Labour politicians including Clare Moody, MEP for the South West and Gibraltar, have again called upon the Government to back the proposed Navitus Bay Wind Park.
Ms Moody has written an open letter to Amber Rudd MP, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, urging her to support the project and the skilled jobs it promises to secure for Dorset. As the government minister responsible, Ms Rudd is expected to make a decision on the development next month.
In her letter, the MEP writes:
“On recent visits to the Port of Poole and Portland Port, both contenders for the Operation and Management contract for the array, I have been impressed by the significant positive impact on the local economy that this development would bring. The chance to secure a 50-year contract for these ports, providing much needed jobs and skills training for the sub-region, is a rare and very welcome opportunity. The construction phase alone is set to provide at least 200 jobs in an area where inward investment has been sadly lacking in recent years. These jobs are essential in an area where the statistics show there is a concentration of low paid and seasonal work.”
In reference to the opposition voiced by Dorset’s Conservative MPs, Ms Moody writes to Ms Rudd:
“You will no doubt have been lobbied by local MPs who are opposed to this project. I am sorry to say that their objections are not grounded in facts. In particular, much has been said about the potential damage to the status of World Heritage site attached to the Jurassic Coast. I contend that the biggest threat to the remarkable Dorset coastline is from inaction to counter the threats of climate change.”
Ms Moody has discussed her support for the project with Labour councillors in Dorset, who back her position. The leaders of the Labour groups at Dorset County Council and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council have now written to South Dorset MP Richard Drax, requesting that he reconsider his opposition to the project.
In a letter dated 5 August 2015, councillors Paul Kimber and Mike Byatt write:
“Opportunities like these for inward investment into our local economy come all too infrequently. We are extremely disappointed that rather than doing your utmost to ensure that these jobs are attracted to your constituency, you are actively working against this project. It is not too late for you to do the right thing and get behind the Navitus Bay scheme by joining us in lobbying your Minister of State, Amber Rudd MP, to give consent to a project that will not only be a significant contributor to our on-going energy needs but will create much needed jobs.”
Letter to Richard Drax MP
Leaders of the Labour Groups on Dorset County Council and Weymouth & Portland Borough Council Council Offices, North Quay, Weymouth DT4 8TA Richard Drax MP Houses of Parliament, London, SW1A 0AA 5 August 2015
Dear Richard
We are writing to you about what we see as an exciting opportunity to bring jobs and investment to Weymouth & Portland. We understand that should the Navitus Bay off-shore wind farm project be approved, hundreds of jobs will be created at Portland Port for the six years of the construction of the array. There is also a possibility that Portland Port is awarded the contract for the management and operation of the facility, which would be a 50 year contract.
Opportunities like these for inward investment into our local economy come all too infrequently. We are extremely disappointed that rather than doing your utmost to ensure that these jobs are attracted to your constituency, you are actively working against this project. It is not too late for you to do the right thing and get behind the Navitus Bay scheme by joining us in lobbying your Minister of State, Amber Rudd MP to give consent to a project that will not only be a significant contributor to our on-going energy needs but will create much needed jobs.
We look forward to your early response.
Sincerely,
Cllr Paul Kimber, Dorset County Council Cllr Mike Byatt, Weymouth & Portland Borough Council
Letter to Amber Rudd MP
Rt Hon Amber Rudd MP Department of Energy and Climate Change 3, Whitehall Place London SW1A 2AW 5 August 2015
Dear Ms Rudd
I write concerning your imminent decision on the Navitus Bay wind park proposal which would be situated off the Dorset coast, part of my constituency. In the European Parliament I am an active substitute member of the Industry, Research and Energy Committee and am very conscious of the urgent need for dependable energy supplies and an increased emphasis on sustainability.
I have been extremely disappointed at recent announcements that indicate a lack of UK Government support for the renewable energy sector. However, I note that these announcements have so far not impacted on the offshore wind sector. If the UK has any chance of reaching its’ renewable energy targets I do not believe that it can reject a potentially significant contribution by refusing planning consent to Navitus Bay.
In addition to the urgent need to address climate change through increased renewable energy supply there is also the positive economic impact of the ‘green economy’. On recent visits to the Port of Poole and Portland Port, both contenders for the Operation and Management contract for the array, I have been impressed by the significant positive impact on the local economy that this development would bring. The chance to secure a 50 year contract for these ports, providing much needed jobs and skills training for the sub-region, is a rare and very welcome opportunity. The construction phase alone is set to provide at least 200 jobs in an area where inward investment has been sadly lacking in recent years. These jobs are essential in an area where the statistics show there is a concentration of low paid and seasonal work.
You will no doubt have been lobbied by local MPs who are opposed to this project. I am sorry to say that their objections are not grounded in facts. In particular, much has been said about the potential damage to the status of World Heritage site attached to the Jurassic Coast. I contend that the biggest threat to the remarkable Dorset coastline is from inaction to counter the threats of climate change.
In anticipation of a positive recommendation from The Planning Inspectorate, I implore you to make the right decision that will
• ensure a significant contribution to sustainable energy supply by generating the equivalent of enough electricity to power around 700,000 average UK households every year
• rise to the challenge of the UK becoming the leading North European manufacturing hub for offshore wind and expertise in the workforces, which could bring opportunities for the South West to build on its reputation as a global centre for the marine energy sector
• create long term jobs for some of the pockets of the South West that are still performing below the national and regional average
• invest in training the future workforce in the skills that will be of long-term value
I hope you will take all these points into consideration when making your decision in September and that you will support the Navitus Bay Wind Park proposal.
Yours sincerely,
Clare Moody MEP
