Clean Severn energy 'a must', says Lib Dem MP

Harnessing the power available in the Severn Estuary is of utmost concern, it has been claimed by the Liberal Democrats.

Harnessing the power available in the Severn Estuary is of utmost concern, it has been claimed by the Liberal Democrats.

Quoted on WalesOnline, Steve Webb, shadow secretary of state for climate change and energy, has said that investing in green energy was crucial and that if the government's timetable was not sped up "we'll all be dead'' before current plans are implemented.

"We're going to hear from everybody; there's no presumption what we're going to say at the end if it. But we're united in thinking we can harness Severn tidal power," Mr Webb said ahead of the launch of an inquiry into the proposed £15 billion Severn barrage.

"The question is going to be 'what's the best way to do it with maximum tidal power and minimum environmental damage?'" he added.

Ed Miliband, secretary of state for energy and climate change, has already increased government targets for cutting greenhouse gasses from 50 per cent to an 80 per cent reduction by 2050.

It is claimed that the barrage in the Severn Estuary could provide clean electricity for the next 120 years.