Today’s Queen’s speech highlighted Prime Minister David Cameron’s desire to tackle energy security measures and climate change, however expected plans to cut subsidies for onshore wind farms have not been included.
The Queen opened parliament today with her traditional speech which outlines the new government’s objectives for its first year in parliament.
“Behind this Queen’s Speech is a clear vision for what our country can be. A country of security and opportunity for everyone, at every stage of life,” Prime Minister David Cameron said in a statement issued this morning.
While the majority of the speech focused on welfare reforms, the Queen did however make passing reference to the need to combat climate change and tackle the UK’s energy security.
A new UK energy bill has subsequently emerged which is principally aimed at increasing energy security, but also includes measures to give the Oil and Gas Authority new powers to stimulate recovery in the UK’s oil and gas markets while handing planning approval powers on onshore wind farms to local communities.
Under the bill, which is dated today, local planning authorities would be given consenting powers for all onshore wind farms, devolving power which currently resides with the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change.
It had been expected that the Conservatives would carry through with the threat in their manifesto to cut all new subsidies for onshore wind, however the bill’s text confirmed that such a commitment would be “delivered separately, and DECC will be announcing measures to deliver this soon”.
The bill does however confirm that the government intends to consult with devolved administrations regarding changes to subsidy regimes, seemingly granting Scotland first minister Nicola Sturgeon her wish to be involved in the process.
David Nussbaum, WWF-UK chief executive, said the Prime Minister’s commitment to tackling climate change showed “much needed leadership from the top”. “We look forward to seeing David Cameron taking the lead to reach a strong climate deal in Paris,” he added.
However Julie Hirigoyen of the UK Green Building Council expressed her dissatisfaction that the Prime Minister had seemingly overlooked the need for energy efficiency technologies in buildings.
“Tackling climate change on the global stage is an absolute necessity and the Government’s renewed commitment is welcome, but we cannot ignore our responsibility to start the fight at home – beginning with our own homes and buildings. Energy efficiency represents one of the most cost-effective means of reducing our emissions and contributes to the UK’s energy security, yet it remains on the Government’s blind side.
“The Queen’s Speech represents a missed opportunity for government to set out how it can reduce emissions from our built environment,” Hirigoyen said.