Cross-Channel energy cable project rejected

PA

A cross-Channel power cable project linked to a Conservative Party donor has been rejected by the Government.

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng decided to dismiss Aquind's plans to provide a new electricity link between Portsmouth and Normandy in France.

The proposal was controversial, with a former energy minister having to recuse herself from the process over funding from one of the company's owners.

Alexander Temerko, a British citizen who was born in the former Soviet Union, has donated more than £1 million to the Tories and is listed as a director of Aquind Limited.

A letter published on the Planning Inspectorate website showed Mr Kwarteng decided to "refuse development consent" having considered his obligations under the energy National Policy Statement.

Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan, said: “The government have finally seen sense and stopped the disastrous Aquind project.

“This is a victory for the people of Portsmouth over years of uncertainty and Tory cronyism.

“I pay tribute to local campaigners who have helped me lead our City’s united opposition.

“I will continue to raise questions about how Conservative ministers came so close to allowing party donors facing corruption allegations to control a national infrastructure project.

“Without our efforts, this would not have been possible. Together, we have stopped Aquind.”

Leader of Portsmouth City Council, Councillor Gerald Vernon Jackson, said: "The decision to reject the AQUIND Interconnector project is right for the people of Portsmouth and the city.

"Residents spoke out against the plans and I am delighted that their voices have been heard and the Secretary of State has listened to our objections.

"I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in campaigning against Aquind. This is a victory for the people of Portsmouth."