MP calls for major investment in green jobs, homes and transport in Cumbria during debate in Parliament

On the floor of the House of Commons this week, South Lakes MP Tim Farron urged the Government to invest in green infrastructure and jobs in Cumbria as part of the economic recovery from the coronavirus crisis.

Speaking during a debate on the Finance Bill, Tim said: "We expect to see as few as 3,500 social rented homes built across the entire country this year, the lowest number in history. In my constituency alone, we have 3,000 people languishing on the housing list.

"We need new homes, genuinely affordable homes and zero-carbon homes. The Government must fast-track the affordable homes programme and spend it on building new, zero-carbon social rented homes."

Tim highlighted the need for more environmentally-friendly public transport in the South Lakes: "We ask for a comprehensive, affordable rural bus service connecting all our villages to our main towns regularly and reliably.

"We ask for a network of electric hire bike stations. There should be such stations at all railway stations, in village centres, and at major bus stops, and action to make cycling easier and safer throughout Cumbria."

Tim also made the case for investment in renewable energy and green jobs: "We ask that the Government show their commitment to industrial renewal and to tackling the climate emergency by investing in wave, hydro and tidal power in the most beautiful but-let us be honest-wettest part of Britain.

"Why is it that the UK, with the highest tidal range on the planet after Canada, spends so little on the reliable power that water offers?

"We are proud to have Gilkes in Kendal, beacon to the hydro energy industry. Let us back it, and others like it, so that we can get Britain working, sustainably."