Energy has been high on the political agenda this week, yes, of course the PM's speech on Wednesday, but it was also Net Zero questions in the House on Tuesday.
This constituency has a number of business that are categorised as energy intensive, but also many others that are on the cusp of that designation. Whilst I absolutely support the need to de-carbonise, we also need to do it in a way that does not see local people lose their jobs. I am sure there are those who will wish to attack me for being such a pragmatist. But I look at businesses like SB Joinery, that I raised in questions this week, as an excellent example of a company that works incredibly hard to be as sustainable as possible, but still is a high energy user.
In addition, we have to recognise there is a need for houses to be built, for windows to be replaced, putting in more energy efficient varieties, and older housing needing being brought up to date. The component parts of the construction industry may not appear, at first glance to be energy intensive, but we have to work out sensibly how businesses can be enabled to make changes.
Finally I really hope this rain stops for Sunday's Walk the Test Way. I have done the walk in both rain and sunshine and I know what we will all prefer this weekend. But good luck to all the intrepid walkers, especially the ones starting at St Mary Bourne, and thank you in advance to all the Rotary volunteers for your encouragement.
