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The Energy Bill - Clause on establishing Great British Energy (GBE)
05 September 2024
Lead MP
Ed Miliband
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
DefenceEconomyTaxationEmployment
Other Contributors: 56
At a Glance
Ed Miliband raised concerns about the energy bill - clause on establishing great british energy (gbe) 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
This amendment establishes a new national, publicly owned energy generation company in the UK. Ed Miliband argues that this is essential to break from 14 years of failure under previous governments who left Britain exposed to fossil fuel markets and experienced the worst cost of living crisis and energy bills crisis in generations. He highlights how other countries already have state-owned companies investing in British energy assets, such as Ørsted (Denmark), Vattenfall (Sweden), Statkraft (Norway) and EDF (France). Miliband asserts that GBE will invest in home-grown clean energy to improve security, create jobs through partnerships with the private sector, and generate wealth for Britain by ensuring taxpayer returns on investments.
Graham Stuart
Con
Beverley and Holderness
Stuart argues that under previous Conservative governments, renewable energy increased from less than 7% to nearly 50%, removing coal from the system. He questions what GBE will do other than slow down progress in programmes aimed at speeding up green capacity and cutting emissions.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Wilson does not support the Bill, stating that GB Energy proposes investing £1.6 billion a year in an energy market estimated at £50 billion annually, questioning how this will put the British people in ownership of renewable electricity supply.
Grahame Morris
Lab
Easington
Morris supports ending offshoring of jobs and energy assets to China, advocating for Great British Energy to support innovative start-ups like Power Roll in his constituency.
Matt Rodda
Lab
Reading Central
Rodda asks the Secretary of State to elaborate on workforce benefits from GBE, including training and development opportunities for younger people through apprenticeships and their multiplier effect on the economy.
Toby Perkins
Lab
Chesterfield
Perkins questions Graham Stuart's claim about progress under Conservative government, citing a Climate Change Committee warning that only one-third of emissions reductions are backed by credible plans.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Shannon thanks the Secretary of State but asks about energy prices for constituents, referencing a LucidTalk poll showing 41% of Northern Ireland households spending over 10% of income on home energy costs.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Jenkin draws attention to the Secretary of State's letter about viable alternatives for the Norwich to Tilbury project, questioning if it includes ESO’s previous work on viable options.
Ian Lavery
Lab
Blyth and Ashington
Lavery invites the Secretary of State to visit his constituency to see thriving energy projects like Blyth port, Energy Central, Catapult UK, and Lynemouth power station.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Hobhouse expresses concern about GBE potentially crowding out investment but invites the Secretary of State to enlarge on how he intends to crowd in investment into green energy.
Gosport
Dinenage does not contribute a position or arguments directly from the provided text.
Graham Stuart
Con
Beverley and Holderness
Intervened to criticise the Secretary of State’s lack of understanding regarding energy system decarbonisation, citing a letter sent by the Secretary of State that demonstrates ignorance on how to deliver 2030 decarbonisation.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Intervened to question why security of supply and electricity prices were not mentioned in the Secretary of State’s letter about decarbonisation, highlighting concerns over rushing such targets.
Polly Billington
Lab
East Thanet
Intervened to refute claims made by the Conservative speaker regarding the nature of Great British Energy company, asserting that it is different from local supply companies and will generate energy.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Intervened to challenge the Conservative speaker on their stance regarding a rushed decarbonisation target, asking for clarity on when the Conservative party would achieve such targets.
Toby Perkins
Lab
Chesterfield
Intervened to request clarification from the speaker on their position regarding a £300 saving commitment promised during the general election.
Gosport
Asked when households would see the £300 savings promised by the Secretary of State, expressing concern over practical, tangible benefits for families and households.
Becky Gittins
Lab
Clwyd East
The speaker introduced herself and her constituency, highlighting the importance of renewable energy sources such as offshore wind farms, tourism, historical sites, and the cultural heritage of Clwyd East. She also mentioned her support for Labour’s commitment to ending injustices related to the mineworkers’ pension scheme and promoting opportunities for young people.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Welcomes the Government's focus on renewable energy but criticises delays under the previous government, urging tripling of offshore wind capacity to meet 2030 targets. Highlights need for better funding mechanisms and legal assurances for emerging technologies like DRIFT Energy in Bath. Stresses importance of community buy-in and inclusion of community energy schemes in clause 3.
