Steve Rotheram calls for government backing for the Mersey tidal energy scheme

Responding to the Prime Minister’s announcement of a 25 year plan to improve the UK’s environment, Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram has called on the Prime Minister to back plans to harness the power of the River Mersey to provide clean and predictable energy:

“I welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to building a “cleaner, greener country” to “reap the economic rewards of the clean growth revolution” however unless today’s announcement is backed up with primary legislation it will appear to be merely more rhetoric from government with no delivery plan.

“Safeguarding our environment and meeting the targets for clean air and greenhouse emissions must include plans for clean and sustainable energy solutions; therefore I was alarmed that within the 151-page 25 Year Plan to Improve the Environment no reference was made to renewable energy.

“The Liverpool City Region, with our great natural and human assets, stands ready to become Britain’s energy coast. We are already leading the way with offshore wind, we now need the government to support more ambitious plans to harness the power of the River Mersey, which is included in our devolution agreement.”