Speaking in a Westminster Hall debate on energy issues today, Gordon Liberal Democrat MP Malcolm Bruce called on the Government to ensure that communities which host renewable energy projects have a share in the benefits.

Mr Bruce commented:

“I was among the first to welcome the Government's recent Energy White Paper and the announcement that renewables will produce a greater share of Britain's future energy production. It is reasonable however that Scotland and those communities which will host renewable energy projects ask – what's in it for us? The Government needs to find mechanisms which will provide a return for communities with renewable energy developments. Creating indicative planning guidelines would also take the heat out of the recent proliferation of planning applications.

“The Government may be in disagreement over how to reach renewable energy targets, but what is not in doubt is that subsidies funded by the taxpayer should not play a part in setting up the fledgling renewables industry. The costs must be brought into the market and the Government must be responsible for ensuring the market delivers.

“I accept that small mistakes may be made while we try to find the best renewable energy solution for Britain – and to this end I believe the Government should promote technological diversity and not rely purely on the cheapest option – but it is vital that we take this step now to make up for the huge environmental mistakes of the past.”