Graham Stuart
Con
Beverley and Holderness
Intervened to challenge the claim that previous Conservative Government delayed action on climate change, arguing they were faster than other major economies in cutting emissions.
Max Wilkinson
Lib Dem
Cheltenham
Agrees with Wera Hobhouse's point about community energy and cites the Cheltenham Green Deal as an example of local organisations accessing funding to produce renewable energy.
Gideon Amos
Lib Dem
Taunton and Wellington
Agrees that emerging technologies like tidal range energy should be a key objective for GB Energy, citing the example of the Swansea tidal lagoon.
Sarah Dyke
Lib Dem
Glastonbury and Somerton
Argues that community benefits should be guaranteed in circumstances where renewable energy infrastructure is developed, urging the Government to use this Bill to make such provisions.
Mike Reader
Lab
Northampton South
Introduced himself and his constituency, highlighting the need for investment in clean energy and infrastructure. He emphasised the importance of supporting public services and addressing challenges such as air quality, road conditions, housing affordability, and educational needs.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Critiques the Government's lack of data backing up their energy policy assertions, highlighting risks in relying solely on renewable energy without proper infrastructure and storage solutions. Points out high costs associated with grid infrastructure investment and import dependency, arguing that current progress is not sufficient to guarantee security of supply.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Argues that under previous governments, UK fell behind on renewable energy investment compared to other countries like the US. Emphasises that government support for nascent projects can boost business confidence in renewables.
Gideon Amos
Lib Dem
Taunton and Wellington
Highlights UK's recent status as a net exporter of electricity, questioning assumptions about import costs due to transitioning to renewables. Points out tidal power as a reliable source when other renewables are insufficient.
Chris Hinchliff
Lab
North East Hertfordshire
Supports proposals for Great British Energy to deliver nature recovery alongside other objectives. Emphasises the impact of energy transition on rural communities in his constituency, raising concerns about reckless demolition practices involving asbestos that harmed local residents and destroyed their health. Highlights the need for better protection and support for rural areas against profit-led developments and unsafe practices.
Liz Jarvis
Lib Dem
Eastleigh
Welcomed efforts to provide renewable energy and support green manufacturing. Emphasised the importance of community engagement with GB Energy for local communities in Eastleigh. Highlighted constituency’s rich history, cultural heritage, and commitment to inclusivity and social justice issues such as NHS services access, housing security, and children's education needs.
Sarah Champion
Lab
Rotherham
Welcomed the Bill and praised Rotherham’s green energy research and production. Advocated for including community energy as one of the specific objectives in clause 3. Raised concern over forced labour programmes in China's solar PV supply chains, urging the government to address this issue by implementing human rights mechanisms and considering an import ban.
Harriet Cross
Con
Gordon and Buchan
Expressed significant reservations about Great British Energy's proposed headquarters location in Aberdeen, highlighting that ambiguity and uncertainty are driving away investment and creating job insecurity. She emphasised the importance of the energy sector to her constituents' livelihoods, raising concerns over how the Government’s plan and the energy profits levy put industry at risk. Cited warnings from Offshore Energies UK that tax increases could see investments in the UK cut from £14.1 billion to £2.3 billion between now and 2029. Questioned how Great British Energy will protect existing jobs in Aberdeenshire’s energy sector, especially given significant job losses due to oil price downturns. She also raised concerns about replicating the wealth that flows into local communities under Great British Energy.
Uma Kumaran
Lab
Stratford and Bow
Uma Kumaran delivered her maiden speech focusing on her personal background and commitment to representing Stratford and Bow. She emphasised the importance of delivering on Labour’s pledges to tackle poverty, ensure public safety, support the NHS, and combat climate change. She highlighted her work internationally on climate action and the responsibility she feels towards the constituents who elected her.
Tom Morrison
Lib Dem
Cheadle
Mentioned the need for investment in local facilities, particularly Stepping Hill hospital. Highlighted personal experience with cost of living crisis, emphasising support for community initiatives addressing fuel poverty.
