The government must ‘face down’ the anti-frackers as part of a balanced UK energy supply.
In his last major speech as an MP, Tim Yeo, Chairman of the Commons’ Energy Committee, included this warning in the committee’s report on energy challenges facing the incoming British government after the May elections.
The report goes on to set out the Committee’s future vision for the UK energy system, based on the views and evidence provided by a wide range of energy industry stakeholders. It also explores the challenges which will need to be overcome after the election if the UK is to achieve its ambitious long-term climate and energy goals.
MP Yeo set out his vision for the future UK energy market and policy advice to the next Government at an energy policy conference, saying:
“With the right policies in place, we can have a low-carbon, high-competition, super-efficient and much more secure energy system by 2030. But to get there the next Government must stand its ground in the centre.
“It must face down the misguided campaigners who oppose any form of fracking and all onshore wind. Instead, it must allow business to find the lowest cost low-carbon solutions.
“And it must continue to lead on climate change, support emissions trading, maintain investor confidence with long-term targets and stable policy, and ensure that electricity market reforms encourage innovation.”