MOD addresses Aquind’s national security concerns
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has addressed objections raised by Aquind regarding the handling of national security concerns over the interconnector project.
The Aquind scheme, which proposes laying interconnector cables between Normandy and Portsmouth, has faced complications after the MOD
expressed “serious national security concerns” back in March.
The former secretary of state for energy and net zero outlined a sensitive process for addressing these concerns.
The proposed process, which the MOD is generally “content” with, allows the ministry to express its concerns confidentially if needed.
If major planning issues arise from these confidential comments, the attorney general can appoint a representative to attend the meeting on Aquind’s behalf.
Both parties can provide further comments before the secretary of state makes a decision, though this process can be modified for fairness or national security reasons.
On May 24, international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills wrote an eightpage letter to the MOD on Aquind’s behalf, criticising the process while outlining measures to ensure “procedural fairness and natural justice”.
Aquind also proposed a timescale for the decision process, citing the “already significant delay”.
In response, the MOD stated that Aquind’s suggested requirements for handling confidential representations would likely be contrary to “defence or national security interests”.
The MOD added: “It seems to us that the ordinary principles apply; Aquind bears its own costs.”
In closing, the MOD considered Aquind’s desire to “impose unrealistic timetables” as inappropriate.