Topical Questions 2024-12-17

2024-12-17

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Charlie Dewhirst Con
Bridlington and The Wolds
Context
There is an inconsistency between what Ministers are saying about the NESO report and its actual findings.
There appears to be inconsistency between what Ministers are saying about the report by the National Energy System Operator and what the CEO of NESO told the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee last week. Can the Secretary of State answer this clearly: does the NESO report forecast higher or lower energy bills under his policy?
Page 77 of the NESO report says very clearly what happens to overall costs in the system: electricity costs are reduced by £10 per MWh. As NESO says, it is for Government to make policy choices that determine the precise impact on bills, but the report is clear that the system will be cheaper.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Direct Answer
Michelle Welsh Lab
Sherwood Forest
Context
The MP's constituency has the second highest number of members on the British Coal staff superannuation scheme, with over 1,000 members.
My constituency has the second highest number of members on the British Coal staff superannuation scheme in the country; we have more than 1,000 members. Does the Minister agree that we need to end the injustice for all former employees on that scheme? Will she visit my beautiful constituency to meet me and members of the scheme?
I would be very happy to meet my hon. Friend and members of the scheme. I met the trustees of the scheme yesterday, and I have committed to talking to the Treasury about their proposals.
Assessment & feedback
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Q3 Partial Answer
Claire Coutinho Con
East Surrey
Context
The MP is questioning the Government's North sea policy, citing industry figures that suggest it will cost £12 billion in lost tax receipts.
Labour's policy on the North sea will cost the country £12 billion in tax receipts, which would be enough to cover the winter fuel payment for many, many years. Pensioners will be in the cold this winter, and this is a policy that no other major economy is pursuing. How can the Government possibly justify it?
These are more fantasy numbers from the right hon. Lady. The truth is that the North sea has lost a third of its employment in the past decade. The only future for the North sea is in what this Government are doing: investing in carbon capture and storage, in offshore wind and in hydrogen.
Assessment & feedback
Labour's policy impact on pensioners
Fantasy Numbers Investing In Renewables
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Claire Coutinho Con
East Surrey
Context
The MP reiterates concerns about the loss of North sea tax receipts, additional costs for an unproductive energy company, and high targets.
That is not my figure; it is a figure from industry—£12 billion in lost North sea tax receipts, in addition to £8 billion for an energy company that will not generate energy, and at least £200 billion for a 2030 target that we now know will not cut bills. Is it not true that pensioners will be sitting in the cold this winter to pick up the bill for this Secretary of State?
The truth is that there is only one way to get bills down sustainably in this country, which is to drive towards clean energy. The Conservatives used to believe that, too; then, in September 2023, the former Prime Minister took them on an anti-net zero crusade, and it is only getting worse.
Assessment & feedback
Impact of North sea policies on pensioners
Clean Energy Anti-Net Zero
Response accuracy
Q5 Direct Answer
Kevin Bonavia Lab
Stevenage
Context
The MP welcomes the clean power plan and inquires about how Great British Energy will form part of it.
I welcome the clean power plan, which the Government published last week, which lays out the route to energy security and lower bills. Will my right hon. Friend provide more detail on how our new national champion, Great British Energy, which is backed by the overwhelming majority of the public in Stevenage and elsewhere, will form part of this new plan?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Great British Energy—headquartered in Aberdeen—is already up and running. Our plans for Great British Energy will be rolled out in the new year. Those plans include working with local communities for solar on schools and hospitals, so that we can start cutting bills for public services and local communities.
Assessment & feedback
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Q6 Partial Answer
Gagan Mohindra Con
South West Hertfordshire
Context
The MP criticises the Government for increasing spending on net zero projects while reducing winter fuel payments.
My constituents were promised £300 off their energy bills by the Labour Government. Instead, they are having to fork out additional money for Great British Energy and to pursue net zero, while the Government take the winter fuel payment away from millions of pensioners. How can the Secretary of State justify increasing spending on net zero projects while his Government let pensioners go cold this winter?
The truth is that there is only one way to get bills down sustainably in this country, which is to drive towards clean energy. The Conservatives used to believe that, too; then, in September 2023, the former Prime Minister took them on an anti-net zero crusade, and it is only getting worse.
