Hain Reacts To Minister On Severn Barrage

Speaking after Energy Minister Greg Barker’s evidence to the Energy & Climate Change Parliamentary Select Committee former Cabinet Minister and Neath MP Peter Hain said:

‘If we’re now unlikely to see the hybrid bill required for the Severn Barrage in this parliament that will mean two more years delay for a gigantic £25 billion investment creating 50000 desperately needed jobs.  Sadly confusion and division in government now means we’re working to a longer timescale. I will keep making the case for the Severn Barrage because in my view it is a no brainer and the Minister’s curious statement is at variance with the constructive meetings I have had with his boss the Secretary of State for Energy, the Prime Minister, the Chancellor, Infrastructure Minister and the Secretary of State for Wales. These meetings are being followed up and extensive documentation provided. Britain urgently needs the clean green energy and the economic boost the Barrage uniquely offers.’