East Yorkshire MPs unite to safeguard Atwick gas storage site and local jobs
Efforts focus on securing UK energy security and protecting community employment
East Yorkshire MPs Graham and Charlie Dewhirst are working collaboratively to secure the future of the Atwick gas storage site, aiming to protect local jobs and enhance UK's energy security.
Acknowledging Atwick's pivotal role, Graham has requested a meeting with Energy Minister Michael Shanks to discuss its significance, situated in Charlie’s Bridlington and The Wolds constituency.
In the House of Commons, Graham highlighted the site’s critical nature in Britain's infrastructure but noted its age, nearing the end of its operational life at 47 years old.
The potential risk jeopardizes around 100 jobs if its future is not assured.
Both MPs advocate for Government action to maintain gas storage capacities, crucial in safeguarding East Yorkshire's skilled jobs and ensuring energy reliability.
With fluctuating international markets, secure energy is paramount to East Yorkshire’s families and businesses.
Meanwhile, Atwick contributes to a broader regional energy narrative, alongside Aldbrough, earmarked for one of the world's largest hydrogen storage projects.
While these developments promise investment and jobs, residents voice concerns over construction disruption, subsidence, housing effects, and environmental impacts.
Graham emphasizes the need for a balanced approach by ministers, integrating energy security whilst addressing community apprehensions.
He reflected on past challenges, including last year’s trade deal with the United States, which threatened skilled positions in the Humber, stressing the urgency to secure current industry jobs linked to energy resilience.
Upgrading Atwick stands as a strategy to preserve existing employment, stimulate future job growth, and fortify Britain’s energy supply.
Graham said, “East Yorkshire’s residents work diligently and anticipate stability—secure employment, reliable energy, and attentive governance."
Graham and Charlie underscore Atwick's significance and the pursuit of a sustainable plan, affirming East Yorkshire’s integral role in national energy security through both Atwick and Aldbrough.
However, they stress the importance of addressing local concerns thoroughly to avoid neglect as energy infrastructure strengthens.
Charlie Dewhirst remarked, "Reliable energy is vital when natural sources are unavailable, and Atwick is essential to this infrastructure, contributing significantly to UK's gas storage."
He criticized Labour's stance on North Sea energy policies and underscored the necessity for governmental frameworks to ensure consistent and confident future investments.
The call to action reflects the ongoing efforts by Graham and Charlie to preserve Atwick’s contributions to local employment and national energy reliability.