Dr Roz Savage

Dr Roz Savage

Liberal Democrat — South Cotswolds

Speaking in the House of Commons on 28 January 2025

Debate

Solar Farms: Agricultural Land

Contribution

I agree with my hon. Friend that we should be prioritising locations that do not impact on our ability to meet our food security needs. The environmental benefits of solar farms are not as clearcut as some would have us believe. Yes, they produce clean energy, but at what cost? Large installations can alter local ecosystems, potentially contaminate soil and even increase local temperatures due to heat absorption by the dark panels—and let us not forget the human cost. Tenant farmers face eviction. Land values are skyrocketing, making it harder for new farmers to enter the industry, and we risk losing the very character of our rural communities that underpins local tourism and our national identity.

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