Rachel Gilmour, the Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton and Minehead, has urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to personally engage with plans for an ambitious £11 billion tidal lagoon in Somerset. The proposed project, led by the West Somerset Lagoon consortium, aims to build a 14-mile tidal barrage between Minehead and Watchet, capable of generating clean energy for around two million UK homes—nearly matching the output of Hinkley Point C nuclear power station.
This innovative tidal lagoon design features a robust breakwater wall embedded with underwater turbines, complemented by a 300-berth marina, floating solar panels, and a scenic public path for walkers and cyclists. The proposal has garnered high-profile support, including from Julia Barfield, architect of the London Eye and Brighton’s i360 tower, who has publicly endorsed the scheme.
Speaking at a Watchet Q&A event in January 2025, Mrs. Gilmour highlighted the lagoon’s potential as a cost-effective, reliable, and long-lasting clean energy source that could power homes for up to 120 years. She emphasized the project’s economic benefits, noting it would create skilled, well-paid jobs and stimulate growth in west Somerset—a region currently facing social mobility challenges.
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Mrs. Gilmour stressed the alignment of the tidal lagoon with the government’s clean energy agenda, writing to the prime minister: “The lagoon would cost roughly a third of the budget of Hinkley Point C, yet provide a more predictable renewable power source than solar or wind, all while driving significant regional development.”
In addition to championing the lagoon, Mrs. Gilmour has advocated for infrastructure improvements, supporting Somerset Council’s £37 million bid to reopen the crucial B3191 Cleeve Hill road between Watchet and Blue Anchor—expected to enhance connectivity and local economic prospects.
Despite the support, some local voices like Conservative campaigner James Wright remain cautious, labeling the project a “vanity project” and urging government focus on pressing infrastructure needs such as flood control on the A39 and improved transport links, including a commuter rail service to Taunton.
Mrs. Gilmour has requested meetings with key government departments, including Energy Security and Net Zero, as well as Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and anticipates a dialogue with the prime minister to explore collaboration on this transformative renewable energy initiative that promises lasting benefits for Somerset and the country.