West Suffolk MP Nick Timothy critical of government energy policy and its impact on food security

An MP blasted the Government’s failure to prioritise food security, saying the push to build solar panels on agricultural land was part of a ‘dumb’ energy policy.

Nick Timothy, MP for West Suffolk made the comments at a question and answer event with residents in Little Thurlow, near Haverhill, at the newly reopened pub, The Cock Inn.

He was asked about the Government’s energy policy and the large number of planning applications for solar farms that have been submitted for approval.

Proposals currently being considered include those for solar farms on farmland in Brandon, Cavendish and Whepstead.

A new 3,7000 acres solar farm is also proposed for land near West Wratting and Balsham while permission was given last year for the 2,500 acre Sunnica solar farm and battery storage site in the Burwell, Isleham, Chippenham and Fordham area.

Speaking on energy policy and the Government’s campaign for more solar farms, Mr Timothy said: “The whole of East Anglia is in a very vulnerable position, and not just with solar farms.

“The Government need to reconstruct the entire national grid by 2030, according to their policy, and they will be building wind turbines which will come in through the east coast. We are in quite an exposed position.

“Ground-based solar is not just bad locally or for agriculture. It is dumb energy policy. Solar and wind are highly intermittent which makes them more unreliable and more expensive.”

Residents also quizzed Mr Timothy about his views on local government reform.

He said: “Parish councils should have more direct ability to influence what happens in your village.”

One resident pointed to traffic safety issues in the area, including speeding and a problem with the number of lorries travelling through the area in the midst of ongoing construction at Highpoint Prison in neighbouring Stradishall, whose large expansion is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2027.

Mr Timothy said: “We have to have greater control over speeding in our villages.”

He added: “I enjoyed the meeting and welcomed the chance to meet residents in their village and hear their thoughts on a range of national and local issues.

"I always learn a lot from events such as this. A big thanks to all the residents who came along to chat and share their views.”