Aquind in Portsmouth: Latest updates as business secretary delays making decision on £1.2bn interconnector until January 2022

BUSINESS secretary Kwasi Kwarteng has sparked anger by delaying a decision to approve or reject the Aquind interconnector.

The huge £1.2bn project would see a cross-Channel power cable come ashore at Eastney and run up to Lovedean – with fears construction would cause chaos in the area.

Let's Stop Aquind protesters, Fort Cumberland car park, Eastney. Picture: Chris Moorhouse   (jpns 131021-09)placeholder image
Let's Stop Aquind protesters, Fort Cumberland car park, Eastney. Picture: Chris Moorhouse (jpns 131021-09)

Today Mr Kwarteng was set to announce his decision following an examination by the Planning Inspectorate. But he has said that he will push the deadline back until January.

It comes after questions have been raised on the process as Aquind and its owners have made political donations worth £1.4m to the Conservative Party and its MPs. The company said it complies with the law.

You can now subscribe here for unlimited access to our online coverage, including Pompey, for less than 13p a day.

News you can trust since 1877
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice