Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Onshore Wind Turbines 2025-10-14

2025-10-14

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Richard Quigley Lab
Isle of Wight West
▸ Context
The UK is committed to expanding its renewable energy capacity, and this requires significant investment in innovation. The Isle of Wight constituency has expertise in wind blade technology.
Mr Quigley noted the importance of growing wind energy manufacturing capacity and developing next-generation products in the UK to create jobs and maintain sovereign ownership of blade technology. He asked for assurance that the Government is providing funding to support these efforts.
The Minister for Energy (Michael Shanks)
Mr Shanks acknowledged Vestas's importance in the UK’s wind supply chain and noted that the Isle of Wight is a centre for wind blade manufacturing and research. He assured Mr Quigley that the Government was working with partners across departments on proposals, including an agreement between Vestas and the Government to support factory repurposing for making onshore wind blades, which would save 300 jobs.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Specific funding amounts or commitments were not provided; instead, general assurances of partnership and job preservation were given.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Harriet Cross Con
Gordon and Buchan
▸ Context
The Government's consultation on the future of energy in the North Sea closed in April, but the industry is awaiting a definitive response causing significant uncertainty for investment.
Harriet Cross mentioned that certainty is essential for all types of energy companies to plan and invest. She expressed concern about delays in publishing the outcome of the Government's consultation on the North Sea’s energy future, which closed almost six months ago.
The Minister for Energy (Michael Shanks)
Mr Shanks confirmed that they are currently analysing responses to the North Sea energy future consultation and will publish them as soon as possible. He acknowledged the importance of certainty but defended his party's stance by criticizing the Opposition’s approach in Aberdeen.
▸ Assessment & feedback
A specific date or timeframe was not provided for publishing the consultation outcome; instead, vague assurances were given about timelines and industry engagement.
Response accuracy