Isles MP, Angus B MacNeil today pressed the Energy Minister Kwasi Kwarteng MP during Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy questions about an interconnector to the Outer Hebrides.

Mr MacNeil pointed out the ludicrous policy of the UK Government which on one hand gives 240MW to the Outer Hebrides in the Contracts for Difference Round 3 while also requiring 370-400MW before a cable could be built.

Responding Mr Kwarteng said that interconnectors are an important part of the energy mix.

Mr MacNeil pointed out that at this time of climate emergency the clean, green energy available from renewables in the Scottish Islands should be utilised.

Commenting Mr MacNeil said:

“If Mr Kwarteng is serious about an interconnector being part of the energy mix then surely an announcement on the interconnector to the Outer Hebrides will happen soon, otherwise these are empty words from the UK Government.

“Orkney and Shetland have already been spurned. No other Government would spurn the Outer Hebrides where we have the best wind resource in Europe.”

ENDS