More than 60 Labour MPs have formed a bloc to push back against anti-pylon lobbying by Conservative and Green MPs, saying they back plans to build the pylons despite local opposition in several areas.
MPs, particularly in rural areas, have come under mounting pressure from anti-pylon activists to oppose the infrastructure. The Tories found themselves forced to commit to hold a “rapid review” of overhead pylons in their July manifesto.
The Green MP Adrian Ramsay has also campaigned in his Waveney Valley constituency against pylons, drawing criticism from the prime minister, since the pylons carry electricity from offshore wind.
There are already planning battles against overground lines in places including East Anglia and Lincolnshire, with some Labour candidates at the general election saying they opposed pylon schemes.
The 61 Labour MPs have written a strident letter backing plans for the “pylon presumption” – a counter to a…
