MP Therese Coffey is furious after several organisations snubbed her invitation to speak at a public meeting about energy infrastructure in Suffolk.
The Suffolk Coastal MP is said to have "reacted with fury" after representatives from the government department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), National Grid ESO and the Environment Agency refused to attend her public meeting to discuss energy connections along the Suffolk coast.
The meeting, which is scheduled to take place on Friday, November 25, will discuss the infrastructure necessary for the slate of energy projects planned for her constituency, including Eurolink and Sealink consultations.
No tickets are left for the meeting after such a large number of constituents signed up.
Dr Coffey said: "I had asked for representatives to attend in order for constituents to hear from them directly. National Grid ESO are particularly important because they’re in charge of the whole network, coordinating transmissions.
"Considering we are facing yet more landfall sites, cable corridors and converter stations here in east Suffolk, I’m really annoyed that they’re refusing to attend. I appreciate that both Suffolk County and East Suffolk Councils are going to be there.
“I have been clear and continue to press the case that onshore connections should be placed on brownfield land.
"We have had some success on that recently, as National Grid are now investigating the Isle of Grain in Kent as a possible connection for the Nautilus project instead of here on the Suffolk coast.
"However, the latest consultations are a real cause for concern. Coordination and cumulative impact need to be properly considered.”
An Environment Agency spokesman said: “Unfortunately we are unable to attend this meeting but we have written to Dr Coffey to assure her we are engaging with National Grid to provide comprehensive pre-application advice on both projects.
“This project is still at a very early stage but we will continue to communicate with the Secretary of State and her constituency office on this matter.”
A spokesman for National Grid ESO declined to comment, no response was received to a request for comment from BEIS.
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