Chancellor Rachel Reeves has scrapped the Conservative-imposed onshore windfarm ban in a bold move to rejuvenate the British economy.
Describing the new Labour government’s economic inheritance as the worst since the Second World War, Reeves emphasized the urgent need for transformative policies.
Reeves has instructed civil servants to compile a comprehensive dossier on the state of the economy after 14 years under Conservative rule.
Speaking at the Treasury, she expressed her longstanding concerns about the dire public finances, saying, “What I have seen in the past 72 hours has only confirmed that.”
The Chancellor criticized the previous government for deferring and delaying crucial decisions, accusing them of prioritizing political self-interest over national interest.
She announced Labour’s intention to reclassify onshore wind as nationally significant infrastructure, which would expedite the planning approval process for large wind farms.
“We will get Britain building again … we will get Britain growing again,” Reeves declared, ending what she called the “absurd ban” on new onshore wind in England.
Reeves acknowledged the challenges of development, noting that any project might have environmental impacts, strain services, and provoke local opposition.
However, she stressed that the government would not be paralyzed by these trade-offs and would move forward decisively.
The energy sector and environmental campaigners have welcomed the move. Previously, onshore wind projects faced stringent restrictions, effectively halting any developments if there were objections.
Labour had pledged to overturn this ban within weeks of coming to power, aiming to double onshore wind capacity as part of a broader plan to transition to clean energy by 2030.
Experts highlight that onshore wind is one of the cheapest forms of new power, reducing dependence on expensive gas and significantly cutting climate emissions.
Emma Pinchbeck, Energy UK’s chief executive, praised the government’s prioritization of planning reforms, calling them a key enabler for economic growth and energy security.
She noted the importance of unblocking the planning system and removing the de facto ban on onshore wind, which had previously stifled new developments.
Dan McGrail, chief executive of RenewableUK, described the lifting of the ban as “long overdue.”
He expressed delight that Labour had made it one of its first priorities, signaling a swift action to tackle longstanding barriers to developing essential clean energy infrastructure.
McGrail pointed to overwhelming public support for onshore wind, with official polls showing 78 percent approval.
Reeves’ Announcement Praised
Alethea Warrington, a senior campaigner at climate charity Possible, hailed the announcement as a “really positive step forward for our climate, our economy, and our energy bills.”
She commended the practical move, reflecting the UK public’s strong bipartisan support for onshore wind.
Mike Childs, head of science, policy, and research at Friends of the Earth, cautioned that while much of the green belt isn’t a wildlife haven, it plays a crucial role in preventing urban sprawl.
He emphasized that building on green belt land should be a last resort.
The Labour government’s decision to lift the onshore windfarm ban marks a significant shift in the UK’s energy policy.
By embracing onshore wind as a cornerstone of its clean energy strategy, the government aims to stimulate economic growth, enhance energy security, and address the pressing issue of climate change.
This move is expected to revitalize the renewable energy sector, creating jobs and driving innovation.
In the coming months, the effectiveness of these measures will be evaluated as the government navigates the complex landscape of balancing economic development with environmental stewardship.
The success of this initiative could set a precedent for future policies aimed at achieving sustainable growth while meeting the nation’s energy needs.
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