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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Toby Helm Political Editor

Sunak U-turn on wind farms in England draws wrath of green Tories

Rain clouds gather behind four wind turbines in the Kelmarsh wind farm next to the A14 dual carriageway in Northamptonshire
The Kelmarsh wind farm in Northamptonshire: only two onshore wind turbines have been installed in England since February last year. Photograph: Martin Bond/Alamy

Rishi Sunak is facing mounting criticism for putting politics above the fight against climate change, amid clear signs that ministers are backtracking on plans to allow more onshore windfarms in England before a general election.

The Observer understands that a much-vaunted government consultation on ending what has in effect been a ban on new onshore wind projects will lead to a minimal relaxation of planning rules – because ministers do not want to anger potential Tory voters who oppose huge wind turbines in their neighbourhoods.

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