The West of England is set to play a significant role in the government’s ambitious clean energy plans, according to Labour MP Sarah Jones, Minister of State for Industry. Speaking at a conference in Exeter, Jones highlighted the economic importance of the region, citing projects such as Somerset’s planned electric battery gigafactory and Cornwall’s mining renaissance.
Sarah Jones emphasised the Labour administration’s commitment to doubling onshore wind, tripling solar power, and quadrupling offshore wind by 2030. Additionally, the government aims to invest in carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, and marine energy. Jones referred to the South West as a ‘vital economic engine for the UK,’ stressing the need to remove barriers to innovation, skills, and potential in the region.
The ‘Delivering for the UK’ conference, organised by the Great South West Partnership, brought together hundreds of business leaders, industry experts, and MPs. Steve Race, Labour MP for Exeter and chair of the Great South West All-Party Parliamentary Group, participated in a panel discussion focused on enhancing the region’s profile in Westminster. Race stated, ‘It’s my job to help us all to make the case for our region. To do that, we need to speak with one voice, to showcase our strengths, and to fight for attention and investment.’
According to Race, the South West’s four counties excel in various critical sectors, including farming, agri-business, cutting-edge science and innovation, defence, and industrial manufacturing. These sectors are crucial to the future success of the entire country, positioning the region as a central player in national development.
The Great South West Partnership also unveiled its new Independent Economic Review, a strategic blueprint aimed at driving investment and growth across the region. This review, which will be publicly available in October, underscores the South West’s vital role in making Britain a clean energy superpower.
Karl Tucker, chair of the Great South West Partnership, asserted the urgency of leveraging the South West’s opportunities to ensure national economic growth and security. He stated, ‘It’s clear that now is the time for the new Government to seize the opportunities for the South West to help to secure national economic growth and security.’
The initiatives and discussions at the ‘Delivering for the UK’ conference underscore the South West’s pivotal role in the Labour administration’s clean energy strategy. With substantial investments and a focus on innovation, the region is positioned to become a cornerstone of the UK’s economic and environmental future.