Simon Wright MP - a Local MP with Far-Reaching Ideas for Green Growth

Cllr Nick Hollinghurst is seen here at the recent East of England Liberal Democrat Conference in Cambridge with Simon Wright, Liberal Democrat MP for Norwich South. Simon is passionate about green issues and environmental matters dominate most of his time in Parliament. He is a member of the Environmental Audit Select Committee in Westminster and during this last year has been active on several inquiries into such issues as: sustainable food production; wildlife crime; protecting the Arctic; measures to strengthen and deepen the Green Economy. He also participated in the Rio+20 Sustainability Conference.

Simon has also helped establish the new Green Deal All Party Parliamentary Group founded to work with industry, government and other parliamentarians in general to encourage greener policies and strategies within government and in particular to raise awareness for the new "Pay as You Save" Buildings Insulation Policy and to work out strategies for its delivery at maximum potential.

Locally Simon has backed a campaign to help cut fuel bills, helping launch Energy Saving Week with his local CAB at the end of October.

In Parliament he recently called on the Prime Minister to respond to calls from investors in the region for the development of a low carbon energy sector in Norfolk. A number of major employers, including Aviva, Marks & Spencer, Anglian Water, and Adnams have called for a 'decarbonisation target' for the power sector by 2030.

He asked the Prime Minister, "a number of major employers in my constituency are calling for greater certainty for investors in one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy: low carbon energy. Will he respond to their calls specifically for a 2030 carbon intensity target for the power sector?"

David Cameron responded by saying the Government is looking very carefully at these issues. He highlighted Renewable Obligation Certificates as a scheme of incentives that gives "investors the assurance that they can invest, for instance, in offshore wind, knowing what the return is going to be." The Prime Minister also stated there will be more detail when the Energy Bill is produced later this year.

Commenting afterwards, Mr Wright said "There is massive potential for new jobs associated with low carbon energy in our region, particularly through off-shore wind. It's important that investors are confident that they will get a fair return. I'm pleased that in response to my question, the Prime Minister noted the role of forthcoming legislation in offering greater confidence for investors in clean energy. This can only be good news for further job creation in this sector locally."