Speaking in Westminster Hall he emphasised his strong support for renewable energy and recognition of the urgent need to tackle the climate crisis. His stance, he said, was based on clear evidence that damage to peatland anywhere would undermine climate goals.

Peatland covers around just 3% of the world’s land surface but stores about 30% of its carbon. Disturbing deep peat to construct wind turbines would risk releasing large quantities of stored carbon, potentially cancelling out the environmental benefits of the scheme over a 25‑year lifespan.

Josh Fenton-Glynn urged ministers to take care when assessing the Calderdale Energy Park proposal, saying: “Green energy that comes at the cost of our environment is not, in fact, green. Projects which dig up peat are wrong - whether for homes, wind turbines or anything else.”

He added he would continue to press for clarity and joined-up thinking in government policy to ensure the drive to reach net zero does not harm one of the UK’s most important carbon‑rich landscapes.

Responding, Minister for Industry Chris McDonald MP thanked Josh Fenton-Glynn for the work he had done in engaging with ministers on the subject. Noting the need to deliver affordable, secure and clean energy in this country, he highlighted checks and balances in national planning policy to protect peat.

Calderdale Energy Park recently began a period of statutory consultation on the proposals, which will run until 10th June.