Andrew Bowie
MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Con
8 Jun 2017 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Two weeks ago, Scotland voted for a newly reinvigorated global Britain. With that in mind, will the Prime Minister accept my invitation to come and plant one of the 120 cherry blossom trees donated by the Sakura Cherry Tree Project to celebrate links with Japan?
Context
The Prime Minister was invited to Stonehaven in Andrew Bowie's constituency to plant cherry blossom trees donated by the Sakura Cherry Tree Project.
Boris Johnson
I think that such a gesture would be the cherry on the cake of the free trade deal that we have already done.
Assessment
Did not accept or decline the invitation to plant a cherry blossom tree in Stonehaven.
Cherry On The Cake
Session: PMQs
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Only this week, the Government demonstrated their commitment with over £30 million for a green energy transition. Will my right hon. Friend further support this vital industry by transitioning it towards net zero with an energy transition deal?
Context
The Government committed over £30 million to create a green energy transition zone and a global underwater hub in the north-east of Scotland.
Boris Johnson
I congratulate my hon. Friend on his last-minute lobbying. He has only a few minutes to wait before he may hear something to his advantage.
Assessment
Did not address the specific ask for an energy transition deal
Session: PMQs
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The Government failed to reach 17 out of 20 targets they signed up to regarding biodiversity. With the UN biodiversity summit approaching, will the Prime Minister commit now to protecting a minimum of 30% of land and sea by 2030 and deliver funding through the spending review?
Context
A Royal Society for the Protection of Birds report noted a lost decade for nature in the UK. The EU aims to protect at least 30% of land and sea by 2030 during an upcoming biodiversity summit.
Boris Johnson
The UK is leading in protecting biodiversity worldwide, pioneering the 30% idea. We will put in all necessary funding required.
Assessment
Did not provide a specific commitment or timeline for committing to protect at least 30% of land and sea by 2030.
Broad Statements
Session: PMQs
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Andrew Bowie asks for assurances that serious questions from constituents will be answered and recommendations implemented to prevent such accidents in the future.
Context
Three men died in a railway incident near Stonehaven, and an interim report is being reviewed by the Transport Secretary.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
Boris Johnson acknowledges the tragedy, paying tribute to those affected and emphasizing the importance of learning from this incident to ensure safety on Britain's railways.
Assessment
When will the Transport Secretary's investigation conclude?
Did Not Provide A Specific Timeframe For The Conclusion Of The Investigation
Session: PMQs
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Will the Prime Minister deliver a long-awaited oil and gas sector deal, making Aberdeen an energy capital?
Context
Commitment to transition oil and gas industry towards net zero.
Boris Johnson
We can continue this country's reduction in hydrocarbon emissions while delivering on the deal.
Assessment
Specific commitment to deliver a deal focused on energy transition
Reduction In Hydrocarbon
Session: PMQs
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I welcome the Secretary of State's reassurance on the constitution. The people of Scotland do not want another divisive, distracting and damaging referendum on ripping our country apart. That said, this Labour Government do have a bit of a habit of changing position on certain issues with 25 U-turns in only two years.
Context
Concern about potential U-turns on previous commitments regarding the Scottish independence referendum.
Douglas Alexander
Yes. Ours is a politics of solidarity, co-operation and togetherness. We had a manifesto commitment not only opposing independence, but opposing a further referendum, and we stand by that mandate.
Session: Independence Referendum 2026-07-15
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We have demonstrated that we are unafraid to step in when decisions by the Scottish Government harm Scots and Scotland. Will the Secretary of State commit today to urging the new Prime Minister to think long and hard about how devolution under the SNP is failing Scotland, and examine how SNP Ministers jet around on taxpayer jollies, draw up plans to tear Britain apart, and focus on a narrow divisive agenda?
Context
The SNP Government has been involved with various issues including gender recognition reform.
Douglas Alexander
An awareness of those issues is not simply for the incoming Prime Minister but for anyone who reads a newspaper in Scotland. What we have witnessed is a travesty of the potential of devolution, with failures in policy areas including ferries, hospitals, and schools.
Session: Devolved Powers 2026-07-15
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We have had 20 years of SNP mismanagement, with a pervasive devolve-and-forget mentality. Will the Secretary of State confirm that Labour will not be devolving any more powers to Edinburgh?
