Leader: Climate sceptics deserve a fair hearing, Mr Huhne

Published on Wednesday 26 October 2011 00:00

IN A typically hubristic speech today, UK Energy Secretary Chris Huhne will attack those he chooses to label “climate sceptics and armchair engineers” for daring to criticise the contribution renewable generation can make to our electricity supply.

His broadside comes the day after industry body RenewableUK revealed large wind turbines schemes south of the Border are being rejected by local authorities. Local approval rates in Scotland have seen the steepest fall over the past three years – down from 58 per cent in 2008-9 to only 39 per cent in 2010-11.

Mr Huhne might have paused to ask why this should be, before he launched such an intemperate assault on critics of the renewable energy policies the UK coalition and the Scottish Government are pursuing with zeal.

There could be a number of reason for the fall, which should bother Mr Huhne. First, councils might be listening to local people who do not want the countryside despoiled by giant turbines. That is called democracy. Mr Huhne is a Liberal Democrat. Second, they might be studying evidence that shows the cost of building wind farms will never be recouped in terms of an environmental payback. Third, they might have noticed Mr Huhne himself is reducing the subsidies to onshore wind, in favour of offshore generation.

When a politician denigrates his opponents in such patronising terms, we can be sure of one thing: he is losing the argument.

Mr Huhne should listen to reasoned scepticism, including from those in armchairs.

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tested

Thursday, October 27, 2011 at 04:09 PM

"climate sceptics and armchair engineers” This from Buff Huhne; liar, cheat, adulterer, and hypocrit. Given the nature of the "man" it's more of a compliment.

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J Mckenzie

Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at 10:28 AM

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nabodican

Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at 06:29 AM

Chris Huhne is probably the least qualified person I can think of to comment on energy. He has consistently showed a lack of engineering and scientific knowledge as he Bows to the great global warming god and the wishes of the wind industry.

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