Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Bowie and Mark Eastwood

Tuesday 21st May 2024 Commons Chamber

[Mark Eastwood (Dewsbury) (Con)]

T6. While it is important that we support renewable energy sources, does the Minister agree with me that solar panels should go on rooftops, not on farmland?

[Andrew Bowie]

As my hon. Friend has heard me say already today, solar power is important, and we remain committed to our 70 GW target. However, food security is as important as energy security when it comes to national security. That is why we are protecting the best and most versatile farmland in the United Kingdom. Unlike the Opposition, we respect the views of communities up and down the country; we will ensure that our countryside is not industrialised, and incentivise companies, individuals and organisations to invest in rooftop solar, and solar on brownfield, not greenfield, sites.