Context
The SNP Government has been in power for 20 years.
Douglas Alexander
I hardly think that SNP mismanagement should damn devolution in everyone's eyes. It is possible to drive a Ferrari into a ditch, which is what we have seen over the last 19 years.
Session: Devolved Powers 2026-07-15
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Will the Minister update us on progress with Fingleton review recommendations, and revive previous commitment to an ambitious British nuclear future?
Context
A former Conservative government committed to building a new gigawatt-scale reactor at Wylfa and generating 25% of British electricity from nuclear. Current Labour lacks such ambition.
Michael Shanks
Welcoming former Conservative's previous ambitions, their record shows no delivery. In contrast, we are delivering Hinkley and Sizewell C reactors plus an internationally recognized small modular reactor programme.
Session: Nuclear Energy Sites Scotland 2026-07-07
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What is the Department doing to ensure that no part of Great Britain is left behind in exploring new nuclear possibilities? What progress has been made despite SNP opposition through planning regulations?
Context
Thirty-eight years ago, the Piper Alpha rig disaster highlighted dangers faced by workers ensuring energy supply to UK homes and businesses. The Department's exploration of new nuclear potential is welcomed as a way forward.
Michael Shanks
I echo words about Piper Alpha victims. While welcoming support for new nuclear from hon. Gentleman, we face challenges due to Scottish Government opposition through their planning laws. We will continue efforts to persuade the SNP to reconsider and not miss out on job opportunities.
Session: Nuclear Energy Sites Scotland 2026-07-07
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What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on levels of employment in the oil and gas sector in Scotland.
Context
The MP asks about discussions with Cabinet colleagues regarding employment levels in Scotland's oil and gas sector.
Douglas Alexander
I have ongoing discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the oil and gas sector's future in Scotland, focusing on ensuring that our oil and gas workers have a future as part of our transition to clean energy. Indeed, the Chancellor and I met oil and gas sector leaders earlier this year.
Session: Oil and Gas Sector Employment
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Does the Secretary of State agree that this Government will recognise the wishes of the majority of Scots, reject another needless referendum, and encourage the SNP to focus on delivery?
Context
The questioner supports the Scotland team in an upcoming world cup and criticises the SNP for wasting taxpayer money on another divisive referendum.
Douglas Alexander
Yes.
Session: Scottish Independence
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It is clear that Labour Members just do not get it—or worse, they just do not care. A week tomorrow, there will be a referendum on our oil and gas industry in Aberdeen, and the choice could not be clearer. Only one party is standing up for the granite city, for Scotland's energy industry and for Britain's energy security, and that is the Conservative and Unionist Party. The Secretary of State must agree that in Aberdeen next week the choice will be clear: vote to get Britain drilling with the Conservatives, or vote for decline and job losses with Labour or the SNP.
Context
The MP mentions an upcoming referendum in Aberdeen where voters will choose between drilling with the Conservatives or decline with Labour/SNP.
Douglas Alexander
That was rather more like a party election broadcast than a question. As always, I would recommend the good voters of Aberdeen to vote Scottish Labour.
Session: Oil and Gas Sector Employment
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We have been over this before: BP, Hunting, Harbour, Chevron, Well-Safe, Petrofac, Ithaca Energy and Xodus Group are all laying people off. Xodus specifically blamed the slowdown in the roll-out of renewables due to the decline in oil and gas in the North Sea. The former Health Secretary, academics, Scottish Renewables, the chair of GB Energy agree that we must keep drilling in the North Sea while there is demand and supply. When will the Government listen to everyone else, end this ideological obsession, overturn this and get Britain drilling?
Context
Multiple companies in the North Sea are laying off workers due to a slowdown in renewables deployment. This is affecting economic stability.
Chris McDonald
I think we have found something on which we can agree, which is that we need to invest in renewables further and faster. I look forward to those on the Opposition Front Bench supporting our clean power 2030 plan.
Session: Clean Energy Transition Supporting People in Work
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I could not agree more, but change will not come from a weak and feeble Labour party that over the last five years has nodded through and supported every single one of the SNP's mad-cap schemes, including, though Labour Members will not admit it now, the dangerous gender recognition reforms stopped by us. The SNP has failed Scotland and Scotland now has the worst of both worlds: two economically illiterate socialist Governments engaged in a staggeringly depressing game of Top Trumps in a desperate race to the bottom. National insurance, the family farm tax, the North sea, business rates—Labour and the SNP are strangling economic growth in Scotland.
