**Push for Severn Tidal Lagoon Presses On, Despite Government Funding Setback**
The long-running campaign to harness the Severn Estuary’s powerful tides for renewable energy generation is far from over, even after its leading organisation was hit by the loss of crucial UK Government funding earlier this year. Proponents of the scheme remain determined to advance their vision of a tidal lagoon, raising hopes of economic and environmental benefits for communities on both sides of the Welsh-English border.
Back in March, the Severn Estuary Commission unveiled an influential report making a strong case for government support for a new tidal lagoon project. This fresh scheme, notably more modest than the ambitious Severn Barrage previously ruled out, has been touted as a sustainable option to meet net-zero ambitions while boosting local economies.
Collaborative efforts are now being redirected through the Cardiff Capital Region—encompassing ten local councils in South East Wales—working in partnership with the West of England Combined Authority. Together, these regional blocs will carry forward the Severn lagoon plan, seeking to overcome political hurdles and fiscal uncertainty after the UK Government withdrew funding from so-called “pan regional partnerships”.
The project’s origins can be traced to 2016 when the cities of Cardiff, Newport and Bristol set up an initial alliance. This collaboration later broadened under the umbrella of the Western Gateway Partnership, which brought together 28 authorities spanning from Pembrokeshire in West Wales, across Gloucestershire, and into southern England, along with business interests. From 2019, the UK Government had provided financial backing to this coalition, hoping to drive economic growth and innovation.
However, in last October’s budget, the government signalled its intention to shift the focus away from these regional partnerships. Instead, a new direction has been favoured, empowering recently elected mayors in England to spearhead economic projects. As a result, the Western Gateway Partnership is poised for formal closure in June, threatening to fragment cross-border approaches to infrastructure, energy, and growth.
Despite these challenges, politicians have stressed that their collective resolve remains undiminished. Councillor Mary Ann Brocklesby, leader of Monmouthshire County Council and chair of the Cardiff Capital Region, emphasised during a recent meeting that cooperation with neighbouring English councils on projects like the Severn tidal lagoon will continue regardless of funding changes.
Cllr Brocklesby highlighted moves underway to draw up a formal agreement between the West of England Combined Authority and the Cardiff Capital Region. Such a memorandum of understanding, she said, would set the foundation for future joint ventures focusing on improved transport links and driving forward the “green, sustainable growth” agenda championed by both governments.
In pursuit of these objectives, Cllr Brocklesby has opened discussions with key figures including Helen Godwin, who was recently elected as Labour mayor for the West of England, as well as engaging with representatives from both the UK and Welsh governments. She confirmed plans to meet Monmouth’s Labour MP Catherine Fookes, and stressed her ongoing efforts to ensure her area benefits from national and devolved growth initiatives.
Yet the policy shift by central government has not gone unchallenged. Tomos Davies, Conservative councillor for Llanfoist and Govilon, questioned the wisdom of cutting off support for such an important cross-border initiative. He called on Cllr Brocklesby to ensure the UK Government’s emphasis on devolution and “levelling-up” continues to benefit all regions, emphasising the need for “further and deeper” economic cooperation across the Severn divide.
As the debate continues, stakeholders agree that the immense tidal forces of the Severn Estuary represent a largely untapped opportunity to meet future energy needs and boost economic prospects. The fate of the tidal lagoon now rests on the ability of local leaders to navigate the new political landscape and keep the project afloat, even as institutional structures shift and funding landscapes evolve.
Proponents of the lagoon argue it could place the region at the forefront of tidal energy innovation, while critics remain concerned about costs and environmental impacts. The coming months will likely prove crucial, as campaigners press their case and seek renewed momentum from newly aligned regional and national partners.
While the loss of UK Government financial support has undoubtedly dealt a blow to the Severn tidal lagoon campaign, the resolve displayed by regional authorities and advocates underlines a collective commitment to securing a cleaner, more sustainable future for communities straddling one of the UK’s most dynamic natural resources.