MP ‘encouraged by minister’s response’ on incineration

LOCAL MP Andrew Murrison says that the “tide is turning” on waste incinerators as he plans a meeting with the environment minister to discuss the Westbury incinerator.

The local MP previously wrote to the secretary of state for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Barclay to ask to meet to discuss incinerators in general and the one planned for Westbury in particular. Robbie Moore, the minister responsible for air quality, has written back to Andrew Murrison on behalf of Steve Barclay agreeing to the meeting to discuss incineration.

Andrew Murrison said, “Clearly the tide is turning on waste burners. So, I hope Hills Waste and Northacre understand the huge financial risk they are now taking and call time on the unwanted, unneeded Westbury incinerator.

“The planned monstrosity’s carbon belching technology is outdated even before the first spade hits the dirt.”

The local MP has previously asked for incinerators to be included in the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) before the planned inclusion date of 2028 as he says incineration, a polluting industry which produces seven million tonnes of carbon per annum, disincentives recycling. He says if incinerators are included in the ETS, this would impact the finances of the Westbury incinerator.\

The UK ETS is a key part of the UK’s approach to addressing climate change, setting a limit on emissions from the sectors covered and ensuring an appropriate price is applied to them. The MP says he wants the ETS amendment to impact the financial viability of the incinerator which, despite receiving planning permission on appeal last year, is yet to be built in the town.