A Labour MP has demanded compensation for residents affected by the party’s plans to erect thousands of electricity pylons across Britain.
Ben Goldsborough, who was elected as the MP for South Norfolk in July, said his constituents must receive “fair, individual” payouts in return for a new project going ahead in their area.
Sir Keir Starmer and Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, have said building new pylons is crucial to achieving their 2030 clean power target.
Among the projects is a 114-mile line from Dunston, in Norfolk, to Tilbury, Essex, to which Mr Goldsborough has indicated opposition to because of its likely impact on residents of Norwich.
The South Norfolk MP said that while Sir Keir had to “urgently address” soaring energy bills, he had to balance this objective with “protecting local communities”.
“Our country’s future depends on bold action to safeguard our energy supply, but it must be done fairly, and be seen to be done fairly,” he said. “As South Norfolk’s MP, my powers may be limited, but I will always be honest with you. I understand the anxiety, frustration and anger that many of you feel.
“My driving focus now is standing up for South Norfolk’s residents, and as an advocate to secure the proper compensation you deserve. This is not about vague promises of community wealth-building but about fair, individual compensation for those whose lives will be affected.
“Many of you have spent years saving to make your homes – and build your homes – in our communities, and I will not allow National Grid’s pursuit of profit to leave you behind.”
Less than two weeks after becoming an MP, Mr Goldsborough tabled a written question asking for ministers’ views on the merits of “long-term financial compensation”.
Last week, The Telegraph revealed that an official report into the East Anglia Network, where the Norwich to Tilbury rollout is planned, found that burying cables would be cheaper in the long-term.
The report said that although it would not be possible to build a system of underground cables by 2030, a 2034 time frame would enable an underground cable system that was £600 million cheaper.
Michael Shanks, a minister at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, said the pylon rollout would help to make Britain a “clean energy superpower”.
“It is important for this Government that where communities host clean energy infrastructure, they should directly benefit from it,” he said.
“We are currently considering ways that ensure communities benefit from living near new onshore electricity transmission infrastructure, and are committed to ensuring fair and beneficial outcomes in alignment with our overall mission.”
In April, Clive Lewis, the Labour MP for Norwich South, urged National Grid to look at offshore alternatives to pylons.
But he told The Telegraph his views had now “evolved”, saying: “I’ve looked at a lot of the alternatives. Most have similar or more impact ecologically, where underground or under sea. The key issue now is community benefit. That means a share in the value – ie an income from – for the local community.”
Norman Stevens, who lives in Mr Goldsborough’s constituency and has campaigned against the pylons, said local residents would feel betrayed if the MP stopped pushing for the cables to be laid underground.
“If he doesn’t publicly make a stand on behalf of his constituents he would be thought of very poorly,” he said. “We’d be looking for Ben Goldsborough to make a stand on behalf of his constituents, and not just toe the party line.”