Context
Criticism of the Labour party for supporting all SNP schemes, including controversial ones like gender recognition reforms.
Douglas Alexander
The last time I checked, it was actually Scottish Conservative votes in Holyrood that sustained Alex Salmond's Government in power, so we are not going to take lectures from the Conservatives about somehow being the SNP's little helpers. The reality is that Reform is the SNP's little helper in this election, and after the comments made last night, it is pretty clear that the SNP is Reform's little helper too.
Session: Economic Growth
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In a long litany of failures, surely the most egregious of all that the Scottish National party has inflicted on Scotland is the lack of any discernible growth whatsoever. Indeed, had Scotland's economy grown at the same rate as the rest of the UK's from 2010 2010, Scotland could be up to £10 billion a year richer. At the same time, its benefits bill is set to soar to £9 billion by 2030. Does the Secretary of State agree with me that Scotland needs change?
Context
The lack of discernible economic growth in Scotland compared to the rest of the UK, resulting in a significant financial gap.
Douglas Alexander
I certainly agree that Scotland needs change. There has been an industrial level of waste by the Scottish Government in relation to money. Half a billion pounds has been spent on ferries; the First Minister went to Stornoway last week, but this week the boat that he travelled on broke down. A third of the CalMac fleet was out of commission over Easter. Whether it is the Scottish Government's waste of resources, their failure on public services or their abject failure on economic growth, Scotland needs and deserves change.
Session: Economic Growth
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I am concerned that the Secretary of State for Scotland is running the election campaign for the leader of the Scottish Labour party, who said we need a balanced approach to support our oil and gas sector. This seems to contradict the Prime Minister's position. Who is right?
Context
The question addresses the discrepancy between the Scottish Labour party's stance on supporting the oil and gas sector and the current government's policies.
Douglas Alexander
The challenge for the North sea did not emerge in July 2024; it reflects the absence of a plan from the previous Government. The reality is that oil and gas will be central to our energy mix for many years to come, and this Government recognise and understand that.
Session: Energy Prices
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No other country would deprive itself of vast natural resources. The Jackdaw field alone could provide 250 million barrels of oil equivalent and be up by Christmas but is stuck in limbo because of the Secretary of State's inaction. When will he make a decision?
Context
Concern about the Secretary of State's adherence to rule of law regarding energy projects.
Ed Miliband
We will make a decision that is legally watertight. The last Government made series of decisions found against them in court.
Session: Middle East Conflict Energy Security
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No other country would deprive itself of vast natural resources. The Jackdaw field alone could provide 250 million barrels of oil equivalent and be up by Christmas but is stuck in limbo because of the Secretary of State's inaction. When will he make a decision?
Context
Concern about the Secretary of State's inaction regarding Jackdaw field project.
Ed Miliband
Before the hon. Gentleman self-combusts, let me tell him that as a result of court decisions, those projects are proceeding at risk. We will make a decision that is legally watertight.
Session: Middle East Conflict Energy Security
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Who supports Scottish oil and gas industry better than imports? Everyone else understands. Will Secretary State explain to everyone what the Government is playing at?
Context
Supporting domestic industry yields more jobs, income tax revenue, company taxes, and GDP compared to imports.
Douglas Alexander
Aching gap between what Member says and Conservatives did. Under their rule, lost third of North sea workforce; failed to come up with a plan.
Session: Energy Profits Levy Gas Sector
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Why would it be waging a war against Scottish pubs? Just like Scottish Labour's election campaign, the sector in Scotland is hanging by a thread. Last year, one pub in Scotland closed every single week. But it is not just pubs: cafés, restaurants and chip shops all face the same. Will he and his Scottish Labour colleagues join Russell Findlay and the Scottish Conservatives in our call for pubs and hospitality businesses to be exempt from business rates rises this year, and will he do what he can to ensure that his Government stand up for Scottish hospitality? That would surely be something to raise a glass to.
Context
The MP highlighted the closure of one pub per week in Scotland last year, calling on support from both UK and Scottish Governments to exempt pubs and hospitality businesses from business rates rises.
