Newport East

MP asks for your views on Severn Estuary Tidal Power 28 February 2008

Severn Tidal Power Feasibility Study

Jessica Morden MP recently attended a meeting chaired by John Hutton MP, Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, on proposals for harnessing tidal power in the Severn Estuary.

The meeting called the MPs' Forum on the Severn Tidal Power Feasibility Study was an opportunity for MPs with a local interest in the project to raise issues and questions they would like included in the study.

Jessica said "I am pleased the Government has given MPs from all parties a forum where they can directly communicate with the Secretary of State and the Welsh Assembly Minister responsible.

I used the meeting to raise three matters:

• I asked for clarification on the exact nature of the compensatory habitats for the wildlife which might be displaced;
• what the various options would mean in terms of flood prevention;
• and the need for a close liaison with Newport Docks to ensure that the port is not adversely affected by any future project."

Jessica continued "I want to encourage anyone with concerns, requests or queries to get in contact with me about this issue. It is important that I fully understand all of my constituents concerns so I can convey them to the Minister in person."

If you have thoughts about tidal power in the Severn Estuary or any questions you want Jessica to raise please email  mordenj@parliament.uk