I will be leaving DECC at the end of September. I attach a copy of the announcement. I would also like to thank you for help and support and friendship over the years.

Together, I think we have achieved quite a bit. To mention just a few things, we have developed an ambitious renewable energy strategy, re-established nuclear power as part of the energy mix, developed a plan for the demonstration and deployment of carbon capture and storage, agreed the next stage of liberalising the European energy markets, and we are well on the way to speeding up access to the grid, reforming the planning system, and developing a vision for 2050.

We have seen the North Sea through some ups and downs, tackled concerns about the market as energy prices soared, coped with floods and strikes, and made good progress on dealing with our coal and nuclear liabilities. It may sound a bit hackneyed to say that I will miss you. But it is true. So I hope our paths will cross in the future. Please pass this message on to those in your organisation that need to know.

With best wishes. Willy