A Wiltshire MP has criticised the government’s plans to spend £22 billion on carbon capture projects, raising concerns that it will reduce the drive to decarbonise industries.

Sir Keir Starmer announced the plans to develop projects to capture and store carbon emissions from energy, industry and hydrogen production.

On Monday, October 7 Energy Secretary Ed Miliband claimed the use of carbon capture, utilisation and storage technology signifies a “new era” of Britain’s “energy journey”.

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Andrew Murrison has represented the South West Wiltshire area since 2001.Andrew Murrison has represented the South West Wiltshire area since 2001. (Image: Google) South West Wiltshire MP Andrew Murrison said: “Given the Chancellor’s rhetoric about black holes, it’s perhaps a little surprising that the Government has managed to magic £22 billion for this, but I wish the Secretary of State well in his plan, I hope it works.

“Can I ask whether he shares my concerns that in doing this we’re going to reduce the drive to decarbonise industries?

“Just like the use of waste incinerators has reduced the imperative to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste.”

Mr Miliband replied: “This is a long-term investment in the future of the country and I think the Chancellor is farsighted in seeing the importance of it.

“On the second part of his question, there are hard to obey industries that are just going to find it very hard without carbon capture to enter a decarbonised world, and we’ve got to protect those industries for the future.”