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Saying no to the Swansea Bay tidal lagoon was not a failure of ambition

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 21:23:40 GMT

Saying no to the Swansea Bay tidal lagoon was not a failure of ambition

David TC Davies

In Nation.Cymru today I responded to a criticism about the decision to turn down the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon Scheme.

Too many politicians in Wales are carried away by a well-produced video, a glossy brochure and an appealing vision of what might be. Serious government requires something more hard-headed: clear figures, and a proper understanding of who ultimately carries the risk and the cost.

Although I am not normally a fan of Rachel Reeves, in 2018 we jointly chaired a cross-committee inquiry into the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon proposal, which Cll Sam Bennett wrote in support of for Nation.Cymru earlier this week. Despite our very different political views, the current Chancellor and I reached the same conclusion: we were not satisfied by the evidence put forward by the developers.

The most obvious problem was cost. The developers accepted that, to be viable, the lagoon would have required a Contract for Difference strike price of around £150 per megawatt hour in 2012 prices. By comparison, Hinkley Point C was agreed at £92.50 per megawatt hour, also in 2012 prices, for a 35-year contract. Claims that the lagoon could deliver electricity at the same price as nuclear were utter rubbish.

The cost of the CfD would have been paid for by energy bill-payers at a time when energy bills were already far too high.

There were also serious risks. This was a first-of-a-kind project in a demanding marine environment. If construction costs rose — as they so often do on complex infrastructure projects — the taxpayer would almost certainly have been left carrying the can.

A tidal lagoon cannot simply be abandoned halfway through; an unfinished structure in the Severn Estuary would have created environmental and navigational problems, leaving government ie the taxpayer to step in regardless of cost.

Environmental and governance concerns also remained unresolved. The project required millions of tonnes of rock for its seawall, raising legitimate questions about quarrying, supply chains and conflicts of interest that were still not fully addressed when Parliament was being asked to commit billions of pounds of public money.

The reason the lagoon did not go ahead was not a lack of vision or hostility to renewable energy. It was because, when politicians across parties quietly examined the figures instead of the glossy brochures, serious doubts emerged. That included Labour politicians, including some prominent figures within Swansea Council.

Wales needs investment and growth, but it also needs politicians prepared to stand up for taxpayers. Saying no to the Swansea Bay tidal lagoon was not a failure of ambition; it was a rare instance of politicians doing what they are elected to do — properly scrutinising a proposal that needed billions of pounds of public money, and refusing to load higher energy costs onto bill-payers on the basis of an unproven scheme.

The Emperor’s New Suit: Do Ministers Really Need Designer Labels?

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 12:25:52 GMT

The Emperor’s New Suit: Do Ministers Really Need Designer Labels?

I wonder how many people could actually tell the difference between a well-fitting suit costing £250 or a designer version with a price tag of thousands. Probably a very small percentage—and I’m definitely not among them! Even if there’s that rare individual who can spot the difference, would they really judge someone for not wearing a designer label worth a fortune? I certainly hope not, and honestly, who cares?

With all the recent fuss about politicians and their pricey wardrobes, I'd like to offer some reassurance to any ministers who might be sweating over their sartorial choices. In my 25-year political career, I relied on a wonderful family run clothes shop called Extons, based in the village of Raglan Monmouthshire. Extons has always provided a range modern smart clothing with old-fashioned service—and at prices that don’t require a millionaire donor's generosity! In 25 years of speeches in Parliament, meetings with business leaders, members of the Royal Family, world leaders, and frequent sessions with the Prime Minister and other Cabinet ministers, I never once wore a suit that cost more than £300 – mostly quite a bit less.
I was criticised for many things over the years, but looking scruffy was never one of them. In fact, I when I walked into a meeting sporting a new tweed suit (which, of course, cost about the usual £250). A fellow minister, admiring the fabric, sucked his teeth and said, ‘That must have cost a thousand, TC.’ I happily pointed him to the shop!

To be clear, this is not an advert—there’s no commission coming my way from Extons. And they certainly have not asked me to write it. But I believe in supporting family-run businesses that offer fair prices and great service. So to any ministers wondering if they need a designer wardrobe to 'represent the country,' I say find your local equivalent and support them instead. And if you can't, come to Raglan—you won't be disappointed, and you definitely won’t need a donor to foot the bill!"

Private Members Bill Lottery Thursday, September 5th 2024

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 13:48:27 GMT

Private Members Bills

Thursday, September 5th 2024, promises to be a noteworthy occasion for those observing Westminster, as we eagerly await the announcement of the 20 MPs selected to potentially pass a new law.

Following the King's Speech, a ballot will determine which MPs have the opportunity—albeit a slim one—to advance their own "private" piece of legislation. The Government has allocated 13 Fridays specifically for discussing Private Members' Bills, and bills deemed non-controversial stand a better chance of making progress.

The MPs whose names are drawn on Thursday will have the choice to propose their own legislative ideas or select a pre-prepared bill from the whips' office.

Charities and trade organizations with a proposal for non-controversial legislation aimed at improving the country should act swiftly, providing a concise summary to explain why their concept deserves the attention of one of the fortunate MPs.

If your organisation or company is thinking of preparing a proposal for legislation, then consider contacting David TC Davies Consulting to receive the necessary insight and expertise.

David TC Davies Consulting Launches New Website

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 23:00:00 GMT

David TC Davies Consulting Launch Brand New Website August 2024

Since stepping into life as an ex-MP, I've found myself enjoying the freedom that comes with it—including the ability to politely decline media interviews. However, following some questions from the press about my post-Parliament career, I thought it was time to set the record straight.

Over the summer, I was offered some work helping organisations to understand how to influence legislation as it moves through Parliament. It was an enjoyable experience and, quite frankly, far less stressful than being a Cabinet Minister.

Shortly afterward, I was delighted to accept a role as Senior Advisor to Laura Anne Jones MS. The chance to return to the Senedd after 17 years was far too tempting to pass up. I'm looking forward to reconnecting with old friends from all sides of the political spectrum next month.

The website includes this blog where I will occasionally share insights on political procedures and of course I would be pleased to consider commissions as time allows.

I am very pleased to be working with with DEZINES Internet Solutions Limited, for the development of this new Consultancy website.

DEZINES are a leading UK Design Agency, who have built us a brand new PaaS (Platform as a Service) fully integrated marketing website which is now operational and I am looking forward to a productive business relationship in the months and years ahead.

DEZINES are trusted to deliver secure and fully integrated PaaS (Platform as a Service) ecommerce website developments, supported by professional video, photographic and digital signage asset managemet solutions, for brands, SMEs, large and international companies, manufacturers and retailers across the UK and beyond. Hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS) the SECURE PaaS integrated platforms built by DEZINES, offer responsive and fast loading websites that attract customers, drive engagement and conversion.

DEZINES Internet Solutions Limited: www.DEZINES.co.uk

UK Telephone: 0333 444 7 800