British energy crisis

sir – Buried in the Prime Minister’s Chequers plan is the pledge to maintain “continued and broad cooperation on energy”. For years Britain has obeyed expensive EU rules on the power stations it must close and the wind turbines and solar panels it must build. This is a crucial reason why we must adopt an energy policy in the national interest after Brexit.

Recent EU rules have forced Britain to close 15 large power stations, and build nearly 9,000 wind turbines. Because the plants have not been replaced, more undersea cables are being built to buy in electricity from Europe. But what if the power isn’t there, at the right price?

The EU’S plans for an “energy union” will mean more sharing of electricity and gas, as well as higher renewable targets by 2030. This could lead to rationing in Britain following a cold weather front in Europe, and a gas supply crisis on the Continent.

Britain will need to become more competitive after Brexit. A new energy policy should prioritise energy security and hold politicians to account. Remaining tied to EU diktat risks undermining security and our ability to cut costs after we leave. Tony Lodge

Research Fellow, Centre for Policy Studies

London SW1

sir – Your report (Business, October 17), balancing the urgent need to frack with the expansion of wind turbines, was most welcome.

Since wind turbines provide only 40 to 50 per cent of their maximum potential, the energy mix must be able to support our energy requirements when the wind is not blowing.

Fossil fuels will still be needed and shale gas is 50 per cent cleaner than coal. Not only would we be reducing our greenhouse gas omissions, we could also become self-sufficient in our energy production. Fracking, under the new environmental conditions, must be given a fair trial. Richard Basker

Murieston, Midlothian