Britannia Radio

Vindication?
Readers may have noticed that we have been "banging on" a little 
about energy issues. The reasons, however, are obvious. Not only does 
the national interest in this area put us in direct conflict with the 
"colleagues" in Brussels, we could also say, "Energy security is 
fundamental to our existence as an independent, democratic, free state."

In fact, we do not need to say that. It has been said for us by none 
other than John Hutton, the Business Secretary – responsible for 
energy – in an interview in The Daily Telegraph this morning.  [Sent 
out in full by me last night -cs]

Needless to say, this paper picks the wrong point for its headline, 
majoring on Hutton's "admission" that the "era of cheap energy is 
over" – as if this was something we did not know.

Far, far more important is his recognition of the role of energy in 
our society. This we have actually said before. Basically, it is the 
foremost of all issues for, without a reliable energy supply – and in 
particular electricity – society as we know it simply ceases to be.

Just as profound – and something which should have been the headline 
- is Hutton's startling assertion that Britain's ability to generate 
its own energy needs to be above climate change in Government's 
priorities.

This is absolutely stunning. It is a complete reversal of current 
government policy and, if it holds, puts Britain at odds with the 
"colleagues" who hold climate change as the Holy Grail of all 
policies, to which energy is a very poor second.

This is the sort of thing that we would wish a Tory spokesman had 
said, recognising that, when the lights go out and we are chipping 
the ice off the windows – in September – the "saving the planet" 
message will not play too well with us ignorant peasants.

As it is, we wait to hear what the Tories actually think – if 
anything. But to have a Secretary of State finally articulate that 
which had to be said and to start the process of retreating from the 
greenie agenda – which indeed he appears to have done – can only be 
considered welcome.

It is, in a sense, a vindication of our stance on this blog. We hold 
no truck for the greenie agenda – as you might have noticed. And so 
important is it that its destructive creed is nailed into the ground 
that, until and unless the Tories follow suit, they are going to have 
difficulty convincing thinking people that they are fit to govern.

That is also a big story. Hutton has laid down a challenge to the 
Tories. Now, even if they are found wanting in the leadership stakes, 
simple followership would be enough. Silence is not an option.

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Posted by Richard North