-
The Minister moved that the House agrees with Lords amendment 1. He thanked Members for their scrutiny of the Great British Energy Bill, highlighting the appointment of directors and interim CEO to expedite expertise needed for Great British Energy's development. He emphasised the company's exciting projects including solar initiatives for schools and hospitals across England and announced further investment decisions expected this year. The Minister addressed Lords amendment 2 which seeks to prevent financial assistance if credible evidence of modern slavery is found in supply chains, stating that GBE will take a proactive stance against forced labour by utilizing tools such as the debarment list and the Modern Slavery Act.
-
Sir Iain raised concerns about the Procurement Act 2023's limitations in addressing modern slavery issues due to its reliance on convictions under section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act, highlighting practical challenges in enforcing this act across international supply chains.
-
The hon. Member highlighted a letter from Dorit Oliver-Wolff, a Holocaust survivor concerned about modern slavery risks in energy transition projects, urging the Minister to expedite her response from the Prime Minister and emphasise the need for stringent measures against forced labour.
-
The Member argued that the Government should commit further steps towards addressing modern slavery, suggesting that Lords amendment 2 would allow the UK to demonstrate leadership by ceasing funding if credible evidence of modern slavery is found in supply chains.
-
The Member criticised the Government's stance as evasive, emphasising that ending financial assistance upon discovering forced labour in supply chains would be a more effective approach to addressing modern slavery issues.
-
The hon. Member proposed the idea of a reverse burden of proof to show no association with modern slavery, suggesting that this could enhance efforts to prevent forced labour in supply chains.
-
Mr Rhodes welcomed the amendment, stressing the importance of community energy for job creation, investment, and engaging communities in the transition to a sustainable energy system. He also asked about future funding commitments from the Government.
-
Mr Doogan requested information on the recurrence of funding for community energy projects, inquiring whether it would be year-on-year and sought an indication of future funding streams. The Minister responded by explaining that individual projects will apply for funding based on their propositions.
-
Mr Bowie criticised the lack of clarity regarding Great British Energy's goals, questioning its impact on energy costs and job creation. He also raised concerns about reliance on China for clean power technology and solar panels made with forced labour. Mr Bowie emphasised the importance of robust protections against the use of public money in supply chains exposed to modern slave labour.
-
Ms. Champion argued that the UK should not fund imports tainted by modern slavery. She cited evidence of child labour in cobalt mining and forced labour in steel production, advocating for amendment (a) to ensure companies receiving taxpayer money must prove their supply chains are free from forced labour.
-
Ms. Heylings welcomed the inclusion of community energy and benefits in the Bill through Lords amendment 1, praising it as a victory for local communities. She emphasised the importance of substantial financial returns to communities hosting large-scale projects.
-
Ms. Dyke agreed that an increase in community energy projects would boost the local economy, create jobs, and reduce energy costs, especially in rural areas, supporting long-term plans for these initiatives.
-
Supports Lord Alton's amendment, emphasising ethical standards for GB Energy’s solar procurement. Cites Unison report on polysilicon manufacturers in Uyghur region. Discusses economic risks of relying solely on Chinese suppliers. References Laura Murphy’s expertise on Xinjiang supply chains and the need to ensure fair competition for British workers.
-
Supports amendment (b) to Lords amendment 2, criticising Procurement Act's inability to address modern slavery in supply chains. Highlights the dominance of Chinese polysilicon production and its implications for UK solar procurement. Calls on government to take measures similar to those adopted by the US.
-
Critiques the Government's refusal to support Lords amendment 2, arguing it shows an absolutist approach to net zero policies. Raises moral concerns about supporting forced labour in China for the sake of reaching net zero.
-
Minister responding to debate on forced labour and modern slavery in clean energy supply chains, emphasising that Lords amendment 2 is not about wider commitment to tackling modern slavery. Acknowledges the issue but defends the Government's broader approach.
-
Questions the timing of proposed further legislation on forced labour issues, implying a need for immediate action rather than delayed measures.
-
Urges the Minister to commit to listening to arguments in Lords amendments regarding the inadequacies of existing legislation in tackling forced labour issues related to Great British Energy's supply chains.
-
The debate focuses on a Bill aimed at establishing a new national publicly-owned energy generation company, which is backed by the British public. The speaker emphasises that this initiative will deliver jobs and investment across the country, along with clean power deployment. They also mention tackling supply chains to ensure domestic job creation and combat modern slavery. Additionally, they express willingness to work with Members from various parties to address these issues.