South West MPs sign up to first renewable energy manifesto

Twenty three MPs demonstrated their support for the development of a world-leading renewable energy industry in the South West of England on 4 June, when they signed up to the UK’s first regional renewable energy manifesto at Westminster.

Those that signed up include Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw, MP for North Devon Sir Nick Harvey and Neil Parish MP for Tiverton and Honiton (see below for the full list).

Launched today at the House of Commons by renewable energy not-for-profit company Regen SW, the manifesto sets out an ambitious target to deliver 34,000 high-value jobs in renewable energy this decade through eight specific commitments including supporting:

• A consistent regulatory framework to incentivise long-term investment in renewables;
• Investment in the national and local grid, and to roll out new ‘smart’ technology;
• Putting communities at the heart of new energy developments.

“Today was a landmark occasion.” said Merlin Hyman, chief executive of Regen SW.

“Industry, MPs and Local Enterprise Partnerships have come together for the first time to make a strategic commitment to a building a world leading renewable energy sector in the South West.”

Regen’s research shows a rapid growth in renewable energy generation over the past 12 months, and over 10,000 jobs in the sector. However, despite this, the region is not on track to hit current government renewable energy targets of 15 per cent by 2020 and will miss out on the potential for 34,000 jobs to be created by 2020.

Stephen Gilbert, MP for St Austell & Newquay, who hosted the launch at Westminster today, said: “The South West Renewable Energy Manifesto sets out clearly the case for jobs and growth of renewables across the region and I was delighted to host their event today in Parliament.

"The renewables sector could deliver up to 34,000 jobs in the Westcountry alone and the scale of the economic opportunity in front of us should be grasped with both hands.

“The South West is uniquely positioned to lead the country in renewable energy; we have wind, solar, wave, geothermal and many more sources that we can use to lower emissions, create jobs and bring down bills in our communities.

“I am proud to support the launch of this manifesto and I’m pleased so many different organisations and companies have come together to speak with one voice over how this growing sector can benefit all of our communities. We have the weather and resources and we also have the engineering skill in our workforce – we now need to get on with the job.”

Ben Bradshaw, Labour MP for Exeter, said: "The South West of England has the opportunity to play a leading role in the development of the renewable energy sector. We have some of the best natural resources in the UK and this brings with it the potential for huge economic growth, more jobs, and increased energy security for householders.

"In order to achieve this it is imperative that the government backs the transition towards a low-carbon economy and puts a consistent regulatory framework in place. I'm fully behind the South West manifesto and will be supporting Regen SW's efforts."

Sir Nick Harvey, Liberal Democrat MP for North Devon, said: “I welcome the South West Renewable Energy Manifesto, which puts forward clear commitments to go further in making the South West a leader in green energy.

"We are fortunate to have some of the country’s richest natural resources like strong winds and waves, but a lack of financial support has held the technology back for us to really harness this potential – particularly when it comes to marine energy.

"It is time for us to grasp the region’s energy resources and put the South West on the map as a world leader in renewable energy.”

The Manifesto is supported by Local Enterprise Partnerships from the West of England, Cornwall and the Isles of Scily, Dorset, and the Heart of the South West.

The full South West Renewable Energy Manifesto document can be viewed online at http://goo.gl/57WwL.

MPs that signed up to the manifesto:
Annette Brooke MP, Mid Dorset and North Poole
Ben Bradshaw MP, Exeter
Neil Carmichael MP, Stroud
Oliver Colvile MP, Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
Tobias Ellwood MP, Bournemouth East
Stephen Gilbert MP, St Austell and Newquay
Andrew George MP, St Ives
James Gray MP, North Wiltshire
Charlotte Leslie MP, Bristol North West
Nick Harvey MP, North Devon
Sarah Newton MP, Truro and Falmouth
Dawn Primarolo MP, Bristol South
Lord Matthew Taylor
Alison Seabeck MP, Plymouth
Adrian Sanders MP, Torbay
Sarah Wollaston MP, Totnes, Brixham and the South Hams
Robert Buckland MP, South Swindon
John Glen MP, Salisbury
Kerry McCarthy MP, Bristol East
Tessa Munt MP, Wells
Lord Robin Teverson
Stephen Williams MP, Bristol West
Neil Parish MP, Tiverton and Honiton