Topical Questions 2023-05-23
2023-05-23
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
A discussion about the decommissioned nuclear site in Hartlepool.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that we need to seize the unique opportunity in Hartlepool by commissioning an advanced modular reactor for our soon-to-be decommissioned site, to secure jobs and skills and to make Teesside a world-leading area for green energy?
First, I am very pleased that the Hartlepool nuclear power station has had its lifetime extended to 2026. Secondly, my hon. Friend is absolutely right to be enthusiastic about advanced nuclear reactors and technologies, some of which have a little way to go yet, but they get full support from this Government, and we will support those coming into use when time allows.
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Assessment & feedback
The response did not give a clear yes or no regarding the proposal.
Hedging
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
A local energy company, Green Energy Together, was wound up leaving customers out of pocket.
The Minister may be aware of a company called Green Energy Together, used by authorities up and down the country who have paid significant deposits. The company was wound up yesterday, leaving thousands of people across the country, including dozens of my constituents, out of pocket. Will the Minister agree to meet me to discuss this urgent crisis, as many people face significant losses?
I thank the hon. Gentleman for bringing the matter to our attention. I would be very happy to meet him to discuss it.
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Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern about carbon leakage and the need for a CBAM.
There is no point reducing our emissions in the UK if we simply cause them to be produced elsewhere in the world by importing manufactured goods, often from countries where higher emissions may be embodied. A carbon border adjustment mechanism can allow for that, although here in the UK we are behind Europe, which already has a CBAM in place. What progress is being made to develop and implement a CBAM to address the risks of carbon leakage?
On 30 March the Government launched a consultation to explore potential measures on carbon leakage, including a carbon border adjustment mechanism, mandatory product standards and measures to grow the market for low-carbon products. The consultation closes on 22 June and I hope my hon. Friend will consider contributing to it. It is worth noting that full implementation of the EU CBAM will not begin until 2026.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer provided timeline details but did not give specific commitments or action plan.
Hedging
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
A business, Tinmasters, was deemed ineligible for the energy bills discount scheme due to its contract status.
Tinmasters, an energy-intensive business in my constituency, was told it was not eligible for the energy bills discount scheme because it fixed its existing contract before December 2021. It has since had to sign a “blend and extend” contract, as it was the only option for survival. The Minister has spoken with me, but can she tell me what her Government are doing to ensure that suppliers who offer blend and extend contracts are being fair to their customers and how the Government can support those businesses not eligible for support because of an arbitrary date?
I thank the hon. Lady for the meeting we had to discuss the matter, which we are looking into. We must recognise that it is the suppliers and consumers who have entered into a contract. However, my strongest encouragement to suppliers is that they do all they can, and blend and extend is certainly one of the ways we can help on that.
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Assessment & feedback
The response avoided specific commitments or actions by stating it was an issue between suppliers and consumers.
Hedging
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
A discussion about the need to accelerate REMA review for faster and cheaper bill reduction.
Does the Minister agree that rewiring energy markets through REMA, the review of electricity market arrangements, is the fastest and cheapest way to cut bills by uncoupling them from gas prices? Does he therefore agree that we should speed up and that bill payers would be best served by a Government White Paper on that before the summer recess?
I thank my hon. Friend for separately sharing his detailed thoughts on REMA and its reform. This is a complex area with multiple interrelated mechanisms; it requires careful consideration to unlock the £280 billion or perhaps £400 billion of investment in generation and flexible assets that could be needed by 2035. While I share his impatience and desire to move fast, it is more important still that we get it right. I aim to publish a second REMA consultation in the autumn, which will narrow the options for reform and detail the direction of travel.
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Assessment & feedback
The response did not give full commitment on speeding up REMA review.
Hedging
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern about Ofgem's stance on meeting net zero targets.
Directors at Ofgem are on the record as saying they are already doing everything that needs to be done to meet the country's net zero targets. I do not know anyone outside Ofgem who sees that as anything other than dangerously complacent. Is it not now time for the Minister to give a direct mandate to Ofgem to include meeting net zero as part of its remit?
The Government have published a draft strategy and policy statement for energy policy that makes clear Ofgem's role in promoting the UK's net zero targets. However, we are considering the effect of an amendment made in the House of Lords to the Energy Bill currently going through this place on Ofgem's statutory duties in relation to net zero.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide a clear mandate or commitment from Ofgem.
Hedging
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
A discussion about the potential of nuclear projects in Wylfa.
