Letters to Editor:- "Beach holidays and camping adventures donation will help us to make a difference"

"FOR lots of people, some of the happiest and fondest childhood memories are from summer days. From beach holidays and camping adventures, to ice creams in the park with loved ones, summer is often associated with feelings of happiness, freedom and adventure. However, for many children and young people across the UK, the reality of this time of year can be very different. Though it can have its own challenges, School can provide a vital lifeline for many young people, often giving them a safe space in which to express themselves and to feel nurtured and supported. Without it, as we've seen over the course of the Coronavirus Pandemic, many can find themselves increasingly lonely, anxious and even unsafe. Summer holidays can also be a challenging time for disadvantaged families, as inequality becomes apparent through inadequate access to provisions and childcare, perhaps coupled with reduced income. That's why at Barnardo's, the UK's largest children's charity, we have launched our Unseen Summer campaign. We would like to ask your readers to help us to continue to support some of the country's most disadvantaged and vulnerable children and families by making a donation to Barnardo's. The money will be spent on fun summer activities for children with disabilities, the disadvantaged and young carers who can feel isolated at home caring for parents or siblings. It will also support mental health and wellbeing services, provide food parcels for those in need and help protect those at risk of abuse and exploitation. You can find out more and make a donation at:- Barnardos.Org.UK. On behalf of the children, young people and families we work with, a huge thank you, your kind donation will help us to make a difference." Stephen Oversby, North Regional Director, Barnardo's.

Cross party coalition launched to secure Government backing for HyNet North West

HYNET North West today launches its cross party coalition to secure backing from the UK Government for its plans to transform the North West of England and North Wales into one of the world's 1st low carbon industrial clusters.

HyNet will supply clean hydrogen and store carbon dioxide, helping businesses across the Region cut greenhouse gas emissions, reduce costs, and launch green products. It is one of several Regional clusters nationwide bidding for "track 1" status from the Government that will allow it to start operating by 2025. The submission for bids closed today with the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy expected to take a decision in October 2021.

Justin Madders, Labour MP for Ellesmere Port, and Andy Carter, Conservative MP for Warrington South, have joined HyNet North West as Co-Chairs of the cross party coalition group that is urging the Government to select HyNet in the 1st phase of approvals and avoid delays that could hit businesses across the Region.

HyNet will position the North West and North Wales as a global leader in clean energy. It would cut emissions quicker than other industry clusters across the country; reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 10 million tonnes every year by 2030, which is the equivalent of taking 4 million cars off the road. The project will also be able to deliver 80% of the UK's clean hydrogen target for transport, industry and homes for 2030 and 50% of the hydrogen needed to meet the UK's 2050 net zero target.

HyNet will also catalyse job growth across the North West and North Wales, delivering great value for the taxpayer. HyNet has the potential to deliver a ₤17 billion economic impact locally, protect more than 340,000 manufacturing jobs in the Region, and help create 6,000 new low carbon roles. Nationwide, HyNet will support up to 75,000 jobs by 2035 and generate up to ₤31 billion GVA by 2050.

HyNet has received strong support from businesses that are ready to cut emissions, avoid rising carbon costs and invest in green growth. For example, this week Cheshire based glass bottle manufacturer and filler, Encirc, said that joining consortium would help it protect 1000 jobs and create 200 new roles. Other companies that have backed the scheme include:- Progressive Energy, Cadent, Essar, INOVYN, Eni, University of Chester, CF Fertilisers and Hanson. The consortium is also working with Pilkington NSG, Unilever, Intergen and Viridor to integrate them into HyNet's plans. Hydrogen production technology is being supplied by UK company, Johnson Matthey. Track one status would help these businesses deliver their investment plans and avoid disruption. The bid has been submitted by HyNet partner, Eni.

On 14 July 2021, Justin and Andy will be chairing HyNet's 1st virtual Open House event, where there will be an opportunity to hear more from them about their support for the project and from businesses who are part of the HyNet consortium, as well as find out more information about how you can get behind this local campaign in the coming weeks.

Justin Madders, Labour MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston and Co-Chair of the Coalition for HyNet North West, said:- "The HyNet project gives the North West and North Wales an unprecedented opportunity to be at the forefront of the low carbon transition, establishing the Region as a leader in the development of the hydrogen economy and accelerating the UK's journey to net zero. I'm proud to be Co-Chairing this coalition to ensure the Government delivers for this Region."

Andy Carter, Conservative MP for Warrington South and Co-Chair of the Coalition for HyNet North West, commented:- "HyNet North West is essential for securing the future of our Region, helping local businesses protect manufacturing jobs and build the Region's skills base in new low carbon industries. This ground breaking project will dramatically increase the supply of clean hydrogen in the UK, helping the Government reach its green industrial revolution targets."

David Parkin, Director of HyNet North West, added:- "This is an extremely exciting time for HyNet North West, as we kickstart our campaign to demonstrate how our project brings a significant jobs boost to the area, and would accelerate the UK's journey to net zero. Businesses in the North West and North Wales are ready to cut emissions and invest in green growth, but they need the Government to grant HyNet track 1 status to keep their plans on track."