MP Angus MacDonald calls for renewables to developers to pay locals five per cent of revenue in his maiden speech in Westminster
Newly elected Highland Liberal Democrat MP, Angus MacDonald, has made his maiden speech in the House of Commons during a debate on the GB Energy Bill.
While discussing the Bill he discussed his love for his Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire constituency constituency but also the challenges presented by its enormous geographic size.
However, it was its potential linked to renewable energy developments that Mr MacDonald concentrated on as he set out its economic and structural challenges.
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He set out proposals to ensure that Highland communities are not left behind and benefit from the renewables revolution, as others may do in other parts of the UK.
Mr MacDonald believes further expansion of the renewable energy sector requires legislation compelling energy generators to provide five per cent of revenue as community benefit.
He also suggested that two per cent is set aside for existing schemes capable of generating more than 1MW of energy.
He said: “While the Highlands are beautiful and its people are wonderful, the region struggles financially... the rural west faces severe fuel poverty, public service cuts, and a lack of essential services, with many young people leaving for cities.”
“Setting out how the Highland climate makes it the ideal base for renewable energy, attracting energy providers from around the world, he cautioned that local people hardly benefit from this multi billion pound investment surge.
“There is a considerable disadvantage for rural people taking on the downsides of hosting our move from a carbon based energy world to renewable alternatives. It is only fair that we make this very beneficial to the impacted people.”
Speaking after his address to parliament, Mr MacDonald said: “I took the unusual approach of highlighting a serious issue in my maiden speech that affects not only my constituency but rural Britain.
“It sets down a marker that I will campaign and work on this issue during my time in parliament. This is one of the only occasions an MP is listened to in silence and without interruption by their colleagues.
“It was the perfect opportunity to speak about an issue I am passionate about. It is essential that the Highland communities in particular and rural areas everywhere see real benefit from the numerous renewable energy schemes on their doorsteps.”
