Last month, Suella Braverman MP wrote to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero to make her constituents’ views on the AQUIND interconnector proposal clear and to ascertain an update on the project’s timeline.
In 2023, the High Court quashed the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s decision to refuse development consent for the project. Consequently, the Secretary of State must now take the decision to quash the proposal again.
Suella believes that the introduction of this interconnector is unwanted by the local community and would have many damaging effects across Fareham and Hampshire. Standing up for her constituents, Suella urged the Secretary of State to uphold the original decision to ensure this project does not go ahead.
Writing to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Suella said:
“While I am disappointed with the High Court’s decision to quash the former Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s decision to refuse development consent, I am aware that you are due to make a further decision that will determine the outcome of this project. As such, I strongly urge you to refuse this project.
“Aquind’s proposals are detrimental to the people of Hampshire, including many of my constituents in Fareham. Building this interconnector means endless gridlock from construction chaos, exposure to pollution for many years, the destruction of our green spaces, and delicate marine and shoreline wildlife put at risk. This project is unwanted by local residents and must not go ahead.”
In response to Suella’s letter, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero thanked Suella for her letter and confirmed that her objections will be treated as a relevant representation and will be carefully considered alongside all matters that are important to the decision-making on the application for development consent.
Furthermore, the Secretary of State confirmed that there is no statutory deadline for the re-determination of the application, and a decision will be made in due course. Suella will continue to follow the developments of this proposal closely and update her constituents when possible.
