Greens add weight to calls for Severn barrage alternative

Published: 19 Sep 2008

The Green Party in the South West today published a statement of support for the 'Stop the Barrage NOW' coalition.

Ricky Knight, the party’s lead candidate for next year’s European election in the South West, said: "This barrage is an irresponsible and wasteful gamble." 

Cllr. Knight continued: "Detailed reports have shown that this massively expensive and hugely damaging proposal cannot be justified on environmental or economic grounds – there are simply too many cheaper options for clean energy generation."

"Other viable technologies would be more practical, more flexible, offer better value-for-money and damage the environment less."

The Green Party’s policy of opposing the barrage plans is endorsed by many other groups, such as the World Wildlife Fund, the National Trust, the RSPB and Friends of the Earth.

Knight added: "Long before other political parties caught up, the Green Party recognised the very serious threat posed by climate change. Alone among political parties, the Green Party has pushed at European, national and local level for a massive programme of energy conservation, alongside a whole range of renewable energy options."

"For this reason, the Green Party of England and Wales voted in March 2007 in favour of developing renewable energies in the Severn Estuary.  But, at the same time, it rejected the proposals for a Severn Barrage – because the alternatives are far better."  

"I wholeheartedly endorse our support for Stop the Barrage NOW in their campaign to avoid this inefficient use of public money, time and effort."