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Question
Will the Minister reassure the House that the Department will follow rigorous processes to assess risks similar to those used in blocking Huawei from the 5G network? This must include an assessment of opportunities for remote access to turbines, given that software often remains under manufacturer control. Additionally, how will Ministers work with the Scottish Government and Cabinet colleagues to ensure offshore and subsea infrastructure is safe?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady raises important concerns that we are alive to. We balance the need for investment and capacity in our supply chains against national security risks. While I cannot provide details of individual cases due to ongoing discussions, I reassure her that robust processes are followed to address these factors.
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Question
How will this Government ensure control over the operation of our energy infrastructure as we extend it? My hon. Friend agrees it is vital for our industrial strategy to see a renaissance in manufacturing and greater resilience in our supply chain, all adding to energy security.
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is correct that dealing with capacity issues in our supply chain is crucial for getting this investment into infrastructure. Through the national wealth fund, we invested in lithium in Cornwall last week, and through the critical minerals strategy, we want to maximise natural resources where possible. We are ensuring security concerns are addressed when looking at investors.
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Question
The indication that Mingyang will get the green light from the Treasury to supply wind turbine technology is concerning, as officials in the Department and Ministry of Defence have raised alarm bells. Can the Minister assure us that she takes this threat seriously? What discussions has she had with the MoD about security concerns over our energy system?
Minister reply
No decision has been made yet; rigorous processes are underway to consider China's role in our supply chain and critical infrastructure investment. I cannot provide a running commentary on individual cases but have made clear that national security considerations are taken into account alongside the need for investment.
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Question
How might we develop skills and competencies in this country to ensure good, strong ethical supply chains?
Minister reply
We have launched the clean industry bonus, which is crucial for protecting our supply chain. We are also investing through GB Energy and the national wealth fund, as well as launching the global clean power alliance to bring together counterparts from other countries to deal with capacity issues across the supply chain.
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Question
The MP questions why the Government is allowing a foreign Government and private capital dictate Scotland's industrial capacity, its ability to produce oil, and overall national security at a time when thousands of jobs are at risk due to the closure of the Grangemouth refinery.
Minister reply
The Minister reassures that no one is dictating to them. She acknowledges ongoing conversations between her hon. Friend and the Minister for Energy regarding Grangemouth’s future, emphasising the need to balance national security concerns with attracting investment necessary for clean power generation.
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Question
The MP expresses concern about China's involvement in UK energy infrastructure and its potential risks, highlighting the role of slave labour in Chinese products used in solar arrays.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the right hon. Member’s concerns regarding forced labour and states that a supply chain mission will be launched as part of the global clean power alliance to tackle these issues. She also mentions an amendment passed in the House of Lords related to this topic.
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Question
The MP asks if developing economic and trading relationships with other nations is one lever among many that the Government uses to drive growth, investment, planning reforms, public investment, and a proper industrial strategy, while ensuring national security remains at its core.
Minister reply
The Minister agrees that developing economic and trading relationships is a key lever. She mentions initiatives like the growth mission and clean power mission which work towards energy security, decarbonisation of the power system, job creation, and overseas investment.
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Question
The MP inquires if Ministers or officials have raised any concerns with the Department over the possibility of offshore structures being used for Chinese intelligence-gathering technology, and requests a private briefing on security implications.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms ongoing robust processes are in place but cannot comment further on specific conversations. She agrees to investigate whether a private briefing can be arranged.
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Question
The MP questions the legacy of Conservative support for China during their time in government, highlighting Grimsby's role in servicing offshore wind operations and requests additional support to expand local capabilities.
Minister reply
The Minister praises Grimsby’s potential and mentions working with the Department for Education on training and developing capacity within the existing workforce through initiatives like the growth and skills levy.
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Question
The MP challenges the Minister's stance on China, referring to its human rights abuses, and questions if a country using slave labour and sanctioning UK parliamentarians is as much of a dictatorship as those the government wants to avoid.
Minister reply
The Minister responds that following the suggested approach would return us to reliance on petrostates and dictators. She emphasises co-operating with China where possible, competing where necessary, and challenging when required.
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Question
The MP praises GB Energy’s role in UK ownership of energy production and asks about investment in critical minerals for national security.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the importance of home-grown capability at all stages of renewable energy infrastructure development, mentioning investments in lithium extraction in Cornwall.
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Question
The MP asks about steps to ensure home-grown full-lifecycle capability for renewable energy infrastructure.
Minister reply
The Minister discusses the need for place-based investment, developing local authority skills capacity through community energy initiatives.
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Question
The MP welcomes the Minister’s engagement and emphasises the importance of meaningful discussions with major economies for success.
Minister reply
The Minister agrees that international co-operation is crucial, highlighting initiatives such as hosting an International Energy Agency summit in London and setting up the global clean power alliance.
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Question
The MP asks if construction, maintenance, and access to software will be carried out by British workers without subcontracting to foreign powers.
Minister reply
The Minister reiterates the processes in place to ensure national security is protected as they look ahead.
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Question
Can the Minister confirm that her Department’s work is entirely consistent with the Government’s approach to China: co-operate where we can, compete where we need to and challenge where we must?
Minister reply
The Minister confirms this approach, emphasising its importance given China's global significance. She notes that completely isolating from dialogue would not serve any benefit.
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Question
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, what assessment has the Government undertaken on the strategic vulnerability of our national security due to reliance on Chinese rare earth minerals and battery production for decarbonisation efforts?
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges ongoing conversations about such vulnerabilities but emphasises that national security is a critical consideration in all investment decisions. She also mentions that producing more oil and gas domestically does not guarantee its use within the country.
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Question
Given Labour’s rush to decarbonise by 2030, are the Government prepared to sacrifice national security and energy security due to insufficient domestic capabilities for fulfilling these projects?
Minister reply
The Minister suggests this is akin to advocating an industrial strategy that matches demand with supply. She notes a previous lack of such approach under Labour.
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Question
Given the increasing dependence on Chinese technology and rare earth metals in renewables, should we not consider the supply of fossil fuels within this country to ensure energy security?
Minister reply
The Minister believes that clean power by 2030 and further investment in renewables is the best route for energy security.
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Question
Considering environmental obligations on home-manufactured goods and human rights breaches by Chinese businesses, should these factors be equally weighted with costs?
Minister reply
The Minister agrees that concerns over forced labour and modern slavery in supply chains are significant. She highlights efforts through the solar taskforce and supply chain mission to address such issues.