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UK Energy Costs
08 September 2022
Lead MP
Elizabeth Truss
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Energy
Other Contributors: 57
At a Glance
Elizabeth Truss raised concerns about uk energy costs in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
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 Prime Minister opened the debate on UK energy costs, expressing disappointment about the late release of a written ministerial statement. She acknowledged the need to address rising energy bills but did not detail specific measures beyond announcing that her team was addressing the challenge swiftly.
Alan Brown
SNP
Asked about the impact of raising the price cap from its current level to £2,500, pointing out National Energy Action's estimate that at the existing level, 6.5 million households are in fuel poverty.
Stephen Crabb
Con
Complimented the Prime Minister for the speed with which she and her team have addressed the challenge, supporting measures announced to help those on low incomes.
John Redwood
Con
Wokingham
Suggested that while there may be a shortage of energy supply, there is an excess in taxes. He argued for less taxation to encourage more production and supply.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Critiqued the government's proposed £2,500 cap on prices as inadequate compared to previous bills of £1,300. He accused the Prime Minister of prioritising energy company profits over people’s needs.
Robert Halfon
Con
Southend West
Welcomed the package and contrasted it with Labour's proposed measures, mentioning specific benefits for schools and colleges as well as support to reduce fuel duty.
Pendle
Wrote warmly welcoming the immediate action on energy costs. He encouraged the Prime Minister to further support nuclear technology development, particularly small modular reactors in his constituency.
Steve Brine
Con
Hampshire North East
Inquired about future plans focused on domestic supply rather than imported reliance and asked for confirmation that the measures align with COP26 commitments and net zero goals. He also sought assurances regarding the honesty of communications around winter challenges.
Edward Davey
Lib Dem
Kingston and Surbiton
Welcomed the Prime Minister to her role but questioned whether announced measures would still see energy bills rise by £500 next month, highlighting concerns about affordability for struggling families.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Questioned the wisdom of turning back on domestic gas resources and asked how support would be delivered in Northern Ireland given the current measures.
Alberto Costa
Con
South Leicestershire
Welcomed the Prime Minister to her role and affirmed support for actions announced, emphasising continued resistance against Putin's regime while acknowledging winter challenges ahead.
Barnsley South
Asked about the Government’s decision regarding Rough gas storage facility closure last year, highlighting apparent inconsistency and questioning foresight in current policy.
Keir Starmer
Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Acknowledged action taken but argued that Labour's plan would prevent any rise in bills for households. He criticised the government’s focus on energy companies over bill payers.
Alex Chalk
Con
Forest of Dean
Pointed out that the UK has the second highest offshore wind generation capacity under this Government, which is due to investment by companies. Criticised Labour for not building any new nuclear capacity.
Congratulated the Prime Minister on swift action to support people with their energy bills and welcomed the commitment to continue supporting nuclear energy. Emphasised that Labour did not build any new nuclear capability during their 13 years in government.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Argued for a windfall tax on unearned income from Shell and BP due to Putin's actions, suggesting it as an alternative to borrowing or taxing ordinary families. Suggested that the support announced by the Government is only for six months.
Alan Brown
SNP
Clydebank and Rutherglen
Asked Theresa May about Hinkley Point C being late, over budget, and having a high strike rate compared to wind power. Suggested scrapping it when she had the chance.
Ian Blackford
SNP
Ross, Skye and Lochaber
Suggested prioritising tidal energy for baseload needs rather than nuclear energy, citing a Royal Society report indicating potential for 11.5 GW of power.
Ian Blackford
SNP
Ross, Skye and Lochaber
Expressed deep concern over the current energy crisis and its humanitarian impact. Criticised the government for failing to provide a comprehensive cost of living plan in a timely manner. Highlighted that scrapping green levies is detrimental as it funds vital schemes such as the warm home discount and energy-efficiency measures. Stressed that the proposed £2,500 price cap does not address the scale of unaffordable energy bills for households and businesses.
Steve McCabe
Lab
Birmingham Selly Oak
Asked if it is time to review Ofgem's operations as a regulator in support of consumers, both domestic and business. Highlighted the need for serious scrutiny of regulatory functions amidst the energy crisis.
Lindsay Hoyle
Speaker
Chorley
Provided an update on Her Majesty the Queen’s health status and expressed solidarity with the royal family, expressing that further updates will be given as necessary. Did not contribute a substantial position on the energy crisis.
Barry Gardiner
Lab
Brent West
Supported a call for increased scrutiny of oil and gas companies to ensure they are contributing fair share through taxes, citing global averages in tax rates.
Chris Law
SNP
Dundee Central
Called out the government's failure to address excess profits from fossil fuels and emphasised the need for conditions on these profits to ensure investment towards a rapid transition to clean energy. Highlighted concerns about future generations paying for current borrowing.
Several hon. Members
Patricia Gibson, Carol Monaghan
Representatives raised specific local concerns: Patricia Gibson highlighted the disappointment of constituents regarding increased fuel bills and lack of assistance; Carol Monaghan pointed out issues with grid connection charges deterring renewable energy investment despite high domestic production.
