What specific legal and policy actions has Reform UK threatened regarding National Grid's transmission projects?

Reform UK has threatened to use judicial reviews to delay major electricity grid projects, particularly along the Norwich-to-Tilbury transmission route in eastern England, and — if elected nationally — would force National Grid Plc to bury cables underground instead of using overhead pylons, with costs borne by shareholders.

Why are National Grid's transmission projects critical to the UK's Clean Power 2030 strategy, and what challenge do they currently face?

The projects are essential to carry electricity from expanding offshore wind farms in eastern England to London and southeast England, supporting the UK’s Clean Power 2030 strategy of generating almost all electricity from low-carbon sources by 2030; however, building sufficient new grid infrastructure is becoming a major challenge, slowing projects and increasing costs passed on to consumers via energy bills.

Reform UK Threatens Legal Challenges to National Grid Projects

May 19, 2026

Reform UK threatens judicial reviews to delay UK electricity grid projects, potentially forcing underground cables instead of overhead pylons. This political opposition risks slowing Britain's Clean Power 2030 strategy and increasing costs for consumers and investors.

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