Does the Minister agree that the way to get cheaper nuclear projects and cheaper electricity overall is to build a fleet of new nuclear reactors, starting at Wylfa in my constituency of Ynys Môn?
Yes, the Government agree that the way to cheaper energy bills and a more secure network is to build new nuclear projects. That is why we have launched Great British Nuclear, why we are working with communities and industry across the country, and why I would be delighted to visit Wylfa soon with my hon. Friend to see the potential that that site has to add to our energy security.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide specific commitments or actions regarding new nuclear reactors in Wylfa.
Hedging
Response accuracy
Q8
Direct Answer
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Context
Concern about the age limit on prepayment meter installations and its impact in areas with lower life expectancy.
Ofgem has stated that prepayment meters should not be fitted for anybody over the age of 85. In Glasgow, life expectancy is 76. Will the Minister look at increasing the range of people who are considered vulnerable under this?
The arrangements that we have for prepayment meters are incredibly important, and we are working closely with Ofgem to ensure that we tackle this issue. As always, I am happy to meet to discuss these issues.
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Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
Sainsbury's, Morrisons and Asda are charging more for road fuel in Peter Gibson's constituency than in neighbouring towns.
Sainsbury's, Morrisons and Asda are charging more for road fuel in my constituency than they are in neighbouring towns. Can my right hon. Friend explain what he is doing to help my hard-working constituents secure cheaper fuel?
We share my hon. Friend's concerns. That is why we asked the Competition and Markets Authority to investigate. It is doing an inquiry. It came up with an interim report in recent days, and it will come back with a full final report and recommendations for 7 July, addressing the very issue that my hon. Friend rightly brings to us.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions to help constituents secure cheaper fuel prices were not provided
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
The Aston Grange energy project in Mike Amesbury's constituency has been told it cannot connect to the grid until 14 years from now, in 2037.
The Aston Grange energy project in my constituency, which intends to provide solar, has been told it cannot connect to the grid until 14 years from now, in 2037. What decisive action are the Government taking to intervene and speed things up?
I have already set out exactly what the Government are doing. We are working with Ofgem and others. We commissioned Nick Winser to provide a report on how we can speed up connection times and build our network to the position it needs to be in, but I am happy to meet the hon. Gentleman to speak about the specific project he has raised.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific decisive actions were not provided, only an offer for a meeting was given
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
Wilkin & Sons in Priti Patel's constituency is facing significant increases in its energy costs as it is not eligible for the energy and trade intensive industries scheme.
The House will be familiar with Wilkin & Sons in my constituency, which makes world-famous jam that I am sure everyone in the House has enjoyed. However, it faces significant increases in its energy costs because it is not eligible for the energy and trade intensive industries scheme, as its industry classification is not within the scope of the scheme. The code is 10.3, and it is for processing and preserving fruit and veg. Will the Minister look into that? There is an open invitation to come up to Wilkin & Sons.
I thank my right hon. Friend for that invite, and I would be delighted to go if some of the product was on offer. We are constantly looking at the help we can give. We are giving help across all industries. We are giving universal help through the discount, and we are helping energy and trade intensive industries as well. The classification exists to ensure that we do not have a bias.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific commitment was made on looking into the classification issue
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
The SNP has been fighting for justice for victims of green deal mis-selling for seven years, and a successful recent test case is being appealed.
For seven long years, my SNP colleagues and I have fought for justice for victims of green deal mis-selling. A successful recent test case is now being appealed, and the resolution to this could take many more years. In the meantime, some of my constituents have died—most recently, a lovely woman by the name of May Young. We do not have to keep putting people through this; there is a political resolution. Will the Minister meet me to discuss that?
I thank the hon. Lady for her question and her years of effort to support constituents in this respect. I would be delighted to meet her.
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Assessment & feedback
No concrete actions or commitments were provided, only an offer for a meeting was given
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
There has been much discussion about green jobs, but stakeholders in renewable and low-carbon technology sectors mention the need for skills currently existing in the oil and gas industry.
There has been lots of talk in the Chamber today about green jobs. When I talk to stakeholders in the renewable and low-carbon technology sector, they talk about the need for electrical technicians, mechanical technicians, engineers, instrumentation engineers and all kinds of skills that currently exist in the oil and gas industry. Will my right hon. Friend join me in encouraging young people to consider a career in oil and gas, not just to meet the energy security demands of today but to develop the skills that will be much needed in the future?
