Could an all-postcode lottery on growth risk huge Humber industrial investment?
Growth in every postcode is a great campaigning slogan. Quite simply, you're not missing anyone out.
Former Hull MP Alan Johnson would be thrilled with the subtle postie link from his Labour leader and our new Prime Minister too, no doubt. Fair, inclusive, easy to understand. Great in theory, difficult in delivery though.
I was delighted to be invited to help play a part in the regional launch of Humber Hydrogen this month. A monumental project aiming to connect production, storage and generation of cleaner fuels to realise the potential for the Energy Estuary to lead, yet again.
It could unlock £17 billion GVA for the UK economy, welcome 54,600 construction jobs, safeguard 4,000 existing roles and create 900 long-term positions - and 700 apprenticeships, most trained here at places like HETA and Catch, I'd hope.
Stretching the length of the Humber, and crossing it to serve key industrial areas like Immingham, Scunthorpe, Keadby, Saltend, Aldbrough and Easington, it is fair to say it would tick off a good number of HUs and DNs.
It isn't the only pipeline project in town though, with Northern Endurance Partnership and Viking CCS looking to abate even more carbon than the five million tonnes Humber Hydrogen is eyeing. The latter could bring import opportunities at a scale to interest HM Treasury too, via Port of Immingham.
Suddenly, we're duplicating postcodes, a right mail merge if I may, as we look for support, sign-off and add stimulus on all fronts. These incredible infrastructure projects, designed to futureproof traditional industry and ensure a just, calculated and balanced energy transition, are however, forced to compete.
Competition is fair, right? Think post office queue. But is it first come first served or pick your lane and play the hand you've been given? It is also mightily infuriating when there's such a clear need and economic and environmental advances to be had, from all.
Is there a risk that by trying to provide balance, we miss really joined up opportunities?
The Humber has huge proposals lined up, private investment at mega levels, generational change to engineering demand that could provide careers for so many. But is there a risk what cash is available to unlock this gets spread too thin?
Will a dual carriageway in Northumberland have us veering off track? Will a tram system in Leeds derail the chance to clean up the most carbon intensive industrial cluster in the UK?
I sincerely hope not. It feels like our Energy Estuary knows no bounds. From early fossil fuel exports to take the industrial revolution global, to the anchor point for world leading wind farms and so much more inbetween.
It has been a privilege to have a front row seat as so many of these opportunities became proposals, developments, and functioning contributors to our economy in the 18 years I occupied the business desk of the Humber's leading news publications.
Carbon capture is happening elsewhere and yet, the biggest bang for your taxpayers' buck is right here. Parcels of land have been identified, consents received, yet still we wait. It takes bravery, commitment and courage to back winners, and not try to please everyone.
Backing these huge infrastructure investments is vital. I truly believe government departments understand the huge boost they can bring to UK Plc too. It would get my stamp of approval, for while it may not be built in every postcode, the energy security, sustainability and resilience provided, would certainly resonate around Great Britain as we ensure the lights stay on, houses remain heated and vehicles move. That's how to hit every postcode, in the plug and on the driveway, and increasingly, via the plug for the driveway.
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