Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Simon Fell and Andrew Bowie

Tuesday 21st May 2024 Commons Chamber

[Simon Fell (Barrow and Furness) (Con)]

A key tool in our arsenal against climate change must be sequestering carbon. It was a pleasure last week to see the Morecambe bay net zero peak cluster vision launched, which could decarbonise 40% of our cement and lime industries, securing a gigatonne of carbon under Morecambe bay. Can I encourage my hon. Friend the Minister to meet me to discuss the project further?

[Andrew Bowie]

I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend at any time, and I am happy to discuss this and any other matter relating to the subject.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Simon Fell and Andrew Bowie

Tuesday 16th April 2024 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Bowie]

I am very proud of what this Government have done to protect the poorest in society from rising bills, which are the result of international factors and a volatile gas market. I make it absolutely clear that the only way that Dale Vince, the climate extremist, and his enablers will come anywhere close to having influence on energy policy is if a Labour Government are elected. Frankly, that is the only thing that voting Reform will achieve.

[Simon Fell (Barrow and Furness) (Con)]

At my constituency surgery on Friday, I met representatives of the Riddings Lane solar action group who are concerned about the proposals to build a new solar farm covering 145 football fields’ worth of land between the villages of Gleaston, Dendron, Leece and Newbiggin. Does the Minister agree that solar farms are great but should not go on prime agricultural land?

[Andrew Bowie]

As my hon. Friend is aware, we have a presumption against building on the best and most versatile agricultural land. Due to my quasi-judicial role in planning I cannot speak to the issue directly, but I am very happy to meet him and, indeed, any representatives from his constituency to discuss the project in question.