David Mowat MP
THE future of the giant Fiddler’s Ferry Power Station, near Warrington, has been raised directly with the Prime Minister.
Warrington South MP David Mowat questioned the wisdom of closing the UK’s coal-fired power stations during Prime Minister’s Question Time.
Scottish and Southern Energy, which owns Fiddler’s Ferry, recently announced a review of operations at the plant which could lead to a partial or complete closure.
Warrington Borough Council has expressed concern at the shock announcement which could result in the loss of 270 jobs as early as next month.
Mr Mowat raised the issue with the Prime Minister and questioned the wisdom of closing coal-fired power stations only to import more electricity from county’s such as Germany and Holland who are currently expanding the amount of coal they burn.
In reply, David Cameron stressed the Government’s commitment to energy security and suggested that Fiddler’s Ferry could still have a role to play in the future.
He also noted that German electricity prices were around 40 per cent higher than in the UK, mainly due to the high levels of environmental subsidies that German consumers pay as part of their energy bills.
Speaking later, Mr Mowat said: “It’s very difficult to explain to my constituents who stand to lose their jobs at Fiddler’s Ferry why we need to close our coal-fired power stations in order to reduce emissions – only to then import electricity from countries which are increasing the amount of coal they burn.
“Sadly the UK is facing a capacity crunch because of decades of under-investment and a chronic lack of long-term planning.”
