Thank God for that ...

Like many residents of Copeland I was concerned at the appointment of a Liberal Democrat as Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change - the terms of the coalition agreement to appear to allow New Nuclear Build to go ahead but having a Secretary of State who is not exactly a supporter of the industry did raise a few eyebrows in West Cumbria.

I have been waiting for news on who the other ministers in the department would be. We are now advised that the ministers of state will be Charles Hendry MP and Greg Barker MP.

Hence my reaction "Thank God for that" - it means that the minister with specific responsibilty for Energy supports and understands the needs of the nuclear industry.

Comments

Jane said…
It struck me from the outset that this coalition is pragmatic. It allows for personal differences in matters of conscience to be held by individual MP's. A complete change in culture from the previous Labour Government, when any dissent from the dictated line was tantamount to rebellion.

Lib Dems have long opposed nuclear new build, whilst Conservatives have been committed to the replacement of existing power stations, subject to the planning process and without public subsidy. The Liberal Democrats are permitted to abstain without it being regarded as a matter of confidence. This is the new politics which allows for debate and difference of opinions but avoids friction by creating a framework around general principles.

However in terms of the interests of this area I was relieved that the appointment of a Liberal Democrat Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change had been counter-balanced by pro nuclear ministers, in the appointment Charles Hendry MP and Greg Barker MP. Charles Hendry had already pledged support for the nuclear industry and has visited Sellafield and Greg Barker has a good CV with regard to knowledge and commitment to policies that will reduce carbon emissions. He was involved in the passage of the Climate Change Act and while shadowing in the Department of Energy and Climate Change contributed to Conservative Party's Green Paper 'Low Carbon Economy'. He is aware of the need to create energy security. The country can have confidence in the credentials of these ministers.

I trust that opposition Labour MPs will work with the Government to ensure energy security and a greener future, as an issue which benefits the nation. It is now for this area and its MP to ensure that Copeland gets the necessary investment.
2:25 am
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