Kirsty McNeill
I do not know if the hon. Gentleman heard me about the Conservatives' record: 7,000 pubs lost under their watch. A package of support has, of course, been presented by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor for pubs in England, meaning that there is already extra money for the Scottish Government to spend in this area. I encourage Scottish Government Ministers to step up support for the hospitality sector using the Barnett consequentials that this Government have already provided.
Session: Hospitality Sector
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Which does Secretary of State agree with—Danish Energy Minister, GB Energy, Scottish Renewables, trade unions or his own colleague?
Context
Danish Minister supports domestic energy production over foreign imports, supporting local economy and industry.
Douglas Alexander
Introduced EPL was Conservative Government. Clear that EPL will come to an end in 2030. Oil and gas sold into global markets, lost third of North sea workforce under previous government.
Session: Energy Profits Levy Gas Sector
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Does the Secretary of State agree that it is time for SNP Government to lift ban and move Scotland into 21st century?
Context
MP criticizes SNP's anti-nuclear stance as anti-science, anti-progress, anti-jobs.
Ed Miliband
The SNP's position makes no sense. The Conservative record had grand ambitions but no delivery, making those worthless.
Session: Small Modular Nuclear Reactors Jobs
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Can the Trade Unionists for Safe Nuclear Energy expect Department support for their petition to First Minister lifting nuclear development ban?
Context
MP agrees with Secretary of State on SMR potential but criticizes SNP's ban.
Ed Miliband
Only dogmatic reasons oppose new nuclear. Given climate change challenge, we need all tools including SMRs which provide jobs and security.
Session: Small Modular Nuclear Reactors Jobs
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Andrew Bowie criticised the Labour government's policies as detrimental to the economy in Scotland, noting increased taxes, high unemployment rates, and inflation. He questioned why the Scottish Conservatives would not oppose the SNP’s budget before reviewing it fully, suggesting they are not good at either governing or opposition. He asked if the Secretary of State agrees that after 19 years of SNP governance, only the Scottish Conservative party has a plan to cut taxes, reduce the benefit bill, support businesses, and grow the economy.
Context
The Labour Government is criticized for not supporting economic growth, citing the National Insurance increase, family farm tax, unemployment rights Bill, and impact on oil and gas industry. The Scottish Conservative party argues that after 19 years of SNP governance, change is needed.
The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr Douglas Alexander)
Mr Alexander partially agreed that Scotland deserved better than a government claiming to be change after 19 years but stated that no significant improvement has been seen under SNP governance. He argued that Scottish Labour's plan would lift more children out of poverty by abolishing the two-child benefit cap and increasing employment rights, supporting working households in poverty.
Session: Economic Growth
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Pleas from farmers to the Minister and the Secretary of State are being ignored, just as other pleas from other sectors that are key to driving growth in Scotland have been ignored. Scotland has the worst of both worlds: two socialist and economically illiterate Governments, and a Scotland Office that turns a deaf ear to the pleas of the sectors that could drive growth in our country. It is no surprise that the Scottish people are about to reject Labour in May’s election yet again. After today’s Budget, who does the Secretary of State think will feel most abandoned—Scottish famers, Scottish distillers, Scottish family businesses, Scottish oil and gas workers, or poor Anas Sarwar and the Scottish Labour party?
Context
The Scottish economy is struggling, and the agricultural sector feels abandoned by the Labour Government.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Kirsty McNeill)
The hon. Gentleman is perfectly well aware that the majority—three quarters—of those claiming agricultural property relief will be completely unaffected. However, what will affect every single person in Scotland is the Chancellor’s Budget that is set to help with living standards, to drive growth and to put the financial management at the heart of our public finances.
Session: Economic Growth
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A key driver of growth in Scotland is the agricultural sector, but Scottish farmers feel utterly ignored and totally abandoned by this Labour Government. I have received a copy of a letter that was delivered to all Scottish Labour MPs urging them to call on their own Government to reconsider the family farm tax. Will the Minister tell the House if those pleas have fallen on deaf ears?
Context
Farmers have written to Labour MPs urging them to reconsider the family farm tax, arguing that it could destroy family farms.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Kirsty McNeill)
The hon. Gentleman and I have discussed this issue many times, and he is aware that we are striking a fair balance between supporting farmers and fixing the public services on which all our rural communities rely. We have taken a fair and balanced approach that protects family farms, while also fixing the public services that we all rely on, including our own constituents.
