Green revolution

Yet, while it is still possible for the Government to blame its Labour predecessor for the country’s financial mess, this negativity must not become all encompassing. It is still the duty of David Cameron’s administration, however, to prepare for the future – and with particular regard to infrastructure development.

When the country finally emerges from the economic doldrums, it will still need a sustainable energy policy, powered by a number of sources that include the new generation of nuclear power stations that were outlined last week. Equally critical is the development of Britain’s first ever carbon capture pipeline that could see the disposal of five millions tons of carbon dioxide on the seabed each year.

As plans are unveiled today, it is important that Ministers are far more pro-active in securing the necessary financial undertakings for this scheme that will take Yorkshire’s clean-coal revolution to new levels of sustainability.

However the potential does not end here. As scientists at CO2Sense, the region’s not-for-profit carbon consultancy, make clear today, this pipeline has the potential to attract heavy industries back to Yorkshire so they, too, can exploit this pioneering green technology.

The combination of cleaner, locally-sourced energy, coupled with a jobs bonanza, is an enticing one. It is also fundamental to the region’s future economic prosperity. It must, under no circumstances, be jeopardised by the reluctance of Ministers to champion the English regions at all times.