Peak Cluster carbon capture and pipeline project in Cheshire West and Chester

Cheshire West and Chester Liberal Democrats have joined the near-unanimous cross-party opposition to the controversial Peak Cluster carbon capture and pipeline project in Cheshire West and Chester.

The decision to change their stance from cautious support to opposition came following the failure of the government and project promoters to provide truthful answers regarding community impact and explain why less damaging alternatives were ignored.

Local Liberal Democrats are concerned about the reliance on carbon capture as an "immature technology" and warned that any onshore pipeline leakage near villages would pose severe risks to residents and wildlife. Following the comments from Jamie Christon, CEO of Chester Zoo, the Liberal Democrats have become increasingly concerned at the project's lack of engagement with local institutions.

Carol Braithwaite, Parliamentary Candidate for Chester North and Neston Liberal Democrats said:

“It has become increasingly apparent that our concerns about local voices being heard in the Peak Cluster operation are not going to be answered. The evidence continues to grow that the Peak Cluster project will not deliver the benefits it promises without a devastating impact on our communities and natural environments."

Affirming the Liberal Democrats' commitment to moving towards a carbon neutral future and promoting the green economy, Carol added, "The cement industry needs to look at it’s processes to investigate if the need for carbon capture can be reduced at source.”

Cheshire West and Chester Liberal Democrats have called on Energy Secretary Miatta Nema Fahnbulleh to fundamentally rethink the multi-million-pound infrastructure project.