Samantha Niblett

Samantha Niblett

Labour — South Derbyshire

Speaking in the House of Commons on 12 November 2026

Debate

Business of the House

Contribution

Plans for Drakelow 1 and 2 AI data centres, which are part of the midlands supercluster, far exceed the original proposals on the current site of Drakelow power station. They would encroach into countryside and— alongside solar, farm and battery storage—encircle the village of Walton-on-Trent. However, just up the road is the old Willington power station site, which has been redundant for decades and is crying out for its 227 acres to be redeveloped. My understanding is that the application will go in as a nationally significant infrastructure project, and so inevitably directly to the Secretary of State, effectively disabling any input from local people. Will the Leader of the House therefore help me to secure a meeting with the relevant Minister so I can raise my concerns?

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