North East can lead the way to clean renewable energy and energy security

Emma spoke of the North East’s potential to lead the way in clean and green technologies during a speech in Parliament on the King’s Speech on Tuesday 19 May.

Speaking following the government’s commitment to increasing energy security and the opportunities for the North East through the Energy Independence Bill, Emma said:

“We have been repeatedly at the mercy of repeated international crises, underlining why we must secure energy independence to protect people here and across the country. Previous governments didn’t move quickly enough, and we’re paying the price”.

The MP highlighted the potential for the North East in this area, adding that the region “can lead the way to clean renewable energy and energy security. New seabed sites off our coast can unlock at least six gigawatts of offshore capacity. That’s billions of pounds of investment coming to our region, creating jobs and opportunities”.

“In my constituency, the West Hartford Business Park, with support from Arlington and the Port of Blyth, will unlock about 2,000 jobs and more than £400 million of local investment.”

“Energy Central Campus at Blyth and the Energy Academy in Wallsend are training a new generation of skilled workers for the industries of the future.”

However, Emma warned about the push from some parties away from green, clean energy, stating that:

“When the opposition talk down clean energy, they’re talking down opportunity. Opposing this drive could cost up to 17,000 jobs in our regional renewable sector. Members opposite should level with my communities about what their plans would mean for jobs and families”.

Following her speech, Emma commented:

“The North East powered the last industrial revolution through our mines and shipyards, but now we have the chance to lead the world in clean, green jobs and investment.”

“Investing in clean energy brings good industrial jobs back to the North East, provides skills and training for our communities and further opportunities through the supply chain. Our coast and rivers are uniquely placed to take advantage of this opportunity and this government is boosting that opportunity for the North East”.