Renewables campaigners expressed disappointment about the lack of a mention for the already delayed energy white paper in the Queen’s Speech.
Last week energy minister of state Kwasi Kwarteng told the CBI that the white paper, which was originally due to be published during the summer, would appear towards the end of this year or in early 2020.
It was expected that the white paper would appear alongside the national infrastructure strategy, but there was no mention of it in either the Queen’s Speech or the briefing document.
Dr Nina Skorupska, chief executive of the Renewable Energy Association, said: “Although the plans to outline a National Infrastructure Strategy are welcomed, we were disappointed that there was no mention of the Energy White Paper. Already overdue following government commitments to publish in summer 2019, additional delays are impacting the UK, and the renewable and clean technology industry in particular, from planning for the future. This makes is difficult to instil confidence in potential investors and progress towards our net zero targets in a unified and constructive manner.
“We urge the government to deliver much needed clarification by publishing the energy white paper as soon as possible.”
But Skorupska said it was “encouraging” that the Queen’s Speech confirmed that legislation would be laid for the environmental bill, which will create new mechanisms for holding the government to account on environmental issues. It is understood the bill will be published tomorrow (15 October).