Hull MPs criticise Government for failing to close Siemens deal
HULL'S MPs have united to criticise the Government's failure to secure Siemens' investment in the city.
Alan Johnson, MP for Hull West and Hessle, said the energy giant had been left with a feeling there was "a question mark over the Government's long-term commitment to renewables".
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Hull MPs want the Government to do more to secure Siemens investment in Hull. Picture by Siemens
His comments come just weeks after Siemens announced it would wait until January before taking a final decision on construction of its proposed £80m wind turbine factory at Alexandra Dock.
The facility would create hundreds of jobs locally and thousands more in related business.
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Mr Johnson said: "Siemens is looking to make a big investment in my constituency.
"I've got a feeling that if we (Labour) had been in power then we'd have wrapped it up months ago.
"There's a real issue about the basic competency of Ministers."
Hull North MP Diana Johnson said: "Alan Johnson is right. Hull's MPs have been on to the Government regularly in the past year about the importance of closing the deal on Siemens.
"But we keep getting totally contrary messages from different senior people in the coalition, casting doubt on the Government's long-term commitment to the offshore wind turbine industry.
"Private investors in green energy need a decent level of confidence about central Government's commitment, just as much as Hull needs the jobs they offer."
Hull East MP Karl Turner said: "Mr Cameron needs to get on the phone and speak directly to Siemens and give them the assurances they are looking for."
The criticism reflects widespread concern that perceived hostility to renewable energy in some parts of the Government could delay or threaten future investment in Hull.
But several senior figures, including the Prime Minister and his deputy, Nick Clegg, have recently backed Siemens' plans.
Earlier this month, Business Minister Michael Fallon said £30m in Regional Growth Fund cash for the Humber was a sign the Govern- ment wanted to "close the deal".
The Government claimed it was "fully behind" the Siemens project.
A spokesman for the Department of Energy and Climate Change said: "It's important for Hull and for the UK's ambitions on renewable energy. Our commitment to developing the UK offshore wind resource is as strong as ever and we've made clear that ensuring this delivers growth and jobs is at the heart of the Government's agenda.
"We will continue to work with Siemens at all levels of Government to deliver this project."
Comments
by mikewhit
Saturday, November 03 2012, 10:44AM
“It's clear not many understand business, if you are to spend £ million you need to be sure of the price and if your product has a market AN energy policy of government needs to be clear.
Its nothing to do with council help with location of works, that happens when the business goes ahead.
Hull as a city is in the right place, for once.
Vent your anger to the right people visit conservative blog”
by Ted7777
Wednesday, October 31 2012, 12:33PM
“"I've got a feeling that if we (Labour) had been in power then we'd have wrapped it up months ago."
Yeah, right Mr Johnson. Just look how Labour have been so efficient in Hull!”
by tosh1958
Wednesday, October 31 2012, 12:02PM
“MPs are no good for anything except getting paid for doing nowt.”
by David_Nivea
Wednesday, October 31 2012, 11:46AM
“Maybe the local lobby fodder, sorry, MP's should try harder to exert pressure on the government?”
by tosh1958
Wednesday, October 31 2012, 10:53AM
“All this spin about them coming to Hull when any sensible person knew long ago this will not happen!”
by chainman
Wednesday, October 31 2012, 10:16AM
“MINISTER SEAL THE END OF THE WIND FARM.
This is one the main stories in a national daily newspaper.
Does this mean the end of Seimens investment in the Hull and
Humber region.
Only recently both CaMORON & CloGG stated they where fully
in support of Simens coming to Hull.
Another CON/LIEB lie and U TURN.”
by Ambertigerfan
Tuesday, October 30 2012, 11:33PM
“…...the energy giant had been left with a feeling there was "a question mark over the Government's long-term commitment to renewables".
Does this mean Siemens only opens in Hull if subsidized by the taxpayer?
It's Kimberley Clark repeated, and we all know how that one ended!
Why won''t Siemens open the factory for the cheaper work force and great Hull location? Is Hull City Council offering the correct incentives? I have a friend who works up in Sunderland and he said the Nissan plant has transformed that area very positively. Siemens could do the same for Hull: Hull City Council give more incentives!”
by BevRoadNorth
Tuesday, October 30 2012, 10:51PM
“'the energy giant had been left with a feeling there was "a question mark over the Government's long-term commitment' - in other words they want bucket loads of Govt cash to do the great honour setting up a factory in Hull. When every new development has to be bribed to set up shop in the UK you know theres a prob with UK competitiveness/union disruption.
Siemens come to UK-wow, great victory for previous Labour administration, trouble with coming to UK, wow, its Govts fault. Lame one sided on-going partisan opportunism from a shabby, distasteful clutch of local MPs. Perhaps if Turner/Johnson had something constructive to suggest instead of grabbing for votes...”
by tonybo
Tuesday, October 30 2012, 8:30PM
“Alan and his comrades would have imported four and a half million immigrants to go on standby for the turbirne jobs, And then sold the other half of the gold reserves off to pay them while they get the ok off Siemens,”
by unified
Tuesday, October 30 2012, 4:08PM
“Bouncy. it is the Governments faults. cameron will not commit to giving the subsidy applicable to wind generation so Seimans will not attempt to set up a plant until they know there is a market for what they want to sell which is wind turbines for wind power.
Cluehead, are you asking to be taken seriously or is that a rant because you have nothing to say about Seimens. You do sound like a little ranter with know sense.
Which pub do you bore the customers in, so I can avoid it like the plague.
Dont forget, APB have invested millions on the strength of Seimens assurances.
Tiger peter. Seimens would be bringing the commponents via sea.
Do you seriously suggest Seimens did not know of the problems of Hedon Road when they gave a commitment to build here.”