Conservative ministers 'in total fantasy' over impartiality on £1.2bn Portsmouth Aquind interconnector decision

By Ben Fishwick
Published 24th Apr 2021, 22:30 BST
Updated 24th Apr 2021, 22:58 BST
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MINISTERS have been accused of being in a ‘total fantasy’ in thinking they can make an impartial decision over the £1.2bn Aquind interconnector plan.

Shadow business secretary Ed Miliband today said the ministers set to make a decision over the cross-Channel project cannot be impartial due to donations paid to the Conservative Party and its MPs by Aquind and its director.

The Planning Inspectorate’s Examining Authority is assessing the plan after months of hearings, and the final decision will be made by business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng. His predecessor Alok Sharma recused himself after receiving a donation from Aquind.

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If approval is won, power cables from France will come ashore at Eastney in Portsmouth and run up to Lovedean.

Protesters make their voices heard over the plans for Aquind to run interconnector cables through Portsmouth in October 2020. Picture: Richard LemmerProtesters make their voices heard over the plans for Aquind to run interconnector cables through Portsmouth in October 2020. Picture: Richard Lemmer
Protesters make their voices heard over the plans for Aquind to run interconnector cables through Portsmouth in October 2020. Picture: Richard Lemmer

Mr Miliband said the government must explain itself over donations from the company and its director Alexander Temerko.

Energy minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan declared in 2020 a £2,500 donation from Aquind.

Lord Callanan, appointed a business minister in February last year, was a non-executive director at the firm until 2017.

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