The South West has both the skills and the resources to lead Britain’s green revolution
3 min read
The South West stands on the cusp of a green industrial revolution, one that connects Cornwall to Bristol through the Celtic Sea, harnesses offshore wind and places our region at the heart of the UK’s clean energy future.
With natural resources and skilled workers, we can lead the way in tackling the climate crisis while creating lasting opportunities for all of us in the South West.
Offshore wind in the Celtic Sea is both a climate and economic solution. It can unlock skilled employment, attract new industries, and revitalise communities too often left behind. With Cornish minerals crucial for battery manufacturing, we can power the nation sustainably.
Companies like Cornish Lithium, British Lithium, and south-east Cornwall based Cornwall Resources Limited are pioneering responsible critical mineral extraction. Kensa Group, in Cornwall, leads on low-carbon heating with ground source heat pumps, proving rural innovation thrives when properly supported. The Labour government has recognised the strategic importance of Cornish lithium and tin, investing £28 million in our region’s mining potential.
Bristol is a hub of innovation, with a strong green tech sector and leading universities. Linking Bristol’s research and development capacity with Cornwall’s resources could create a regional green economy that benefits the entire South West.
But to realise this potential, we need infrastructure investment. It currently takes as long to get the train from Bristol to St Ives as it does to Paris. A fully integrated transport network, with reliable public transport, green travel options, and safe, connected routes, would open access to jobs, education, and essential services. For businesses, better connectivity means fairer growth. For families, it means seeing loved ones and building better lives free from poor planning and patchy services.
We have world-class universities – Bristol, Exeter, Falmouth, and Plymouth – working on climate science, marine tech, and clean energy. These universities can drive regional skills development, supporting apprenticeships and technical training in renewables and marine services.
In today’s uncertain global economy, trade tariffs and global supply chain disruptions remind us why strong, self-reliant British industries matter. That means backing British workers at every stage, and improving both digital and physical infrastructure so the South West isn’t left lagging behind.
As South West Mission Delivery Champions, we’re calling for the investment and opportunities our region deserves. For too long, the South West has been undervalued. Wages have not kept pace with the rising cost of living. We have real pride in tourism, but it cannot be our only option. We need a year-round economy that supports working families in all seasons and we need to build alternative industries like renewables that offer skilled employment and economic resilience to our communities.
Offshore wind offers just that. With GB Energy, we can transition to clean, homegrown energy and lower household bills. But the rollout must be fair. It must protect our marine environment, restore fish stocks, and support sustainable fishing. Coastal communities must be included, not sidelined.
Responsible offshore wind development and infrastructure investment can create a ripple effect across the South West. Skills gained in renewables would support other industries. Local economies would grow, and public funding would increase, helping us fix what matters most: transport, housing, healthcare, and opportunity.
Local groups like Bristol Energy Cooperative and Community Energy Plus in Cornwall are showing how energy projects and renewables can cut bills and emissions while building local resilience. The South West has the resources, talent, and ambition. With the right investment and leadership, we can lead the UK’s green transition and ensure that no one is left behind.
Anna Gelderd MP & Damien Egan MP, South West Mission Delivery Champions
