MP wants Westminster support for tidal lagoon plan

An MP is asking for a meeting with the prime minister about plans to build an "iconic" tidal lagoon in the Bristol Channel.

The proposed West Somerset Lagoon, which would cost £10bn to build, would run nine miles (14km) from Minehead to Watchet in Somerset.

In a letter to Sir Keir Starmer, Rachel Gilmour, the Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton and Minehead, said the lagoon has the "potential to generate electricity for two million homes".

A spokesperson for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said "we are open to considering well-developed proposals".

The lagoon would feature underwater turbines, along with a marina, floating solar panels and a route for walkers and cyclists.

Gilmour added: "The plans include a 300-berth marina, water sports facilities and other amenities, which would be a lever for growth and jobs in west Somerset."

According to West Somerset Lagoon Ltd's CEO, Aidan Clegg, the tidal lagoon would support about 300 jobs.

"The reason for picking that area is we have substantial tidal range and we're not in areas of particular environmental sensitivity," he said.

"It produces cheaper power, tidal power is completely reliable because tides go in and out every day, and it's not dependent on the weather," Clegg added.

Local Conservative campaigner and farmer James Wright said he was sceptical as to whether the project could be delivered.

"The focus on west Somerset must be on improving access to jobs and education through reconnecting the B3191, stopping the flooding on the A39 and getting a commuter train service running to Taunton," he explained.

A spokesperson for DESNZ said: "We are open to considering well-developed proposals for harnessing the tidal range energy in the bays and estuaries around our coastlines, which demonstrate strong value for money."

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