When I recently visited Aberdeen, Inverness, Port of Nigg and Orkney in the constituency of the right hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr Carmichael), it struck me that nearly all—in fact, I think all—the companies I met were working across oil, gas and renewables. They are part of one system, whether it is fabrication, subsea engineering or any number of other things. In truth, our energy security is about oil, gas and renewables. We are reducing our use of fossil fuels, but producing it here at home is a noble career for people in my hon. Friend's constituency.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific encouragement to young people was provided
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
There will be extra checks on food coming into the UK from Europe, requiring additional cold storage capacity.
In a few months' time, there will be extra checks on food coming into the UK from Europe. That will require extra cold store capacity; it is being built, but the Cold Chain Federation tells me that there is a three-year to four-year wait for connection to the grid. What are the Government going to do to make sure those facilities are up and running in time?
Years of world-leading green investment has meant we have connected the second highest amount of renewable electricity in Europe since 2010. That has, of course, put pressure on the electricity network, and reducing connection timescales is a high priority for the Government, as I have already set out multiple times this afternoon.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions to ensure facilities connect on time were not provided
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q15
Partial Answer
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Context
A more rapid escalation towards net zero could be achieved by a significant increase in electric vehicle charging points, particularly in areas with few.
A more rapid escalation towards net zero could be achieved by a significant increase in electric vehicle charging points, particularly in areas where there are very few, such as Portstewart and East Londonderry in my constituency. What meetings will the Minister have, and what pressure will he apply, to try to ensure that there is a significant increase between now and 2030?
As a former Transport Secretary, I can inform the hon. Gentleman that the UK has more fast charging per mile of road than any other major European economy, but we are always pushing to go further. In particular, we have a very large programme working with local authorities to install more capacity, particularly for the harder-to-reach roads.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific meetings and pressures were not provided
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q16
Partial Answer
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Context
Many people receive their domestic energy on a commercial contract, and this Government lifted protections that support them.
At the moment, many people receive their domestic energy on a commercial contract, either via a landlord or because they live above a shop. This Government put in protections to support them, but they have now been lifted, and those people are of course ineligible for the Ofgem energy price cap. Will the Government review this situation to ensure those residential customers are treated with the residential protections they deserve?
This Government have a commitment to ensure that everybody is treated fairly, especially when it comes to the discounts and relief schemes. We have legislated to make sure that landlords pass on the payments they receive; if they do not, there is a way of redressing that by going through gov.uk.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific review was provided
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q17
Partial Answer
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Context
ChargePoint, a major UK charging network provider, is concerned about the Government's local EV infrastructure fund replicating past mistakes of installing charge points in inconvenient locations.
ChargePoint worries that the Government's local EV infrastructure fund will replicate past mistakes where electric charge points were installed in places used by non-electric vehicles, rendering them ineffective. Will the Government ensure the LEVI fund targets local authority assets like swimming pools and libraries to increase EV charging capacity?
The hon. Lady makes a good point about charge points being blocked by non-electric vehicles, making them useless for electric vehicles. The LEVI scheme aims to help many people and I will ask the Transport Secretary to look into her specific concern about blockages.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment on targeting local authority assets like swimming pools and libraries
Response accuracy
Q18
Partial Answer
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Context
A recent report commissioned by the Department for Transport indicates that private jet flights in the UK have a significant carbon footprint, comparable to 200,000 people taking a return flight to Hong Kong.
The carbon footprint of private jets is on par with 200,000 people flying to Hong Kong. The report calls for halving the number of such flights. Will the Secretary of State discuss this issue with his colleague the Foreign Secretary?
Private jets are in the news frequently, but to address the carbon footprint issue sustainably, we need to focus on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for the short term. The UK has set a leading target of 10% SAF in our energy mix by 2030.
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Assessment & feedback
Discussion with Foreign Secretary about reducing private jet flights
Changing Subject To Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Response accuracy
Q19
Partial Answer
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Context
Some 13,450 energy bill support scheme vouchers have gone unclaimed in the questioner's constituency. Many constituents have faced delays in obtaining these vouchers.
Approximately 13,450 energy bill support scheme vouchers remain unclaimed in my constituency due to delays experienced by constituents arguing with their energy companies. Will the Minister extend the redemption deadline from 30 June?
The hon. Member highlights an important issue and I emphasise that all vouchers must be cashed in by 30 June. However, I urge every Member to ensure their constituents who are on prepayment meters and have not used their vouchers do so.
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Assessment & feedback
Extending the redemption deadline beyond 30 June
Urging Mps To Encourage Constituents
Response accuracy