Session: Economic Growth
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Given the very serious news coming out of the Mossmorran plant this morning, might you inform me how it might be possible for the Government to bring forward a statement on the situation today?
Context
A serious news event at the Mossmorran plant has occurred, affecting workers and the wider community. The request is to bring forward a statement on the situation.
Mr Speaker
A lot of Members obviously have a keen interest in this matter, as it affects their constituencies. I am sure that those on the Treasury Bench have heard the request. I am more than happy to support that request if the Government bring it forward.
Session: Topical Questions
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“The skills, infrastructure and experience built by Scotland’s oil and gas sector are vital assets that must be safeguarded and redeployed as we accelerate the transition to clean energy.” These are not my words, but the words of Scottish Renewables. Why are the Government pursuing a strategy that is decimating that very industry and costing jobs across the country?
Context
The MP referenced Scottish Renewables' words about safeguarding oil and gas skills for the green transition. He criticized government policies leading to job losses.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Chris McDonald)
The Minister acknowledged that North sea skills are essential for the green transition, promising a North Sea plan. He also highlighted government’s clean energy jobs plan creating thousands of jobs across Scotland.
Session: Clean Energy Private Sector Investment
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The Secretary of State for Energy is not the messiah. Week after week, I come to this Chamber to ask Energy Ministers and Scotland Office Ministers why they are content to sacrifice one of this country’s greatest national assets and allow highly skilled workers to go on the scrap heap or go overseas. As Scotland’s man at the Cabinet table, the Secretary of State knows that his job is to speak up for those people who are losing their jobs today, not to defend the Secretary of State for Energy.
Context
The Scottish Government is criticised for banning the drilling and exploration of oil and gas in British waters, while importing more gas from Norway.
Douglas Alexander (Secretary of State for Scotland)
I gently remind the shadow Secretary of State that there is a difference between abuse and argument. Of course I am happy to be Scotland’s voice at the Cabinet table. That is why only next week I will be meeting a range of energy companies based in Aberdeen and listening directly to them.
Session: Energy Security North Sea Gas and Oil
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How many jobs have to be sacrificed on the altar of this Secretary of State’s vainglorious eco-zealotry before the Government acknowledge the utter destruction of the UK’s industrial base that is being wreaked by policies driven by an out-of-touch green lobby?
Context
The MP referenced the closure of oil refineries, job losses in North Sea operations, factory closures, and plant shutdowns. He also mentioned criticism from Unite the union's head.
Chris McDonald
It is no wonder that there is so much laughter around the Chamber, because the policies of the previous Conservative Government saw industry decline. They were prepared to let industry decline because, fundamentally, they do not believe in industry, and now we find that they do not believe in climate science. We on this side of the House know that we can achieve decarbonisation in this country by winning investment from industry—investment that is coming in from all around the world.
Session: Net Zero Impact on Manufacturing
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The British oil and gas industry is a resilient sector—it has had to be, given this Government’s actions over the past year—and it takes a lot to shock it, but shocked it was when, on 2 July, sadly the Energy Minister claimed to the Scottish Affairs Committee that there was no “material difference” between oil and gas imports and production from the North sea. Might the Secretary of State take this opportunity to apologise and clarify those remarks, because thousands of workers in the energy industry supply chain in Aberdeen and across the UK are very worried that the Department has such scant regard for them, their work and this world-leading industry?
Context
The British oil and gas industry has been resilient but shocked when the Energy Minister claimed that there was no “material difference” between oil and gas imports and production from the North sea.
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)
First of all, Mr Speaker, let me congratulate the hon. Gentleman on his promotion to shadow Secretary of State. [Laughter.] On the specific issue he raises, we will take no lectures from the Conservatives. Some 70,000 jobs were lost in the North sea on their watch. And here is the difference: we are building the future. The Acorn project was talked about for year after year by the Conservatives but nothing was done. This Government are delivering.
Session: Green Industries Supply Chain Jobs
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On the 37th anniversary of the Piper Alpha disaster, will the right hon. Gentleman please tell the House when the industrial strategy will replace the tens of thousands of jobs that are set to be lost in the North sea on his watch? Many jobs have already been lost due to industry transition.
Context
The MP references the 37th anniversary of the Piper Alpha disaster, an incident that claimed many lives in Scotland's oil and gas industry.
