This morning Alexander Stafford MP was one of three experts participating in a panel discussion hosted by the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit, focusing on a ‘green recovery’ from COVID-19.
Speaking alongside Lord Adair Turner, Chair of the Energy Transitions Committee and former Director-General of the Confederation of British Industry, and Emma Pinchbeck, CEO of Energy UK, Alexander highlighted the importance of the UK getting ahead of the competition when it comes to renewable energy expertise so that Britain can export its world-leading know-how and technology to other countries. He outlined his belief that former heavy industry communities like Rother Valley should be at the centre of the UK’s green revolution as the area has a long history of expertise in the energy sector. Alexander noted that by replacing the mining of fossil fuels with renewable energy opportunities, high-value jobs can be brought to the constituency, saving residents from having to commute to nearby cities, and enabling locals to rediscover the sense of community and job security that was once found with coal mining.
In addition, Alexander stressed that the move in London to a car-free future is not feasible in Rother Valley without drastic upgrades to the area’s public transport infrastructure, an issue he is campaigning on vigorously. Conversely, Alexander explained to the audience that Rother Valley’s housing is at an advantage when it comes to decarbonising homes, in comparison to those older and space-restricted dwellings in the capital. He also pointed to the ridiculous situation in his constituency where wind turbines, which are positive for the region, are situated next to a fracking site, which he strongly opposes and argues is old technology.
Speaking after the meeting, Alexander Stafford, Conservative MP for Rother Valley, said: “It is high time that Rother Valley is recognised for its prowess in the energy sector and that this is utilised to make our area the new capital for British renewables. This is a sector which will not be clustered in London and the South-East and we must take advantage of this. Not only will a green recovery bring jobs and prosperity to South Yorkshire, but it will make our natural environment a nicer place to live and will boost our national economy in the wake of this devastating pandemic.”
Alexander welcomes any queries from constituents regarding his vision of Rother Valley as a ‘green powerhouse’ on [email protected] and welcomes engagement on Facebook, Twitter, and his website.
