“Working alongside Stop Aquind campaigners together we’ve been taken action both locally and nationally, every step of the way, to make sure the Government sees sense and stops Aquind.
We made these feelings clear to Parliament with my petition which gained over 6,000 signatures from Portsmouth people.
We have made clear our concerns about the project on environmental grounds. Aquind’s plan would be devastating for Portsmouth’s precious marine wildlife, as well as birds and insects. It would cause long-term disruption to Portsmouth’s valued open spaces with the unmitigated loss of recreational space.
I’ve also consistently raised concerns in Parliament, and with Ministers, about the company’s concerningly opaque structure and finances, it’s ties with the Conservative Party and how the interconnector could post a threat to our nation’s security.
It is imperative that Ministers stand by the Government’s decision in 2022 to scrap the project. At the time, the then Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said he was unable to conclude that the benefits of the proposed development would outweigh its adverse impacts on the local area. These facts remain unchanged.
Portsmouth people remain united in our opposition against Aquind. The Government was right to finally arrive at the correct decision to not approve it.
For the sake of our environment, democracy and national security, it is of vital importance that it stands by that decision.
Together we will stop Aquind”.
