Drax
Debate between Lord Birt and Lord Whitehead(3 days, 16 hours ago)
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Lord Whitehead (Lab)
I cannot assure the noble Baroness that terms will be changed during the new contract. However, the LCCC will be responsible for making sure that the 100% sustainability criteria that have been entered into in the new contract will be strictly observed. That is a substantial step forward from the previous oversight arrangements.
Lord Birt (CB)
My Lords, the Minister appears to be completely unaware that “Panorama” proved conclusively two or three years ago that Drax does indeed burn old-growth forests. However, the new agreement that the Government have negotiated with Drax for 2027-31 will require Drax not to burn wood from primary or old-growth forests and to enhance the system for an independent audit to monitor compliance with that obligation. What will the sanctions be if Drax is non-compliant?
Lord Whitehead (Lab)
If Drax is non-compliant, the subsidy goes. There is no subsidy in the case of a non-compliant organisation of any kind. If that happens, it will be the end of Drax.