Rishi Sunak Open to U-Turn on Onshore Wind Farms Amid Tory Rebellion

Strategic Insights -

A growing rebellion within the Conservative Party, led by at least 30 MPs including former prime ministers Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, has prompted Rishi Sunak to consider a shift in policy on onshore wind farms. Cabinet minister Grant Shapps has signalled a possible compromise, stating that he expects more power-generating turbines to be erected on land in the future. This development has fueled hopes that the government may be willing to relax rules blocking onshore wind development, despite Sunak's previous opposition.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 30 Conservative MPs, including former prime ministers Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, are backing a change to planning policy to smooth the way for more onshore wind farms.
  • Grant Shapps, the business secretary, has signalled a possible compromise on onshore wind development, stating that he expects more turbines to be erected on land in the future.
  • Rishi Sunak's official spokesperson has refused to characterize the current situation as a "ban" on onshore wind, citing the law's requirement for local consultation and consent.
  • Public support for onshore wind farms has grown during the current energy crisis, with many viewing the technology as a crucial part of the UK's net-zero carbon commitments.
  • Former prime minister Boris Johnson, who previously opposed onshore wind farms, has shifted his stance and is now supporting the proposed changes.
  • Government insiders have highlighted the strongly held views on both sides of the argument within the Conservative Party, with some MPs likely to remain opposed to onshore wind development.
  • The proposed changes to planning policy have been tabled by former Levelling Up Secretary Simon Clarke, with support from a growing number of Conservative MPs.

Statistics:

  • Over 30 Conservative MPs are backing a change to planning policy to promote onshore wind development.
  • 53% of the UK's electricity was generated by offshore wind on some days in recent weeks ( Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, 2022).
  • Onshore wind farms have been described as "an eyesore" by Grant Shapps in the past, although he now argues that they are not a problem if placed properly.
  • It is estimated that the UK will need to generate 1,200 TWh of electricity annually by 2050 to meet its net-zero carbon targets, with onshore wind playing a crucial role (Royal Academy of Engineering, 2022).
  • The UK's current energy mix has resulted in a 7.7% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2008 (Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, 2022).

Sources:

  • Rishi Sunak, personal spokesperson (2022)
  • Grant Shapps, interview with LBC Radio (2022)
  • Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (2022)
  • Royal Academy of Engineering (2022)
  • Andrew Woodcock and Rob Merrick, The Telegraph (2022)