Assessment & feedback
Increased net zero spending with reduced winter fuel payments
Clean Energy Anti-Net Zero
Response accuracy
Q7 Direct Answer
Sam Rushworth Lab
Bishop Auckland
Context
The MP's constituency has a high proportion of poorly insulated and off-grid homes, and they welcome the Government's commitment to a warm homes plan.
More than half the homes in my constituency have an energy performance rating of D or worse, and a quarter are off-grid, relying on more expensive fuels, so I welcome this Government's commitment to a warm homes plan. However, with a lot of rural homes poorly insulated and not suited to heat pumps, will the Secretary of State work with me on a tailored plan for colder, stone-built rural homes?
We are rolling out our warm homes plan, which we want every household to benefit from, and we will ensure that we have the right solution for the right homes. I will work with my hon. Friend and with Members from across the House on solutions that every household can benefit from, to ensure that we have warmer homes that are cheaper to run.
Assessment & feedback
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Q8 Partial Answer
Ben Spencer Con
Runnymede and Weybridge
Context
The MP questions the amount of petrochemical products from Russia entering the UK despite sanctions.
The spill of fuel oil in the Black sea from Russian tankers is yet another tragic reminder of the work that Russia is doing to subvert our sanctions. What is the Secretary of State's assessment of the amount of petrochemical products and their derivatives entering our economy from Russia today?
I will not answer the hon. Gentleman directly, but I will say that I am working with my colleagues across Government on this crucial issue. We will do everything we can to drive down Russia's benefits from its oil and gas industry, because that is a crucial part of the war effort to help Ukraine.
Assessment & feedback
Assessment of current imports
Crucial Issue Drive Down
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Matt Turmaine Lab
Watford
Context
Voters in Matt Turmaine's constituency chose a change from the previous Conservative government due to rising energy bills which contributed significantly to the cost of living crisis.
Sky-rocketing energy bills under the previous Conservative Government contributed to the cost of living crisis, and were one of the reasons that voters in my constituency chose change with Labour at the general election. Will the Secretary of State further outline what changes this Labour Government will make to deliver better value to my constituents?
My hon. Friend is right about this. We must not have short memories here, because the truth is that the cost of living crisis that we saw after Russia's invasion of Ukraine not only hit families and businesses across Britain, but continues to hit them today. That is why the drive for clean power is so important. Every solar panel we put up, every wind turbine we erect, and every piece of grid we build makes us more secure as a country.
Assessment & feedback
The answerer did not provide specific changes or policies to address the cost of living crisis related to energy bills.
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Seamus Logan SNP
Aberdeenshire North and Moray East
Context
The carbon capture scheme at St Fergus in north-east Scotland plays a critical role in the region's economic growth.
The Secretary of State will be well aware of the critical role that the carbon capture scheme at St Fergus will play in the economic growth and potential of north-east Scotland, so can he simply give us a timetable for when he will approve that scheme?
We will look at the scheme in the spending review. I believe that it is important not just to Scotland but to the whole UK, but I want to level with the hon. Gentleman and, indeed, the House: it requires significant financial resources. We found the resources for track 1 of carbon capture, usage and storage and we want to find the resources for track 2, but that, as I have said, will be part of the spending review.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific timetable, only mentioned it would be discussed in the spending review.
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Perran Moon Lab
Camborne and Redruth
Context
The Government's policy paper “Clean Power 2030 Action Plan” labels floating offshore wind as a key emerging technology.
In the Government's policy paper “Clean Power 2030 Action Plan”, floating offshore wind was labelled a key emerging technology, and developments were promised for future rounds of contracts for difference. Will the Minister please consider going further, and geographically ringfencing contracts for difference funding, to ensure that the massive potential of projects such as floating offshore wind in the Celtic sea is unlocked?
My hon. Friend is right to suggest that offshore wind, especially floating offshore wind, will play a critical role in our pathway to clean power. We will consider any option to ensure that we get many “test and demonstrate” projects through to delivery, and we will say more in coming weeks about what the next round of contracts for difference will look like.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to geographical ringfencing but stated they would consider it.
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Monica Harding Lib Dem
Esher and Walton
Context
Over 24,000 homes in the constituency have an energy performance certificate banding of D or worse, leading to avoidable carbon dioxide emissions.
