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The Labour Party lifts longstanding ban on onshore wind projects

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London, UK
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The UK’s Labour Party is wasting no time advancing its sustainable agenda, lifting a longstanding ban on onshore wind projects just days into its leadership.

Ending our reliance on fossil fuels in favour of renewable energy resources has been touted as the number one way to mitigate climate change.

In some good news, the UK’s new Labour government has lifted the longstanding de facto ban on onshore wind farms in England, mere days after it began its leadership.

The exciting move was announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on Monday, indicating a major shift from the Conservative Party’s 14-year tenure, which saw stringent restrictions target these kinds of developments.

In her inaugural speech, Chancellor Reeves labelled the Conservative’s policies on offshore wind farms ‘absurd’ and emphasised the urgency of embracing renewable energy.

‘The story of the last 14 years has been a refusal to confront the tough and responsible decisions that are demanded,’ Reeves declared. ‘This government will be different and there is no time to waste.’

The Labour government plans to reclassify large wind farms as nationally significant infrastructure projects, shifting the approval process from local councils to the Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband.

This will streamline the development of onshore wind projects, which had been obstructed by local opposition under the Conservative rules introduced by former Prime Minister David Cameron in 2015.

These rules allowed a single planning objection to halt a proposed project.

Since Michael Gove’s announcement last September to lift the ban, progress was stunted by obscure footnotes in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

These footnotes made it effectively impossible to launch new projects, and no new applications had been submitted since. By removing these restrictions, Labour has revitalized the potential for onshore wind energy development in the UK.

A recent study by Friends of the Earth and researchers from the University of Exeter found that utilizing less than 3 percent of England’s land for onshore wind and solar energy could generate 13 times the current output of clean energy.

This would be sufficient to power all households in England twice over.

The government’s policy statement underscores its commitment to doubling onshore wind energy by 2030.

It promises that its ‘clean power mission will help boost Britain’s energy independence, save money on energy bills, support high-skilled jobs, and tackle the climate crisis,’ the document reads.

The government also aims to leverage the UK’s vast renewable power potential to enhance energy security and reduce reliance on foreign gas as North Sea output declines.

Experts have welcomed the move, citing the economic and environmental benefits of expanding onshore wind capacity.

By lifting the onshore wind ban, the Labour government is positioning the UK to meet its clean energy commitments and drive down energy costs for consumers.

This policy shift marks a significant stride towards a sustainable future, where renewable energy plays a central role in powering every UK home.

Senior Writer & Media Coordinator London, UK

I’m Jessica (She/Her). I’m the Deputy Editor & Content Partnership Manager at Thred. Originally from the island of Bermuda, I specialise in writing about ocean health and marine conservation, but you can also find me delving into pop culture, health and wellness, plus sustainability in the beauty and fashion industries. Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.

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