Oral Answers to Questions

Stephen Morgan Excerpts

Tuesday 28th November 2023 Commons Chamber

[Graham Stuart]

As I have said, I share the enthusiasm on both sides of the House for onshore wind. The Government have set regulations that require onshore wind developers to consult communities in advance of submitting a planning application, as well as having it consulted on post-submission. We make no apology for rolling out this transformation in renewable technologies in concert with communities, rather than seeking to ride roughshod over them.

[Stephen Morgan (Portsmouth South) (Lab)]

8. When she plans to make a decision on the application for development consent for the proposed AQUIND interconnector project.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Andrew Bowie)]

The proposed AQUIND interconnector project is a live planning application currently being redetermined by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, who is progressing the work in the normal course of business. That means that, as set out in the planning propriety guidance, I am unable to give any further information on the progress of this live case.

[Stephen Morgan]

Portsmouth people have waited far too long for the Government to decide against AQUIND. Will the co-owner’s donation of more than £1 million to the Tories—including £6,000 to the Prime Minister’s constituency party and over £70,000 to the Chancellor—be a factor in the Minister’s decision on what is a disastrous project for Portsmouth?

[Andrew Bowie]

The Secretary of State is following a well-established planning process. I am sorry that I cannot say any more about this live case beyond what I have said already; it is with the Department and the Secretary of State for a decision.