The Great British Energy Bill - Clause 5 and related amendments

Ms. Coutinho opened the debate by moving that clause 5 be read a Second time, setting up the context for the subsequent amendments.

Proposed new clauses and amendments to ensure Great British Energy contributes to environmental targets, reduces household energy bills, advances community-based clean energy schemes, creates jobs, allocates budget towards marine projects, ensures local ownership in Wales' renewable energy projects.

Intervened to criticise the previous government for leaving the country reliant on volatile fossil fuels and not addressing energy security issues adequately, highlighting the current government's efforts to rectify these issues.

Ms Fleet argues that the bill will support communities by ensuring children in Pleasley can study with their lights on, kids in Holmewood start the day well-fed, and parents do not feel ashamed paying for school trips. She also mentions that families in Clowne will have better access to dentists, entrepreneurs will succeed in Wessington due to global investments, and childcare provisions will be more accessible.

Mr. Mullan argues that focusing solely on electricity in decarbonisation efforts will strain the grid and supply chains. He advocates for geothermal energy, which he believes is environmentally friendly and cost-effective. The MP emphasises its potential to support economically challenged areas and aid in NHS decarbonisation. He seeks clarification from the Minister about whether heat production falls under GB Energy’s objectives.

Ms. Braverman supports Mr. Mullan's call for innovative energy sources, particularly geothermal energy in Hampshire. She criticises Labour’s promises on energy costs and advocates for investment in alternative forms of energy such as North Sea oil and gas to reduce expenses.

Welcomes the Report stage of the Bill, highlighting its potential to transform energy production and community lives. Emphasises the importance of balancing jobs in North Sea with renewable transition. Supports introduction of a skills passport for worker transitions and cooperative efforts between UK and Scottish Governments to review outdated processes. Commends GB Energy's role in reducing bills and involving communities. Provides an example from Tolsta where community-owned turbine distributed £300 per household, showcasing the benefits of community energy. Argues that while community energy may not be necessary as a part of the Bill or company structure, it must still be central to GB Energy’s operations. Stresses the importance of community benefit in wind farming and the need for local rewards.

[INTERVENTION] Encourages Torcuil Crichton to speak in Gaelic, supporting his colleague's emphasis on community involvement.

[INTERVENTION] Questions whether people in constituencies like Lincolnshire will be content with thousands of pylons damaging property values and businesses, highlighting potential opposition to infrastructure development.

Supports amendments aimed at establishing Great British Energy within six months, implementing an emergency home insulation programme for low-income households, and ensuring support for community energy projects. Emphasises the importance of these measures to address climate change, reduce energy bills, create green jobs, and protect public health.

Supports the need for building capacity in the national grid to facilitate community energy projects such as solar schemes in Torbay that would power hospitals and councils. Highlights the importance of a functional national grid.

Recognises the value of community energy projects like Stockport Hydro in her constituency, which powers around 60 homes and saves over 100 tonnes of CO2 annually. Advocates for more support and encouragement from the Bill to promote such projects.

Clarifies that there is already commitment to community energy in the founding statement of Great British Energy, suggesting that it may not be necessary or appropriate to include it explicitly in the Bill.

Recalls evidence from Juergen Maier, EDF, SSE and the Minister to the Committee, highlighting commitments to community energy and a local power plan worth almost £1 billion of GB Energy’s plans.

Supports the Great British Energy Bill, arguing that it will bring investment to his constituency and address energy security issues. Emphasises Erewash's exposure to dictator-controlled fossil fuel markets and looks forward to clean power generation and new job opportunities.

Supports new clauses 2 and 3, arguing they ensure GB Energy invests in projects that deliver significant biodiversity benefits and meet targets under the Environment Act 2021. She cites examples of public bodies damaging nature without statutory duties, highlighting the importance of legal backing to protect the environment. Berry also mentions the need for environmental impact assessments before investments are made to avoid high-carbon infrastructure.

Downie supports GB Energy's investment in Scotland, highlighting Longannet power station as a potential site for renewable energy projects. He argues that such investments should consider former coalfields' existing skills and infrastructure to support economic growth and job creation. He criticises past de-industrialization without proper planning and calls on the Government to prioritise sites like Longannet under GB Energy, emphasising the need for clear plans and collaboration with stakeholders.

Chadwick supports community-owned renewable energy projects as a model for future industrial development. He highlights a local initiative in his constituency that aims to provide sustainable energy supply with community consultation and profit-sharing. Chadwick urges support for amendment 5, advocating for a principle of community ownership within the Bill.

She emphasises the need for GB Energy to protect human rights and ensure fair working conditions globally. She cites examples of child labour in cobalt mining and labour exploitation in nickel processing, urging the House to lead the way with a just transition rather than turning a blind eye to modern slavery.

Supports the need for reducing commercial relations with China, given its human rights abuses. Advocates for stricter measures against countries involved in forced labour.

Agrees on the importance of addressing supply chain issues, suggesting domestic production of critical minerals as a solution to reduce dependence on China.

Calls for broader regulations applicable to all companies rather than focusing solely on GB Energy, advocating for high ethical standards in energy supply chains.

Supports the amendment to prioritise community ownership in renewable energy projects. He references Eigg Island as an example of successful community-led initiatives that drive forward sustainability and local resilience.

Welcomes the Bill for addressing the cost of living crisis caused by energy price shocks and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Highlights the economic, financial, and social impacts of high energy prices, including a near doubling of typical bills in a year, increased fuel poverty, and public expenditure of £94 billion to support households. Emphasises the need for enhanced home-grown renewables and British-based nuclear power to reduce dependence on volatile global fossil fuels and improve economic performance. Points out that previous Conservative governments failed to progress nuclear projects despite opportunities presented by developers. Cites the Climate Change Committee’s report which criticises the former government for slowing down key policies and not providing credible plans for emissions reductions. Urges rapid action in building energy infrastructure to secure cheaper bills, create good green jobs, and lead in new technologies.

