Conservative MPs, addressed to Chris Heaton-Harris, the MP behind the original letter, Mr Cameron said he sympathised with some of their concerns over the spread of wind farms.
But he wrote: “On-shore wind plays a role in a balanced UK electricity mix, alongside gas, nuclear, cleaner coal and other forms of renewable energy.
“A portfolio of different supplies enhances energy security and prevents the UK from becoming over-reliant on gas imports.”
Mr Cameron also appeared to reaffirm the Coalition’s commitment to the role of renewables in the green economy, adding: “I am also determined that we seize the economic opportunities in renewable energy supply chains as the global race for capital in low-carbon sectors intensifies.”
His words are likely to please environmentalists who have in the past claimed Cameron is not vocal enough in his support for the green agenda, despite claiming the Coalition would be the "greenest government ever" on election.
The Prime Minister also stressed in the letter that the government was already proposing to cut subsidies to onshore wind farms by 10 per cent, in line with falling building costs.
In a response to the Guardian newspaper, Mr Heaton-Harris said he was pleased that David Cameron had understood the concerns of local residents living near proposed wind farms.
He added: “However, those who signed the letter would like to see a cut in subsidy to on-shore wind greater than the 10 per cent proposed, and hope that our suggested amendments to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) are taken on board.”
The original letter to Mr Cameron urged the government to change the NPPF, which some Tory MPs claim is balanced in favour of wind farm developers, and against local residents.
Greenpeace campaigner Joss Garman told the Press Association: “The Prime Minister is right to make a strong intervention to cut through the myths and remind a vocal minority on his back benches that wind farms are good for the economy and good for the environment.
“Wind energy can play a crucial role in reducing our dependence upon the expensive gas imports that are driving up everybody's energy bills, whilst also cutting pollution and creating new jobs.”
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