In questions in the House of Commons to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Dr Neil Hudson MP raised the issue of solar panels being erected on agricultural land and the green belt and the impact this could have on food security.
Dr Neil Hudson champions the agricultural industry, both in his capacity as an MP representing a constituency rich with farming, and as a member of the EFRA Select Committee.
Although fully supportive of net zero targets and enhancing the nation’s energy security following the war in Ukraine and the climate crisis, Dr Hudson has reiterated that the food production industry and green belt cannot be compromised with the installation of solar panels on arable land and precious green belt.
In the House of Commons, Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
“Energy security is national security and food security is national security. Up and down the country there are plenty of rooftops; residential, industrial, and agricultural, that are suitable for solar panels.
Can my Hon Friend reassure the country that we will prioritise these sites for our solar footprint, rather than jeopardising prime food producing land, or indeed our precious green belt?”
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Nuclear and Renewables), Andrew Bowie MP, responded:
“Food security and energy security are both vitally important, that's why the UK saw a taskforce identify the need to address barriers relating to rooftop solar deployment, including access to finance as a priority.
The rooftop subgroup was established to focus specifically on this area and we are exploring options to facilitate low cost finance from retail lenders to help households and businesses with the upfront costs of solar installation on rooftops.”y
Speaking afterwards, Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
“I was pleased I was able to raise this very important matter again with Government.
We need to ensure that good agricultural land is not compromised to ensure that our food security, as well as our energy security, are both supported. Equally, our precious green belt must be protected.”
It is excellent that the Government acknowledge how important this issue is and that there is a dedicated taskforce looking into prioritising the solar installation on rooftops.”
