PM backs efforts to bring wind power plant to region

The Prime Minister has revealed he has held personal talks with company bosses to persuade them to locate at the city’s Alexandra Dock, a move which would give a major boost to the UK’s renewable energy industry.

But Hull MPs are seeking urgent talks with Ministers amid fears Siemens may yet decide to set up the plant, which could lead to the creation of thousands of jobs, in Denmark or Germany instead.

Siemens said in January Hull was its preferred location for the £80m giant offshore turbine plant and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Associated British Ports and Hull City Council but MPs say that has now expired.

They are particularly concerned about a bid to host the plant by the port of Esbjerg, because Siemens already has a plant in Denmark, while the German port of Bremerhaven is also said to be bidding.

In a letter to Business Secretary Vince Cable, Hull West and Hessle Labour MP Alan Johnson said: “We are confident we have done everything possible in Hull to make this investment attractive. It’s clear that the issues preventing a final board decision are matters for the UK Government.

“If Siemens don’t come to Hull they won’t go anywhere else in the UK. I don’t need to tell you the huge national importance, both in the relation to the Government’s attempts to revitalise manufacturing and the country’s determination to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the exciting renewables agenda.”

Yesterday Hull North Labour MP Diana Johnson stepped up the pressure, urging Mr Cameron “to back this Hull bid in the way that the previous Government did” in the face of “serious foreign competition”.

He responded: “I think it is vital for the future of our economy and the future of the area that she represents. I met Members of Parliament from Humberside to discuss the issue.

“I have myself spoken to the head of Siemens about the importance of this investment going ahead. We are continuing the extra money going into ports to help the development of this industry and we back it all the way.”