East Yorkshire MPs working together to protect Atwick jobs and UK energy security
Graham and Charlie Dewhirst MP are working together to protect local jobs and secure the future of the Atwick gas storage site.
Graham has asked Energy Minister Michael Shanks to meet both MPs to discuss the site, which sits in Charlie’s Bridlington and The Wolds constituency and plays a critical role in Britain’s energy infrastructure.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Graham said the Atwick site is a “critical part of our energy infrastructure” but warned that, at 47 years old, it is nearing the end of its life.
Around 100 jobs could be at risk if the future of the site is not secured.
Graham and Charlie are pushing for the Government to set out how it will maintain Britain’s gas storage capacity and protect the skilled local jobs linked to Atwick.
The issue matters because families and businesses in East Yorkshire need reliable energy they can afford. Gas storage helps protect the UK from volatile international energy markets, strengthens resilience in winter and reduces the risk of Britain becoming too dependent on imports.
Atwick is also part of a wider East Yorkshire energy story. Nearby Aldbrough already stores natural gas in underground salt caverns, with plans being developed for one of the world’s largest hydrogen storage projects on the Yorkshire coast.
Those plans could bring investment, construction work and long-term jobs. But residents have also raised concerns about disruption, subsidence, house prices and the impact on local wildlife.
Graham said Ministers must take both sides seriously. East Yorkshire should not be left behind as Britain strengthens its energy security. But local communities must also be listened to and protected from unnecessary disruption.
The issue comes around a year after the Prime Minister’s trade deal with the United States ended Vivergo’s business, costing skilled local jobs in the Humber. Graham said East Yorkshire and the Humber cannot afford to lose more industrial jobs that support Britain’s energy resilience and manufacturing base.
Upgrading Atwick could protect existing jobs, support more production jobs in future and help keep Britain’s energy supply secure.
Graham said: “People in East Yorkshire work hard, do the right thing and expect the basics to work. That means secure jobs, reliable energy and a Government that listens before it is too late.
“Atwick is a critical part of Britain’s energy infrastructure and we cannot afford to let it drift towards the end of its life without a proper plan.
“About 100 skilled local jobs could be at risk. Charlie and I are fighting to protect those jobs and to make sure Ministers understand how important this site is to East Yorkshire and to the country.
“East Yorkshire already plays a serious role in Britain’s energy security. With Aldbrough and Atwick, this part of the coast has the skills, geology and experience to help keep the country secure for years to come.
“But local people must be listened to. These projects bring jobs and investment, but they also bring real concerns about disruption, construction, homes and the countryside.
“Energy security is national security. Families and businesses have already seen what happens when Britain is too exposed to unstable international markets.
“That is why I have asked Michael Shanks to meet us. We need a proper plan to maintain gas storage, protect local jobs and keep the UK secure.”
Charlie Dewhirst MP (Con, Bridlington and the Wolds) said: “When the wind isn’t blowing and the sun isn’t shining, families and businesses in East Yorkshire still need quick and reliable energy.
“The gas storage facility at Atwick in my constituency is an essential to British energy security infrastructure, with 5% of the UK’s total gas storage, and 10% of what can be delivered quickly – as well as employing many local people.
“Labour MPs voting to block drilling of North Sea oil and gas, then weakening sanctions on Putin’s Russian oil, shows Labour just doesn’t get it – so I’ll be working to make sure Labour Ministers understand the importance of Atwick for our energy security and independence.
“Gas storage is not always profit making, so they need a government framework to give them some certainty for the future – not necessarily subsidies, but confidence to invest so we always have power to turn on when we need it.”
