Earlier today in the House of Commons Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, thanked all those involved in the efforts to restore power to communities across Cumbria and pressed the Government to do all they can to assist. Dr Hudson has been working with colleagues at Westminster and highlighting the crisis that is affecting so many homes and properties across Cumbria and further afield. Dr Hudson met urgently last night with the BEIS Secretary of State, Kwasi Kwarteng, and Energy Minister, Greg Hands, to press the case for support, making representations that the Army be deployed in order to help all those who are struggling due to having no power.
Dr Hudson asked in the Chamber:
“Areas in my constituency of Penrith and The Border and further afield have been hard hit by this power crisis. Areas like Alston, Garrigill, Nenthead, Kirkby Stephen, Matterdale and North Stainmore, some of which have been restored but some are still without power. Will my Right Honourable Friend join me in thanking the engineers at Electricity North West, the emergency services, councils and volunteers who have been working so hard at this time and can he reassure my constituents that everything is being done across Government to support them, help restore power and put in place contingency measures?”
Energy Secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng responded:
“My Honourable Friend will know that this is an area of very grave concern and focus for the government. He will also appreciate that Electricity North West has done a reasonable job in restoring, I think 95% of the people affected, but clearly we want to work harder to make sure that the 6,000 or 7,000 people who are still off the grid to get their power as soon as possible.”
Speaking after the Commons session Dr Hudson added:
“I was grateful to the Secretary of State for his reply and for meeting with me urgently about this crisis. I am determined that communities are not left behind and that the government does all they can to ensure that everyone gets electricity back as soon as possible. Earlier in his statement the Secretary of State said that those who have not had electricity restored will have in the next day or two. I reiterate if any home is still without power please contact Electricity North West on 105. It has been a torrid few days for so many, and it is wonderful to see folk are working together to help communities out. I am also pressing the government to make sure that we are better prepared for extreme weather in future, I met with the Secretary of State and Energy Minister Greg Hands last night to discuss this and related issues.”
