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Outgoing select committee chair Tim Yeo has urged the next government to hold its ground on energy policy and face down the vocal minorities which threaten an evidence-based approach.
In one of his final speeches as head of the Energy and Climate Change Committee Yeo said that Government should clear the way for business to find the lowest cost way to decarbonize the energy sector.
But he warned that investor confidence would take a hit if the “fuzzy-headed fringes” which oppose various elements of the government’s plans are allowed to win out over evidence-based policy.
“The risk that smaller, fringe parties may end up holding the balance of power is causing concern. Energy policy is too important to shift every time the political earth moves or Nigel Farage pipes up from the pub,” Yeo said.
Yeo also took a shot at “misguided campaigners” who oppose shale gas extraction and onshore wind projects, despite evidence that both offer benefits to the UK energy system.
“With the right policies in place, we can have a low-carbon, high-competition, super-efficient and much more secure energy system by 2030. But to get there the next Government must stand its ground in the centre,” Yeo said.
“It must continue to lead on climate change, support emissions trading, maintain investor confidence with long-term targets and stable policy, and ensure that electricity market reforms encourage innovation,” he added.
Yeo will leave his role as committee chair after the next election as he steps down from his role as a Conservative MP after over 30 years in parliament.
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