LABOUR Leader Keir Starmer set out how Labour’s £1.8 billion investment in Britain’s port infrastructure will help crowd billions more of private sector investment into the UK’s energy industry today (Thursday 18th April).
The announcement has been boosted bythe British Ports Association, which represents the interests of British Ports, endorsing the plans.
Mark Simmonds, Director of Policy and External Affairs, British Ports Association, said:
“The energy transition is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the UK, and our ports have ambitious investment and development plans. The next generation of turbines will require up to 11 new or transformed ports with more specialised infrastructure.
“It is important that the skills and prosperity that come with the transition are anchored in the UK. That, alongside the unprecedented speed and scale of investment needed will necessitate greater public involvement than we have seen in the last few decades. The ports industry looks forward to working with government in realising our shared offshore wind ambitions.”
Labour Leader Keir Starmer outlined the choice facing millions of voters: continued industrial decline after 14 years of Conservative rule, or national economic renewal with Labour, saying:
“The legacy of fourteen years of Conservative rule is Britain’s industrial strength reduced to the rubble and rust of closed-down factories. They have let good jobs go overseas and done nothing about it- and every community has paid the price.
“A Labour government will reindustrialise Britain- from the biggest investment in our ports in a generation, to a British Jobs Bonus to crowd billions of investment into our industrial heartlands and coastal communities.
“The wealth of Britain was once built on a bedrock of industrial jobs that offered security and a good wage. By investing in Britain’s homegrown energy sector, we can rebuild this dream for the twenty-first century- good jobs, higher wages, and the pride that comes from good work for all.”
Jen Craft, Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Thurrock said:
“These plans will be a massive boost for the Port of Tilbury; bringing new jobs and investment to Thurrock and across South Essex.”
It was a real pleasure to take Shadow Energy Secretary Ed Miliband to visit the Port last month, and if I am elected I will be championing our area to ensure the investment benefits us all.”
Commenting on Labour’s landmark plan to invest in Britain’s port infrastructure, Shadow Energy Secretary Ed Miliband MP said:
“Making Britain a clean energy superpower requires flourishing national ports. Whilst the Conservatives are letting other countries plunder jobs that could be ours here in Britain, Labour has a plan to help win the race for the industries of the future.
“This is what Labour’s Green Prosperity Plan will do for every community in Britain- slash energy bills, create good jobs, boost our national energy independence, and help to tackle the climate crisis.”