Robin Walker
Con
Evesham
Welcomed the Prime Minister's statement on measures to assist consumers, businesses, charities and public sector during the energy crisis. Highlighted concerns over vulnerable individuals and expressed relief at measures announced for businesses such as Toys & Games of Worcester facing significant hikes in energy costs. Emphasised the importance of support for schools and hospices under pressure from rising bills.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham
Argues for the imposition of a windfall tax on energy companies due to their profits during the Ukraine crisis, questioning why such companies can make huge profits without contributing through a windfall tax. Expresses concern over public expenditure pressures in areas like healthcare and education while refusing to tax these excess profits.
Matt Rodda
Lab
Reading Central
Intervenes to highlight the disparity between energy company interests and those of low-paid workers, particularly teaching assistants facing economic hardships due to rising living costs.
Mel Stride
Con
Central Devon
Welcomes measures announced by the Government but expresses concern over macroeconomic issues such as potential long-term inflation increases and increased debt servicing costs. Emphasises the need for an independent forecast from the Office for Budget Responsibility to assess the impact on public finances.
Carolyn Harris
Lab
Neath
Raises concerns about the impact of rising energy prices on individuals with chronic conditions such as kidney failure and the financial burden this places on them. Requests the Government ensure sufficient support for essential medical equipment.
Asks questions regarding the details of fiscal measures, including the independence of cost estimates by the Office for Budget Responsibility, the protection offered to those off the gas grid, and clarification on the tax rate applicable to foreign companies' profits in the UK.
Edward Davey
Lib Dem
Kingston and Surbiton
Agreed with the concerns raised about heating oil in rural communities. Criticised the Prime Minister's energy bill rise, pointing out that families will pay twice as much for energy this year compared to last year due to a £700 rise last April and an additional £500 increase announced recently. Called for investment in wind and solar power and questioned why a windfall tax on oil and gas giants was not considered.
Welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement, believing it will provide relief to households and businesses. Emphasised the importance of practical measures such as reducing energy bills through insulation, boiler thermostat adjustments, and exploring internal energy independence for businesses.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Expressed concern over dialysis patients worried about heating costs. Criticised the Government's failure to act decisively on solving the energy crisis, stating that many families are already making desperate choices between putting food on the table and paying for heating.
Welcomed the Prime Minister’s statement on immediate support for people and businesses. Highlighted the importance of nuclear energy in securing a reliable baseload energy source, supporting job security in areas like Cheshire, Lancashire, and Cumbria.
Caroline Lucas
Green
Brighton, Pavilion
Echoed the best wishes to Her Majesty and criticised the new Prime Minister's lack of bold action on climate change. Emphasised the need for a retrofit revolution in home insulation and renewable energy upgrades. Called for demand-side measures that would lower bills and warm homes without increasing dependence on fossil fuels. Questioned the wisdom of resuming fracking, which she described as harmful to the environment and ineffective at lowering energy bills. Welcomed the Prime Minister’s price freeze but argued it was insufficient, poorly targeted, and failed to incentivise reduction in energy demand by those who could do so. She proposed scrapping the investment allowance, introducing a windfall tax on oil and gas companies, and investing heavily in renewable energy sources.
Stephen Crabb
Con
Beaconsfield
Welcomed the speed with which the Government moved to bring forward a strong package of measures. Stressed that it meets the tests of scale, timeliness, and certainty for families facing enormous bills. Emphasised the need to cover everyone including those off gas grid and living in park homes. Called for further social protection measures such as freezing deductions from people’s social security payments, reconsidering the benefit cap, and committing to full social security uprating in the new year. Highlighted the existential issue faced by small businesses due to rising energy prices. Advocated for strategic procurement of liquefied natural gas cargoes to ensure supply this winter.
Bristol East
Welcomed some announcements but highlighted the issue with landlords who resell energy at commercial prices, not residential. Criticised the package for still resulting in a £500 increase on current bills and argued that alternative measures like regulating wholesale market price or offering loans to energy companies could have been implemented instead. Emphasised the need for house-to-house approach to insulation and called for improvements in wind energy production both offshore and onshore, as well as incentivizing people to pay into the grid at a fair market price.
Claire Coutinho
Con
East Surrey
Welcomes the government's package aimed at reducing energy costs for households and businesses, appreciates the clarity provided to those switching contracts, acknowledges challenges with targeted support programmes due to lack of data on middle-income individuals, supports higher taxation on oil and gas companies as part of long-term solutions.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Critiques the new Prime Minister's approach to energy costs, suggesting that taxpayers should not carry the burden of subsidizing shareholders' profits; proposes returning the price cap to £1,277 and extending it to small businesses and charities; advocates for additional support measures such as doubling cost-of-living payments and revising eligibility criteria to include those on disability benefits.
Supports the package due to its immediate and long-term benefits, emphasises the importance of investment in jobs, education, skills, and business for future fuel security; advocates for nuclear energy through small modular reactors as a safe and green solution.
Highlights economic challenges caused by austerity measures and Putin's war, demands windfall taxes on oil companies to prevent further financial strain on households, criticises government policies that increase inequality; calls for investment in education and renewable energy rather than fossil fuels.