Jayne Kirkham
Lab Co-op
Truro and Falmouth
Pays tribute to predecessors, highlights Cornwall's economic challenges such as tourism pressure, housing issues, hospital services, sewage problems, summer lets, and low wages. Emphasises support for Government measures including real living wage, water Bill, devolution, and renters' rights to address these historical issues. Discusses potential for onshore wind, critical minerals, geothermal energy, and the port of Falmouth's role in offshore wind production. Supports climate change initiatives, mentioning Cornwall’s declaration as a climate emergency zone with a 2030 net-zero target.
Dave Doogan
SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
Critiques the Government's messaging around GB Energy, stating it was rushed through without careful planning. Raises concerns about the lack of detail in the Bill regarding what GB Energy will actually do on the ground. Questions why GB Energy is not considered a Government trading fund and points out that it meets all criteria under the 1973 Act. Expresses disappointment over the reduction of initial ambitious plans due to Treasury constraints. Criticises the narrow definition of clean energy and argues against subsidies for large-scale biomass generators, suggesting they contribute significantly to CO2 emissions.
Perran Moon
Lab
Camborne and Redruth
Perran Moon delivered a maiden speech focusing on the economic, cultural, and historical significance of his constituency, Camborne and Redruth. He highlighted the potential for renewable energy and critical minerals in Cornwall, praised former MP George Eustice's work, and expressed hope for devolution to an Assembly similar to Wales. Moon emphasised the importance of supporting local industries and heritage.
Several hon. Members
14:57:00
Multiple Members rose but no individual contributions or interventions were detailed in the provided text.
Adrian Ramsay
Green
Waveney Valley
Supports the Bill's commitment to net zero emissions by 2030. He calls for a nature recovery duty, a ban on fossil fuel projects, and explicit mention of community energy in legislation.
Simon Opher
Lab
Stroud
Welcomes the Bill as an exciting piece of legislation. Highlights Stroud's commitment to sustainability, including renewable energy projects and community initiatives. Emphasises the importance of community involvement in renewable energy projects.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Sussex Weald
Interjects to comment on a previous speaker's mention of a vegan football club, without providing substantial arguments or position on the amendment/clause.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Mr. Wilson criticises the Labour Government's handling of electricity prices and subsidies, arguing that creating GB Energy will increase costs for consumers rather than reduce them. He raises concerns about a £20 billion budget shortfall and the introduction of a new quango funded by electricity consumers. Additionally, he questions the impact on Northern Ireland due to jurisdictional limitations under single market rules. Wilson also points out the contradiction between promised job creation in Northern Ireland and the Bill's lack of applicability there.
Barrow and Furness
Scrogham's speech focuses on the energy potential of her constituency, its rich history, cultural landmarks, famous individuals born there, and community engagement. She outlines plans for a green economy transition and the importance of preserving local libraries and community spaces.
Richard Tice
Reform
Boston and Skegness
Congratulates colleagues on their maiden speeches. Expresses criticism of excessive overseas ownership of key public utilities such as offshore wind energy, which is largely foreign-owned. Proposes a model for joint-venture partial public ownership of monopoly and critical public utilities with 50% state and 50% private sector investment, preferably from British pension funds on behalf of British pensioners. Emphasises that this ensures quality management by the private sector while maintaining public control up to 50%. Urges Secretary of State to adopt this model.
Noah Law
Lab
St Austell and Newquay
Pays tribute to his predecessor Steve Double for championing Cornish railways and safety officers. Mentions the diverse nature of his constituency, highlighting its economic significance through agrifood, beverage, tourism, renewables, critical minerals industries. Advocates local decision-making rights and preservation of cultural heritage. Expresses hope that the Labour Government will deliver an increase in social homes which will benefit younger generations struggling with housing affordability. Commits to advocating for Cornwall’s interests at Westminster.
Angus MacDonald
Lib Dem
Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire
The highlands of Scotland are financially struggling with significant debts for local councils. Despite being one of the wettest areas in Europe with constant wind, the region is facing severe challenges such as fuel poverty and public service cuts. However, renewable energy projects like wind turbines and hydro schemes are generating billions of pounds but providing minimal benefits to local communities, with only £9.1 million community benefit across Scotland last year. To address this imbalance, MacDonald proposes a 5% revenue distribution from new renewable projects towards community benefit funds and infrastructure development. This would help mitigate the costs and environmental impacts on rural areas while ensuring fair compensation.
