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Great British Energy Bill 2025-05-14
14 May 2025
Lead MP
Michael Shanks
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
No tags
Other Contributors: 11
At a Glance
Michael Shanks raised concerns about great british energy bill 2025-05-14 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Government have tabled Lords amendment 2B, which clarifies that Great British Energy is committed to adopting measures to address forced labour in its supply chains. The amendment aims to ensure compliance with ethical standards and human rights considerations in corporate due diligence and procurement practices.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Questions the Minister about the assurance that solar panels installed in Britain will not be manufactured by the Chinese Government using slave labour, emphasising the need for strict regulations to prevent forced labour across supply chains.
Chris Vince
Lab/Co-op
Harlow
Agrees with the Minister's commitment but highlights the importance of Great British Energy in controlling and ensuring ethical standards in supply chains, aiming to prevent slave labour involvement.
Andrew Bowie
Con
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Critiques Labour MPs for voting against an amendment preventing Great British Energy from investing in supply chains with links to modern slavery. Welcomes the Government's recent change of stance but questions if the clean power mission remains feasible without compromising on ethical standards.
Simon Hoare
Con
North Dorset
Expresses hope for a restored cross-party consensus on tackling modern slavery in supply chains, emphasising the importance of maintaining ethical practices in energy transition efforts.
South Cambridgeshire
Supports Lords amendment 2B and acknowledges it as a significant step towards preventing goods linked to Chinese slave labour from entering renewables supply chains, appreciating the Government's reconsideration under pressure.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Supports the Bill and acknowledges its importance for all regions, including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. He expresses concern about slave labour in the Uyghur region and welcomes what the Government have put in place.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Calls for a comprehensive overhaul of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, stating that current provisions are piecemeal. Emphasises the need to take moral responsibility and stand up against modern slavery by updating legislation across all Government bodies.
Dave Doogan
SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
Welcomes GB Energy's commitment but questions if 'ensure' means what it says in the context of preventing slave labour. Proposes a certificate of conformity for equipment to guarantee supply chains are free from slavery.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Asks the Government to learn from America's approach, using forensic science to test company supply chains for forced labour issues. Emphasises the need to ensure correct declaration of supply chains and highlights the importance of testing and sanctioning companies that lie about their supply chains.
Michael Shanks
Con
West Aberdeenshire
Responds positively to Sir Iain Duncan Smith’s points regarding supply chain tracking. Acknowledges that Great British Energy is not a standalone solution but an important step towards tackling forced labour in the broader context of Government action.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Thanks the Minister for listening to various comments across the House, analysing arguments made by Members, and considering contributions from the other place. Acknowledges that this Bill will help shift global supply chains towards greater transparency.
Government Response
Government Response
The Minister affirms that Great British Energy will not invest in supply chains with evidence of forced labour and emphasises commitments to broader efforts against forced labour across various sectors, including cross-Government meetings hosted by the Minister. Responds positively to contributions, emphasising cross-party consensus on the issue and intent to push further on tackling modern slavery in supply chains. Government is committed to addressing forced labour through cross-Government action, not just Great British Energy. Confirms plans for the Modern Slavery Act’s section 54 strengthening and welcomes contributions from across the House.
Shadow Response
Andrew Bowie
Shadow Response
The official Opposition welcomes the Government's change of heart but remains opposed to Great British Energy itself. They advocate for lifting bans on licences and reducing energy costs to support industrial communities, urging a reevaluation of the clean power mission.
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