Richard Graham
Con
Gloucester
Welcomes the Government's announcement but raises concerns about green levies, national insurance contributions for health and care budgets, energy company contributions, fracking rules, and encourages support for marine energy.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
Critiques the Government's measures as insufficient given current economic challenges; highlights Scotland's oil and gas production capabilities and calls for decoupling renewables from gas prices.
Maria Miller
Con
Basingstoke
Supports the Government’s rapid action but seeks clarity on how new support measures will interact with existing schemes, especially for park home residents, heat networks users, and those using heating oil; also encourages early statement on fertiliser industry impact.
Imran Hussain
Lab
Bradford East
Critiques the Government's delayed response to rising energy bills and questions the fairness of who will pay for the measures, highlighting the £170 billion profit made by corporate oil and gas companies.
Marco Longhi
Con
Dudley North
Expressed concern for constituents suffering from the cost of living crisis and praised the new Prime Minister for taking immediate action to provide support. He criticised Vladimir Putin's actions as a major contributor to the energy supply issues.
Daisy Cooper
Lib Dem
St Albans
Raised concerns about households, small businesses, and care homes struggling with the cost of living crisis. Asked specific questions regarding additional support for these groups, raised issues about women's street safety due to increased streetlight costs, and questioned the funding for unconventional heating methods.
Discussed the impact of the energy crisis on rural communities such as Ynys Môn. Emphasised the need for immediate support for constituents in the short term while welcoming the Prime Minister's long-term plans to invest in nuclear and other forms of renewable energy.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Critiqued the current government's approach, arguing that it prioritises energy companies' profits over the needs of ordinary people. Advocated for public ownership, windfall taxes, and caps on North sea oil and gas prices to ensure energy is run for public good.
Mike Wood
Con
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Welcomed the speed and scale of support announced by the Prime Minister, including £400 payments to each household, £650 to those on low incomes, and £300 to pensioner households. Raised concerns about residential properties on commercial metres and businesses entering new contracts recently. Opposed extending windfall tax due to potential impact on energy security and competitiveness of UK oil and gas production.
Criticised the package as insufficient for the poor and generous for the rich, highlighting issues such as prepayment metres charging higher standing charges and tariffs. Advocated for a full freeze on prices funded through windfall tax and VAT reduction. Raised concerns about unregulated fuels in areas off the gas grid and the need to regulate these fuels.
Laura Trott
Con
Sevenoaks
Welcomed the announcement, highlighting its relief for constituents and local businesses. Questioned whether prices will be frozen for heating oil and heat networks. Called for extending protections similar to water supply disconnection bans to energy supply disconnections.
Nia Griffith
Lab
Llanelli
Called for a further windfall tax on oil and gas companies, criticised the Government's record on home insulation and renewable investment. Advocated for a massive investment programme in renewables to tackle climate change and increase energy security.
Ed Miliband
Lab
Doncaster North
Ed Miliband questions whether the Government's response to the energy crisis is fair and addresses the issue of a windfall tax. He emphasises that despite differences, there is agreement on the scale of the emergency facing families. Labour called for an energy price freeze and pushed for it throughout the summer. However, bills are still rising by at least £129 per year. Miliband argues against the Prime Minister's stance on a windfall tax, stating it will not reduce investment as claimed. He suggests that tens of billions could be raised through a windfall tax on oil and gas companies and electricity generators. He criticises the voluntary agreement with companies to lower prices as harmful for consumers in the long term. Miliband also questions the principle the Prime Minister is defending by allowing oil and gas companies to pocket profits during crises, arguing it unfairly burdens the British people. He concludes by emphasising that the only way out of this crisis is to transition away from fossil fuels and criticises the Government's decision on fracking as counterproductive.
Jacob Rees-Mogg
Con
North East Somerset
We need to understand why we are here. We are here because Vladimir Putin has weaponised energy supply as part of his barbarous attack in Ukraine. The UK’s energy system must be strengthened and diversified to protect homes and businesses. Our plan comes in two parts: first, getting constituents safely through this winter with an energy price guarantee ensuring bills remain at around £2,500 a year for the average consumer, saving households around £1,000 from 1 October. This will apply to all businesses on variable contracts, including care homes and manufacturers. The Government have announced support for the most vulnerable households, with 8 million receiving £1,200 of one-off support and all domestic electricity customers getting £400. We must fix our broken energy system by boosting domestic supply through investment in renewable energy technologies like wind, solar, and hydrogen. A new oil and gas licensing round is planned for October to support green growth and net zero by 2050.
Ian Blackford
SNP
Ross, Skye and Lochaber
In an intervention, the SNP leader argued that taking a share of Shell’s excess profit is justified during such times, given that their return on capital employed has increased from 3% to 13%, which he considers excessive.
John Redwood
Con
Wokingham
In an intervention, the Member pointed out that Ireland’s lower corporation tax rates have led to a larger share of business taxes in its economy compared to other advanced countries, suggesting a potential model for the UK.
James Sunderland
Lab
Houghton and Sedgefield
Asked if he would like to give way during an intervention, but his specific contribution is not detailed.
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