Supports amendment 5 for requiring a statement of strategic priorities on facilitating community-based clean energy schemes. Argues that community energy should play a key role in reducing UK’s greenhouse gas emissions from energy supply, which is currently 20% of carbon emissions. Highlights local economic benefits from community energy projects and successful examples such as Avalon Community Energy and South Somerset Community Energy. Stresses the importance of engagement with local communities to ensure they are part of the decision-making process and can benefit from renewable energy infrastructure.

Mr. Leishman supports the GB Energy Bill for its transformative potential to create skilled jobs and cut household bills, but raises concerns over the impact on the Grangemouth refinery workers and Scotland’s energy security. He emphasises that the closure of the refinery will lead to significant job losses and economic impacts, citing Scottish Enterprise's report which highlights the £400 million economic contribution of the refinery. Mr. Leishman calls for a just transition plan with engagement from Unite the Union and Ineos.

Ms. Cross expresses severe reservations about the GB Energy Bill, citing international examples like EDF where state intervention did not solve problems but led to increased public expenditure. She raises concerns over the coherence of Labour’s wider energy strategy, which she believes will scare away private investment from UK projects and compromise Scotland's home-grown energy transition. Ms. Cross also questions the certainty around job creation promised by GB Energy and the absence of assurances for impacted communities in her constituency.

She highlights the importance of community energy in achieving net zero targets and emphasises GB Energy’s role in facilitating local authorities’ efforts. She cites examples like Green Meadows in Nottingham and Trent Basin project to illustrate how transformative approaches can support small-scale clean energy projects.

She supports the amendments, citing successful community energy initiatives in her constituency such as South Brent Community Energy Society and Totnes Renewable Energy Society. She calls for easier connection of new projects to the national grid and advocates for larger energy suppliers to work with community schemes.

Mr. Murphy criticises past failures in energy policy under the previous Conservative government, highlighting how it led to high bills and insecurity. He argues that jobs are created through industrial strategy rather than legislation alone. He supports the creation of a publicly owned clean energy company as part of Labour's approach.

Mr. Bowie asks why Mr. Murphy does not challenge his Ministers to put on the face of the Bill the commitments made in Labour's manifesto, including job creation and bill reduction.

Ms. Cross questions whether Mr. Murphy understands that the issue is not legislating for jobs but ensuring accountability in the Bill.

Mr. Timothy challenges Mr. Murphy to repeat his party's election pledge of reducing bills by £300, implying a lack of commitment or confidence in current policy.

Supports amendments to ensure the Government delivers on election promises. Concerned about reduced funding from £28 billion to £8 billion, questioning the job prospects in Scotland. Emphasises the lack of detail and statutory responsibility for community energy.

Intervened to reassure that GB Energy will do all the things mentioned by Mr Doogan, encouraging him to vote with Labour Members.

Asked the hon. Gentleman to update on SNP's commitment to create a publicly owned energy company by 2021, questioning its progress.

Asked the hon. Gentleman to explain why SNP's community benefit level is still at £5,000 since 2014 despite rising prices.

Supported the Bill's job creation potential in Cornwall through floating offshore wind projects. Emphasised GB Energy’s role in developing renewable energy strategies, partnerships with local authorities and community schemes.

Supports amendments 6 and 8, arguing that the Bill does not address key issues like cost reduction for consumers or job creation. Highlights concerns about infrastructure costs, environmental impacts from renewable energy projects, and the honesty of disclosing true costs to achieve net zero.

Intervened, asking Sammy Wilson if he agrees that a year-by-year cost estimate for reaching net-zero by 2050 would make the debate more objective.

Intervened, challenging Sammy Wilson to name any Bill that legislates for a jobs target.

Defends the Great British Energy Bill as transformational and beneficial, citing Cornwall's potential in renewable energy and critical minerals. Highlights opportunities for local jobs and community initiatives. Rejects amendment 6.

Made his maiden speech, focusing on his background, the importance of representing his constituents, and the political climate. He highlighted issues such as the genocide in Palestine, austerity measures affecting public services, and concerns over racism and bigotry.

Supports amendment 5, emphasising the need for community energy projects to have stable funding and pricing mechanisms. Argues that these projects are crucial for reaching net zero goals and provide significant benefits to local communities, especially vulnerable households.

Welcomes the Government's commitment to renewable energy but argues that amendment 5 is necessary to ensure Great British Energy prioritises community energy projects. Suggests that without this provision, future Governments may neglect such initiatives, which have seen minimal growth due to policy changes like the end of feed-in tariffs.

Supports amendment 5 alongside her own amendments focusing on marine and nuclear energy. Emphasises the importance of community ownership in renewable projects and highlights a local solar farm project where only minimal benefits are offered to the community, advocating for more inclusive models.

Critiques the ideological push towards renewables without addressing practical challenges such as intermittency and cost. Argues that focusing solely on renewable energy can undermine grid security and economic stability, highlighting concerns over solar farm projects imposed on unwilling communities.

Ms. Coutinho argues that Labour Members must prove their commitment to promises of £300 energy bill cuts and job creation by voting for amendments 6 and 8, suggesting these are necessary steps towards fulfilling such pledges.

When we said that we could not support the Bill in its original form, it was because we had no detail to justify giving this Secretary of State a blank cheque for £8 billion of taxpayers’ money. In the intervening two months, I am afraid that we have not learned anything to give us confidence. We know that there will be a headquarters in Aberdeen, with a head who will be based 360 miles away in Manchester. The risk is that this Government are heading towards a 2029 election in which industries have been lost and bills have gone up—exactly the opposite of what the electorate have been promised.