More than 24,000 homes in my constituency have an energy performance certificate banding of D or worse, which means 50,000 tonnes of avoidable carbon dioxide emissions and higher energy bills for my constituents. However, the rate of insulation upgrades is too slow for us to meet the Government's goal of universal band C ratings by 2035. Will the Minister commit herself with more urgency to an emergency home insulation programme with targeted support for those on low incomes?
We recognise that not enough was done to upgrade homes over the last 15 years, which is why we are absolutely running at this. We will upgrade up to 300,000 homes this year, and we are putting in place our plan to drive up standards in the private rented sector, and to ensure that as many households as possible benefit from homes that are warmer and much, much cheaper to run.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to an emergency home insulation programme with targeted support for low-income households.
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Amanda Hack Lab
North West Leicestershire
Context
The constituency has seen strong growth in electric vehicle purchases, but only half as many public charging points per person as the national average.
In my constituency, there has been strong growth in the purchase of electric vehicles, but we have only half as many public charging points per person as the national average. How can we secure more charging points in public spaces in rural communities?
My hon. Friend makes an important point about rolling out charging infrastructure to all parts of the country, and we are working on that with colleagues in the Department for Transport. Local distribution networks in rural areas are incredibly important, and introducing greater access to the grid—including through Ofgem's approval of £22 billion to improve distribution networks—will enable us to roll out EV infrastructure in rural areas throughout the country.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific plan or timeline for securing more charging points.
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Richard Fuller Con
North Bedfordshire
This weekend, 50 households in Cleat Hill were able to return home, nine weeks after the gas explosion there. That was thanks to the efforts of the local council and the local emergency services but not, I am afraid, to the actions of the Government. There has been a deafening silence on whether they will help the council with funding, and whether they will fund a scaling and scoping of the gas reservoir. I am extremely grateful to the Minister for meeting me, but will she chivvy her other Ministers along, so that we can get a reply?
I thank the hon. Member for that meeting. We are working across Government to ensure that we can provide the support that the community requires after that tragic incident.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to providing specific funding or a timeline.
Response accuracy
Q15 Direct Answer
Tom Hayes Lab
Bournemouth East
I recently visited the zero-emission boiler manufacturer Tepeo in Wokingham. Its owners were thrilled by the Government's decision that heat batteries can qualify for the warm homes social housing fund wave 3, but expressed concern about whether they could scale up without the same subsidy support and VAT relief as heat pumps. Will the Minister meet me, and representatives of Thermal Storage UK, to discuss how we can support heat batteries, so that households can become more resilient?
My hon. Friend is a great champion of our clean power mission, and I would be very happy to meet him and representatives of the sector.
Assessment & feedback
null
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Q16 Partial Answer
Max Wilkinson Lib Dem
Cheltenham
Seventy-five per cent of voters think that all new homes should come with solar panels on the roof as standard. Do the Government agree?
I am very sympathetic towards this issue, and we are in discussions with our colleagues across Government. Watch this space.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a definitive stance or policy commitment on the matter.
Response accuracy
Q17 Direct Answer
Andrew Cooper Lab
Mid Cheshire
Cheshire is leading the way in CCUS, whether it is in hydrogen production, where it is providing the means of transition as a new industry is established, or in hard-to-abate sectors such as glass or cement production, where CCUS is a vital decarbonisation component. Our strategy is creating jobs, growing our skills base and unlocking a low-carbon future. Does the Minister agree that it will not be possible to get to net zero without CCUS?
That is absolutely right.
Assessment & feedback
null
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Q18 Partial Answer
Steve Barclay Con
North East Cambridgeshire
Context
The Grimsby to Walpole National Grid scheme plans to install pylons twice as tall as existing ones, affecting rural communities. The project aims to meet the government's 2030 target.
The right hon. Gentleman is concerned that the cost of building the grid should not disproportionately affect rural areas due to the taller pylons proposed for the Grimsby to Walpole scheme. He asks why this burden falls on these communities despite the potential benefits.
The truth is that we need to build the grid, regardless of whether the target is 1 year ahead or not. This Government are honest about needing the grid and its necessity for national energy security. Failing to build it would leave us vulnerable.
Assessment & feedback
The right hon. Gentleman's specific concern about disproportionate costs on rural communities was not addressed with concrete details or commitments.
Honesty Necessity
Response accuracy
Q19 Direct Answer
Bill Esterson Lab
Sefton Central
Context
Last year, the UK imported 43% of its energy. The question addresses benefits of reducing this reliance for bill payer protection and economic growth through exporting electricity and hydrogen.
