Make Kendal the home of green energy jobs, MP tells minister

On the floor of the House of Commons yesterday, South Lakes MP Tim Farron urged ministers to create a green energy hub based in Kendal.

Speaking during Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Questions in Parliament, Tim said: "The Minister may be aware that many rural parts of the north feel that levelling up does not really apply to them, but of course it must and it should. The Minister may be aware of Cumbria's energy coast. We are a country with plenty of wind, plenty of water and plenty of coast.

"We should bear in mind that, after Canada, the UK has the second largest tidal range on planet earth and we are making use of nearly none of it. Will he commit to making sure there is a tidal, marine and hydro-energy hub in Cumbria, based in Kendal where Gilkes is so wonderfully based?"

Responding, the Minister for Science, Research and Innovation, George Freeman said: "I absolutely agree. As a rural MP, I do not need to take any lectures from the Liberal Democrats on the importance of rural innovation.

"I will address the specific point about tidal power: we have just put £30 million into it. It would be good hear the hon. Gentleman - and his party - applaud the nuclear industry, which is an important part of that region."

Speaking afterwards, Tim said: "It was disappointing to see the minister respond to a reasonable question about green energy with unnecessary party political point scoring.

"Of course Liberal Democrats support nuclear power as part of a renewable energy mix, but we are missing out on such a big opportunity to create so many green jobs in Cumbria and play our part in tackling climate change."