SEVERN TIDAL BARRAGE

Early day motion 1876, tabled 22 March 2006 by Stephen Williams (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 24 members.

That this House notes that the problem of global warming is the greatest environmental threat the world has ever seen; further notes that the long proposed Severn Tidal Barrage would generate an estimated six per cent. of the UK's current energy needs, leaving the UK less dependent on nuclear power, coal or foreign oil for energy production; further notes that the barrage would generate 2,000 MW of renewable, green energy per year, equivalent to three nuclear power stations, or 10 million tonnes of coal; further notes that the proposed barrage was blocked in previous decades primarily by environmental concerns in the estuary, but that those concerns pre-dated the realisation of the numerous and consequential environmental problems now faced from global warming, many of which would be countered by the barrage; and urges the Government to include a serious reappraisal of the barrage, including an environmental impact study, as part of its Energy Review.

Signatures by party: Labour 12, Liberal Democrat 10, Conservative 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.