The hon. Friend notes that last year, the UK imported 43% of its energy. He asks if the Secretary of State agrees on the potential for energy independence, reduced vulnerability to volatile international markets, and export opportunities from clean power initiatives.
The hon. Friend is right about this. It's about energy independence for Britain and becoming a clean energy superpower to export electricity and hydrogen, benefiting economically from such initiatives.
Assessment & feedback
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Q20 Partial Answer
Stephen Flynn SNP
Aberdeen South
Context
The Secretary of State mentioned that energy bills will fall by £300 by 2030. The question probes into the interim period where bills may rise due to transition costs.
The right hon. Gentleman asks how much energy bills are expected to increase before reaching their target reduction in 2030, given recent statements about future decreases.
The right hon. Gentleman is disappointed in his question, but the truth is that there's only one future for Britain: reducing bills through a clean power mission. We can carry on being vulnerable or with fossil fuels, left exposed to petrostates and dictators.
Assessment & feedback
The right hon. Gentleman's specific question about bill increases before 2030 was not directly addressed with a concrete projection.
Disappointment Vulnerability
Response accuracy
Q21 Direct Answer
Ian Lavery Lab
Blyth and Ashington
Context
The Lynemouth biomass power station has ambitious carbon capture projects awaiting crucial decisions from the Department. The station aims to decarbonise hard-to-decarbonise industries.
My constituency's Lynemouth biomass power station is pursuing significant carbon capture initiatives but awaits major departmental decisions. The hon. Friend asks for a meeting to address these urgent issues.
My hon. Friend is absolutely right, and I would be delighted to meet him; we can also talk about data centres at the same time. Carbon capture is crucial for decarbonising hard-to-decarbonise industries, bringing potential jobs as well.
Assessment & feedback
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Q22 Partial Answer
Claire Young Lib Dem
Thornbury and Yate
Context
Local further education colleges are pursuing partnerships to support the development of small modular reactors in Oldbury. The initiative aims to meet both opportunities and challenges.
The hon. Member asks if the Minister welcomes their proactive approach regarding SMR development in her constituency, inviting a joint meeting to better understand FE sector needs.
The hon. Member's plans are welcome, and I would be delighted to meet her to talk about them.
Assessment & feedback
No specific details or commitments were provided beyond a general willingness to discuss the matter.
Welcoming
Response accuracy
Q23 Direct Answer
Gareth Snell Lab Co-op
Stoke-on-Trent Central
Context
The ceramics industry in Stoke-on-Trent is concerned about benefiting from government investment and transitioning to net zero without being left behind.
What assurances can the Minister provide regarding energy-intensive industries such as ceramics in Stoke-on-Trent receiving necessary support during their transition to net zero?
The hon. Friend makes a good point, and we discussed this in the Tea Room today. I am committed to meeting him first thing next year to discuss challenges facing ceramics industries. We are fully supportive of these sectors.
Assessment & feedback
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Q24 Partial Answer
Carla Denyer Green
Bristol Central
Context
Thirteen oil and gas fields have been licensed for new drilling but await final approval. The project poses risks to meeting climate goals.
The hon. Member asks the Secretary of State about licences awaiting final approval for dangerous fossil fuels, urging him to ensure they will not be granted given the climate targets.
This Government take a world-leading position on oil and gas issues. We will do what is right for the environment, ensuring there's a just transition in the North Sea.
Assessment & feedback
The specific request for assurance against granting licenses was not directly addressed with concrete commitments.
World-Leading Position Just Transition
Response accuracy
Q25 Partial Answer
Grahame Morris Lab
Easington
Context
Justice has been delivered on mineworkers' pensions, but the British Coal staff superannuation scheme remains unresolved. The question seeks prompt action.
On behalf of constituents, he thanks the team for delivering justice on mineworkers' pensions and urges alacrity in addressing the British Coal staff superannuation scheme, inviting a look at energy pilots using mine water from abandoned workings.
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend, a brilliant campaigner for many years. My hon. Friend will hear what was said. This is delivering justice for mineworkers across the country as part of our mission.
Assessment & feedback
The specific requests were not addressed with concrete commitments or timelines.
Tribute Campaigner
Response accuracy