Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg and shadow home secretary Chris Huhne have weighed into the issue of sub-standard and counterfeit cables when they recently visited Prysmian’s manufacturing plant in Hampshire as part of their election campaign.
 

Election debate: Nick Clegg and Chris Huhne (centre) flanked by Prysmian's Michael Simms (l) and Phil Brown (r)

Both men discussed the issue with Prysmian’s director of energy and telecom cables, Michael Simms, before a televised tour of the factory where they talked to employees.

Chris Huhne – who has been supporting Prysmian in setting up the Approved Cables Initiative (ACI) launched last month – said: “Sub-standard and counterfeit cables pose a real threat to lives and livelihood. These cables look very similar to properly tested and manufactured cables, but can rapidly overheat, thereby posing a real fire risk. This excellent initiative will help increase awareness of the problem, and highlight the real need for people to ensure that cables made to EU safety standards are always used.

“The importation and use of counterfeit cables is a completely avoidable hazard, and one the Government need to help stamp out by supporting initiatives such as the ACI.”