Business of the House

Amanda Martin Excerpts

Thursday 19th December 2024 Commons Chamber

[Lucy Powell]

I know that the hon. Lady has applied on a number of occasions for a debate on that important matter affecting her constituency. Madam Deputy Speaker is in her Chair and has heard the hon. Lady’s appeal again today. Road closures of that kind, where bridges need that sort of work, can be absolutely devastating for local communities and businesses, and I will certainly help her in trying to secure an Adjournment debate on the subject.

[Amanda Martin (Portsmouth North) (Lab)]

Many of my constituents are concerned about the proposed AQUIND interconnector. The planning decision is with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, in consultation, I believe, with the Ministry of Defence, after security concerns were raised about the project. The previous Administration kicked this decision down the road, so I can understand why this Government are doing things by the book and ensuring that consultation goes ahead. However, will the Leader of the House allocate time to a debate on ensuring that the two Departments work together efficiently and co-operatively on securing a judgment on this issue, and will she seek clarity on when we can expect the consultation to conclude and a decision to be finally made on this project?

[Lucy Powell]

I am sure that my hon. Friend will appreciate that I cannot comment on a live planning case, but I understand that the Attorney General’s Office has appointed a representative to act on behalf of AQUIND Ltd in relation to this matter, and I hope that she will get the answer that she needs soon.