Ian Murray (Secretary of State for Scotland)
I join the hon. Gentleman in paying respects on the 37th anniversary of the Piper Alpha disaster, which left an indelible scar on Scotland but also catalysed safety improvements. The North sea transition consultation has closed and sets out a pathway to a just transition that protects jobs. We aim to get to clean power by 2030, securing future jobs and careers.
Session: Industrial Strategy Impact on Scotland
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We welcome new jobs when they are created, but will the Minister acknowledge the destructive impact her Government’s policies have on jobs in oil and gas in the North Sea? In my constituency of Westhill, I met workers terrified for their future due to job losses from the supply chain. Robert Gordon University estimates 400 job losses every two weeks; Offshore Energies UK predicts up to 42,000 job losses by July 2024 unless there is significant policy change. The Just Transition Commission warns of 120,000 potential job losses by 2030.
Context
The Conservative Member highlighted job losses due to the slowdown in offshore wind deployment and steep decline in oil and gas activity.
Sarah Jones (The Minister of State, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Under the previous Government, we lost 70,000 jobs in oil and gas industry and over 1,000 in ceramics. We only produced 30% of steel needed domestically; chemicals declined by 30%. The Conservatives’ record is shocking. We are transitioning people from oil and gas to renewables through our passport system; developing a workforce plan for hundreds of thousands of future jobs.
Session: Clean Power Industries Jobs
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In the dim and distant past, in 2023, the Secretary of State described the Rosebank oilfield as “a colossal waste of taxpayer money and climate vandalism”. Does he still agree with that?
Context
In the past, the Secretary of State described the Rosebank oilfield application as a colossal waste of taxpayer money and climate vandalism.
Ed Miliband
As with any application, there is a process that my Department will go through. We will look at any application in a fair and objective way.
Session: Topical Questions
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For years, there has been under-investment in Scotland’s roads. The A9, A96, A77 and A75 are all in dire need of upgrading or dualling; work on all of them has been delayed or even cancelled by the SNP. In the spirit of improving economic co-operation between the nations of the UK, and specifically between Scotland and Northern Ireland, and given how vital the A77 and A75 are to individuals, businesses and hauliers, will the Minister seek the ringfencing of the Barnett consequentials that will arise as a result of this morning’s announcement by the Chancellor, so that the SNP must spend that money on improving roads in Scotland?
Context
The MP calls for the ringfencing of Barnett consequentials to improve Scotland's roads, emphasizing the importance of the A77 and A75 for individuals, businesses, and hauliers.
Kirsty McNeill
We are in conversation with all the relevant parties, but yes, we would like an increase in trade, and in the transport infrastructure that supports it.
Session: Economic Co-operation Scotland and Northern Ireland
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When GB Energy was first proposed, we were told it would employ 1,000 people and create 650,000 jobs. Fast-forward to February this year and that number has been revised down to 200 to 300, with a vague commitment to 1,000 at some point in the next 20 years. As the general secretary of the GMB said yesterday, “they are going to open a shiny new office…on a high street full of charity shops because they are closing” the city of Aberdeen down. GB Energy is a white elephant. If the GMB can see it, why cannot the Minister? Surely he agrees that the way to deliver jobs, growth and energy security and to protect communities such as Aberdeen is to lift the ban on licences, replace the energy profits levy as soon as possible and declare the North sea open for business.
Context
Andrew Bowie raises concerns about the revised employment forecasts for Great British Energy, citing a criticism from the GMB union.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Michael Shanks)
I am not quite sure which one of the variety of parts in that speech the hon. Gentleman would like me to respond to. As usual, he steamrolls through his question faster than he ran the marathon— I congratulate him on that. He happens to be the only person in Aberdeenshire who is against investment in his community. When Labour Members voted to deliver investment through Great British Energy—not through jobs in the headquarters but through the investment it makes in supply chains and innovation in his city—he voted against it, and he will have to answer to his constituents for that.
Session: Great British Energy
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The shadow Minister questions the effectiveness of the Government's approach, suggesting that it is inadequate and unworkable. He cites a report from the Tony Blair Institute which states that the strategy is ‘doomed to fail’. The Secretary of State agrees with parts of the report but not its overall conclusion.
