Conservative MPs who oppose new onshore wind developments in England are acting against the wishes of their constituents, a new study suggests. In 2015 79 Tory MPs in England signed an open letter published in The Telegraph calling for a block on new onshore wind developments in England. Since the subsequent general election that year, the Conservative government has changed planning rules and barred onshore wind developers from competing in Contracts for Difference subsidy auctions, effectively halting new turbines from being built in England. However, polling conducted by D-CYFOR for green campaign group 10:10 Climate Action suggests the constituents of the 79 Conservative MPs who signed the 2015 letter would in fact largely be in favour of new onshore wind developments in their local area. Contrary to their MPs’ opinions, the survey found that 74 per cent of people across these English constituencies support onshore wind, with only six per cent against. And crucially, 73 per cent said they would be happy to live within five miles of wind turbines.
Business Green 3rd Aug 2018 read more »
