Energy plans are top priority for advocate

Sep 15 2007 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

THE North-East’s advocate in the Government has set out his vision for the region – and placed a £1bn energy project at the heart of his plans.

Nick Brown, minister for the North-East, put the region’s hopes of leading the way in climate change research on the top of his list as he outlined plans to change the way the Government decides on future policy.

The Government’s regional ministers are preparing to consult businesses and charities ahead of the state opening of the new parliament in November.

And while he gets ready for extensive consultation on future priorities, Mr Brown has no doubt what he wants for the region first.

Despite having a lengthy wish-list of regional problems and opportunities, that includes everything from cheaper bus fares to tackling the skills shortage, Mr Brown insists there is one issue he puts above all others.

The Government is currently considering a North-East Energy Technologies Institute bid led by Newcastle University which would transform the city into the capital of the UK’s efforts to tackle climate change.

Mr Brown has labeled the bid his top priority.

He said: “I know we can’t ask other ministers to solve all the region’s problems, doors will close to me if I just constantly demand of ministers that they fix everything at once.

“But if asked to pick out a single project to support it, it would have to be the ETI bid.

“The region could secure £1bn if we are successful, a huge spend.

“Research and development spend in our region is well below the average in other regions and this would go a long way to address that.

“Our community would be really proud if our region was at the forefront of this country’s response to the challenges of global warming.

“It would be incredibly inspiring, and we have all the facilities that the bid requires here in the region.

“We have an incredibly strong bid, the region can be proud of the work that has gone in.

“It seems to me, and I am heavily partisan in this, that our bid is very strong.”

His comments were welcomed by bid-leader professor Paul Younger, who praised the minister’s commitment to renewable energy research.

Mr Younger said: “Even before he was appointed minister, Nick was very supportive of our bid to host the £1bn Energy Technologies Institute.

“In his new role at the heart of government he has provided us with unstinting encouragement, and has helped to demystify the workings of Whitehall for us.

“His knowledge of, and passion for, the forward-looking energy sector in the region is second to none.”

The Newcastle East and Wallsend MP also told business leaders at the annual North-East Economic Forum that the Government will be consulting with them on the details of the prime minister’s most important speech of the year.

Before the Government announces its legislative agenda in the Queen’s Speech this November it will invite the region’s charities, businesses and politicians to talk through what they think of the plans, and what they would like to see introduced.

Mr Brown said: “This is an innovation in many ways, we have never consulted on these before.

“I will be holding three consultations and I want to actively include the region’s other MPs in this.

“There is a need to engage across the region, and we will include voluntary and faith groups as well, and that really is a first.”

Ross Smith, of the North-East Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the minister’s promise to consult on the Government’s legislative framework.

He said: “In identifying research and development and transport, he mirrors two of NECC’s biggest priorities. And his commitment to consult with NECC over the Queen’s Speech, and to continue a regular dialogue, is very encouraging. We look forward to seeing the fruits of these positive discussions.”

A decision on the ETI bid is expected next week.