Context
A report by the Tony Blair Institute suggests that current strategies based on phasing out fossil fuels in the short term or limiting consumption are doomed to fail.
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)
That is not what the report says. The shadow Minister is talking absolute nonsense.
Session: Topical Questions
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Among the more eyewatering recommendations was the figure put on the cost of meeting the obligations: £319 billion over the next 15 years. Frontloading that will be a net cost to industry every year until 2050. Is that exorbitant cost the reason that he cancelled his Department’s review, commissioned by his predecessor, into the whole-systems cost of net zero?
Context
The Climate Change Committee published carbon budget 7 with recommendations that include a cost of £319 billion over the next 15 years. The questioner suggests this is why the Secretary of State cancelled his Department’s review.
Ed Miliband
I deeply regret the direction in which the hon. Gentleman is going. The Climate Change Committee does incredibly important work. We will look at CB7, but the biggest cost we face as a country is if we do not act on the climate crisis. That is what would leave hundreds of billions of pounds of costs to future generations.
Session: Topical Questions
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It was refreshing yesterday to have some clarity on Great British Energy’s plans, not from the Secretary of State or from Ministers—that would be asking far too much—but from the Manchester-based chairman of the Aberdeen-based company, Juergen Maier. He stated that cutting energy bills is a “very long-term project”—not £300 by the next election, then—and that the Aberdeen headquarters, if we can call it that, will employ only 200 to 300 people, far from the 1,000 initially promised, although that may come in 20 years’ time. On behalf of the tens of thousands of energy workers worried for their future, and indeed the millions watching their energy bills rise yet again, can I ask the Minister whether he agrees with the now very interim chairman?
Context
Mr Bowie questions the credibility of Great British Energy's promises.
Michael Shanks
The shadow Minister must be the only Member of Parliament representing Aberdeenshire who is against investment in Aberdeenshire. He will have to explain to his constituents and businesses right across his community why he stands up and opposes investment in his constituency. Of course, in doing so, he misunderstands the role that Great British Energy will play; the key point of it is that it will invest £8.3 billion over the lifetime of this Parliament in clean power projects right across the country, helping to unlock private sector investment and create supply chains in this country. The shadow Minister has now turned his face against all of those jobs that will be created in Aberdeen, which is a question he will have to answer for his constituents.
Session: Great British Energy Regional Offices
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It was us in government who bought the Wylfa and Oldbury sites from Hitachi, giving much-needed certainty to the workforce and local communities on both sites. Is it still the Government's intention to reach 24 GW of nuclear power by 2050? Does the Secretary of State acknowledge that this is impossible without another gigawatt-scale reactor?
Context
The Government bought the Wylfa and Oldbury sites from Hitachi last year, giving certainty to workforce and communities. Is it still the intention to reach 24 GW of nuclear power by 2050?
Ed Miliband
The hon. Gentleman's story about Wylfa says it all. He says his Government had this great plan for Wylfa, but they had no money behind it.
Session: Energy Security
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In the clean power 2030 document, no date is specified for the final investment decision on Sizewell, no date is specified for completion of the down-selection SMR process. Is it any wonder that the nuclear industry suspects this Government are not serious about nuclear?
Context
The clean power document published states final decisions on Sizewell C and the Great British Nuclear-led Small Modular Reactor programme, but no dates are specified.
Ed Miliband
I find the hon. Gentleman quite extraordinary, and not in a good way. The last Government left not only a generalised absolute mess in the public finances, but lots of the programmes that he is talking about were not even funded.
Session: Energy Security
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I would take the right hon. Gentleman's responses more seriously if we did not all see, and indeed have just heard, how damaging his Government's actions are for the Scottish economy—national insurance increases and punitive tax rises on our most successful industries, putting at risk the future of family farms and the rural economy.
Context
The question was prompted by concerns over national insurance increases and tax rises affecting successful industries, family farms, and the rural economy. The Scottish Government's budget announcement was imminent.
Ian Murray
I will be corrected if I am wrong, but I think the hon. Gentleman backed former Prime Minister Liz Truss, who, when she was Prime Minister, crashed the economy and left a £22 billion black hole—[Interruption.] The hon. Gentleman shakes his head and says that he did not, but he walked through the Lobby with her when she did those things in her Budget. He did back former Prime Minister Liz Truss. We will take no lectures from the Opposition on how to run the economy or back business.
