Ipswich Labour MP Jack Abbott claimed that alternatives to putting pylons across the countryside were a "fantasy" during a debate in Westminster this week.

A Westminster Hall debate was called to discuss the National Grid upgrade - and how it would impact the country.

Mr Abbott said: "We can choose whether or not we are prepared to stand up for Britain’s energy security; we can choose whether or not we are prepared to throw away billions of pounds in taxpayers’ money on fantasies that will never come to pass, or act now to slash bills."

Jack AbbottJack Abbott (Image: Roger Harris/ House of Commons)

Challenged by Central Suffolk and North Ipswich MP Patrick Spencer, Mr Abbott said: "We already have pylons running through that part of the world.

"We have Mendlesham mast, which can be seen from miles around. We also have Eye airfield, big business parks, warehouses and farm buildings. We already have infrastructure in place."

Central Suffolk and North Ipswich MP Patrick Spencer.Central Suffolk and North Ipswich MP Patrick Spencer. (Image: Roger Harris/ House of Commons)

Mr Spencer urged caution, warning that few major projects are delivered on time and on budget: "Part of the problem is making bad decisions in the planning process and not making the right decisions.

"If we want to get things done, we should take our time now and get the planning right."

But Mr Abbott said it was vital to make plans now to get the work completed by 2030: "We cannot keep going around the houses, dithering, delaying and pretending that this stuff will not happen."

Adrian Ramsay said communities needed to be considered when pylons were planned.Adrian Ramsay said communities needed to be considered when pylons were planned. (Image: Press Association/ House of Commons)

Waveney Valley MP and Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said: "The grid upgrade is essential to connect renewable energy capacity and end reliance on fossil fuels. The question is how we can best do that.

"There are significant concerns over this proposed pylon route —concerns about the impact on sensitive nature and heritage sites, including the rural landscape, about the impact on farming, and about the implications for local traffic.

"This is not just about convenience. We need to make decisions that are right for the long term and resilient to the future climate changes that we face."