Controversial wind farm talk for politicians cancelled last minute

Thursday 08 February 2024

Officials have cancelled a controversial talk from an “energy expert” associated with a group that challenges mainstream policies around climate change which was due to take place in the States Assembly building tomorrow.

In an email sent to States Members on Wednesday evening, and seen by Express, the Privileges and Procedures Committee Chair said that the “strength of feeling” on the matter had led to requests to allow other groups to hold presentations in the building to offer countering views.

Constable Karen Shenton-Stone added that no such presentations would be hosted until the newly-constituted PPC had considered policy guidelines on the use of the States building by external groups.

Express understands that the recently-formed Jersey Climate Forum, which brands itself as a "climate watchdog", is now seeking another location to hold their exclusive talk for Members.

The dispute over whether the talk should be held in the States Assembly building was initiated over the weekend, when Jersey Business promoted the Town Hall event taking place this evening on their website.

https://t.co/21V1gxh0Em

States members received an email confirming the cancellation of the wind farm talk. @JEPnews@bailiwickxpress@Channel103 @BBCJersey @ITVChannelTV

— Deputy Max Andrews (@MaxandrewsJ) February 7, 2024

Dr John Constable's talk is entitled 'Lessons from Economic History – Can Wind and Solar Sustain a Modern Economy'.

Jersey Business defended the decision to hold the event, saying its role in the event was "informational only" and that it endeavoured to "share a diverse range of events on our website, aiming for inclusivity while recognising our limitations in vetting every event".

The taxpayer-funded arm's-length organisation further encouraged islanders to "do their research" and "engage with events that resonate with them".

Islanders questioned whether Dr Constable should be billed as an "energy expert", with some highlighting that his PhD was in English Literature and that he was energy editor of the Global Warming Policy Forum – which is under investigation by the UK Charities Commission for its "lobbying" activities.

Deputy Catherine Curtis then revealed that the Forum had organised for the same talk to take place in the States Assembly building exclusively for Members tomorrow morning.

Pictured: Deputy Catherine Curtis spoke out as someone with qualifications in climate science and policies around climate change.

She expressed concerns that the talk may "be based around fringe beliefs" and hosting it in the Assembly building would give "a certain legitimacy".

Deputy Curtis, who has a degree in climate science, clarified that she was not interested in "shutting down debate" and supported different groups holding public meetings.

Her concern, she said, was that the Global Warming Policy Forum promote ideas that are "at odds with 97% of the world's scientists" and that the group were being given "special access" to States Members.

In yesterday's email to States Members, Constable Shenton-Stone said: "The Greffier and I have received comments from Members and the public about the use of the States Building and concerns have been expressed about the perceived validation of the views of Dr Constable in having him speak to Members in our Parliament building.

"The strength of feeling about this has led to further requests to allow other groups to hold presentations in the Building to provide a counter-balance to the views which may be expressed.

"In the interests of fairness, I have requested that no such presentations be hosted until the newly constituted PPC has had a chance to consider policy guidelines on the use of the States Building by external groups."

The PPC Chair added that there was "value in Members hearing all sides of an argument to be able to make a reasoned and thoughtful decision on a topic" and said that they could still attend this evening's talk.

Pictured:  "The Jersey Climate Forum believes that not enough research into alternative sources of energy to suit Jersey's needs has taken place for an informed decision to be made by the States Assembly."

Chair of the Jersey Climate Forum Graeme Phipps then wrote to States Members late yesterday evening, informing politicians that he was seeking to book another room for the exclusive presentation to take place.

Speaking to Express earlier this week, Mr Phipps said: "The Jersey Climate Forum believes that not enough research into alternative sources of energy to suit Jersey's needs has taken place for an informed decision to be made by the States Assembly.

"This is clearly a crucial matter which the former Environment Minister publicly labeled as "risky".

"Regarding the island's future energy needs, we believe that relying solely on a "risky" venture that is experiencing significant financial and operational issues elsewhere, especially without making clear comparisons against all viable options, is unacceptable."

He said that the presentations from "an acknowledged expert in energy provision" was designed to "aid States in their deliberations".

"This could have been held at St Paul's Centre or in the meeting room at the Societe Museum," said Mr Phipps. 

"To suggest that by holding a meeting inside the States building specifically for States members somehow implies that this means that the States support the views of our group is so absurd that it is hard to take it seriously."

States Members are due to debate wind farm proposals in March.