Session: Economic Growth
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From which sector does he think this mythical growth will come?
Context
The MP cites negative feedback from various sectors regarding the Government's Budget.
Ian Murray
Unlike the hon. Member for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine (Andrew Bowie), I have actually run my own business, so I know that running a business needs stability, credibility and confidence. The previous Government crashed the economy, leaving it in tatters, and left business confidence at a record low. We are investing for the future, and businesses back that.
Session: Economic Growth
View All Questions -->
May I echo the Minister's words about her predecessor—and indeed my own predecessor as shadow Secretary of State—and the work that he has done? One of the last Government's decisions was halving air passenger duty (APD), which led to cheaper flights and increased routes across the UK. With airlines already cutting back on routes due to this government's decision to increase APD, people living outside London face higher fares and fewer travel options. How can the Government support better transport connectivity in these areas?
Context
The last government, led by Conservatives, reduced Air Passenger Duty (APD), which resulted in cheaper flights and additional routes. However, the new Labour Government has reinstated higher APD rates, leading to airlines cutting back on routes.
Kirsty McNeill
As the hon. Gentleman will know, we face a climate emergency and an economic emergency of his Government's own making. We were faced with a £22 billion black hole in our first few months in government due to Treasury reserves being spent three times over. Tough choices have been made to deal with this economic inheritance.
Session: Transport Connectivity
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Photographic Reconnaissance Unit: National Memorial
09 November 2021
Responding: Leo Docherty
Main Concerns
["The MP expresses concern about the lack of recognition for the Royal Air Force's Photographic Reconnaissance Unit (PRU), highlighting the bravery, heroism, and sacrifices made by PRU members during World War II. He mentions that only 29% of the identified 1,287 men who flew operational photo reconnaissance sorties have been confirmed to have survived the war, with 12% still missing without known graves. The high death rate and critical intelligence gathered by PRU are emphasised."]
Specific Asks
['The MP requests that the Minister meets with the campaign for a national memorial to the Photographic Reconnaissance Unit (PRU) and supports efforts to establish such a memorial in an appropriate location in London.']
Processed Russian Oil Products: Sanctions
20 May 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Energy Security
19 May 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Criticises the Government's energy policy, particularly the ban on new oil and gas licences. Emphasises the negative impact of these policies on Aberdeen, the North East of Scotland, and UK economic s...
Opposition Day
24 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Heating Oil Support
16 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Maritime Activities) Order 2026 2026-02-03
03 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The UK ETS was established under the Climate Change Act 2008 to contribute to emissions reduction targets. The amendment expands the scheme to cover maritime activities, requiring operators to monitor...
Warm Homes Plan 2026-01-21
21 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
INEOS Chemicals Grangemouth 2025-12-17
17 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
St Andrew’s Day and Scottish Affairs 2025-12-11
11 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The hon. Member for Dunfermline and Dollar began by noting the importance of St Andrew’s Day, celebrating Scotland's connection to its patron saint and the qualities that define Scottish society: a ge...
ExxonMobil Mossmorran 2025-11-18
18 November 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Energy 2025-11-12
12 November 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The House calls on the Government to introduce a plan for cheap power by cutting public expenditure, removing the Carbon Tax from electricity generation and ending Renewable Obligation subsidies. The ...
Attendance
60.2%
50 of 83 votes
Aye Votes
28
33.7% of votes
No Votes
22
26.5% of votes
Abstentions
33
39.8% of votes
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
03 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Medical Devices (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 294
Noes: 108
Passed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 9
Ayes: 91
Noes: 378
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 2
Ayes: 61
Noes: 311
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 1
Ayes: 88
Noes: 310
Failed
21 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 191
Noes: 326
Failed
21 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 195
Noes: 317
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial...
Ayes: 373
Noes: 106
Passed
20 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 185
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Sentencing Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 7
Ayes: 319
Noes: 127
Passed
20 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 344
Noes: 182
Passed
20 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 184
Passed
5
PMQs Asked
96
Ministerial Questions Asked
114
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
7
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
83
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+36% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+603% above average
This MP:
96
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2255% above average
This MP:
114
Average:
4.8
Statements / Bills Proposed
-26% below average
This MP:
7
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.4
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-13% below average
This MP:
60.2
Average:
69.5
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Andrew Bowie's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.