Toby Perkins
Lab
Chesterfield
Supports the GB Energy Bill as a crucial step towards decarbonising the energy supply. Emphasises the urgency of reducing carbon emissions and improving national energy security. Criticises previous government policies for hindering renewable energy investment, such as bans on onshore wind and failures in contract auctions. Advocates for consistent policy support from the Government to ensure reliable partnerships with private firms. Highlights the importance of coalfield communities in transitioning towards renewable energy generation. Expresses cautious optimism about GB Energy’s role and potential benefits, while urging the Secretary of State not to overlook these communities’ contributions.
Dave Doogan
SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
Agrees with Toby Perkins on the importance of national energy security. Points out that Scotland generates more energy than it consumes, questioning whether Scotland should reap no benefit from its energy endowment relative to other parts of the UK.
Ann Davies
PC
Caerfyrddin
Ms. Ann Davies raises concerns about the proposed Great British Energy Bill, arguing that it will lead to profits flowing out of Wales while offering little gain for local communities. She advocates for undergrounding of electricity transmission cables where possible and emphasises the importance of community involvement in renewable energy projects.
Elaine Stewart
Lab
Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock
Stewart spoke about her constituency's rich history and economic diversity, including its connection to Robert Burns, granite quarries, former mining areas, and educational projects. She emphasised the importance of public services such as hospitals and universities in her constituency. Her background as a daughter of miners and an NHS worker inspired her to advocate for social justice issues like ending injustices in pension schemes.
Julie Minns
Lab
Carlisle
She spoke about her constituency's need for clean energy to tackle climate change and reduce energy bills. She highlighted the historical context of renewable energy in Carlisle, referencing her great-grandfather's advocacy for hydroelectric power. She mentioned flood damage in Carlisle and the importance of removing obstacles that prevent farmers from connecting their solar and wind farms. Additionally, she discussed various local issues such as the opening of a new medical school at the University of Cumbria, the completion of flood defences, and the growth of the night-time economy.
Llinos Medi
PC
Ynys Môn
She congratulated Julie Minns on her maiden speech and discussed the energy potential of Ynys Môn, including tidal power projects. She urged the Government to provide clear commitment and timelines regarding the Wylfa nuclear site. Medi expressed disappointment at the limited allocation for Welsh floating offshore wind projects in the latest auction and called for more local and community ownership of energy projects alongside devolution of the Crown Estate.
Mark Sewards
Lab
Leeds South West and Morley
Celebrated his constituency, Leeds South West and Morley, praising its history, traditions, communities, and local organisations. Acknowledged the work of previous MP Dame Andrea Jenkyns and highlighted specific achievements in various parts of the constituency such as Drighlington’s Coffee Pot Memory Café, Olympic medallists from Churwell village, environmental action volunteers, scout groups in Farnley, and sports teams in Wortley.
Andrew Bowie
Con
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Questions the effectiveness of GB Energy in reducing energy bills, creating jobs, and ensuring energy security. Expresses concerns about taxpayer risk due to investment in emerging technologies that may fail. Raises issues regarding the impact on North Sea oil and gas production and the future economic viability of Aberdeen.
Josh MacAlister
Lab
Whitehaven and Workington
Defends the previous Government's approach to nuclear energy, noting that indecision under the last Government delayed critical decisions about new nuclear projects. Criticises the current Government for not delivering on long-term commitments.
Toby Perkins
Lab
Chesterfield
Challenges Andrew Bowie's criticism of Labour, highlighting past financial commitments that were made without clear funding plans. Questions the credibility of the opposition in addressing energy policy issues.
Michael Shanks
Lab
Rutherglen
The hon. Member addresses the reasons why GB Energy is crucial for addressing energy insecurity and climate change, citing its potential to produce clean energy, protect bill payers in the long term, generate revenue through projects that expect a return on investments, manage the North Sea transition, and create jobs across supply chains.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Sussex Weald
The hon. Member asks for an investigation into delays in the No Lobby but does not provide arguments or position on GB Energy Bill.
Government Response
Ministers defended the policy, emphasising benefits such as energy security, job creation through partnerships with private sector, and wealth generation for Britain by ensuring taxpayer returns on investments. They rebutted criticisms about slowing down progress in green capacity and emissions reduction.
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