Topical Questions 2023-07-04
2023-07-04
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The context is the anniversary of Putin's invasion of Ukraine, impacting energy bills.
Next week marks the 500-day anniversary since Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine. Given this situation, will he make a statement on his departmental responsibilities?
Next week will mark the 500-day anniversary since Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine and began trying to blackmail the world on energy. As ever, Britain stood strong in the face of tyranny, and I am pleased to report that from Saturday just past, energy bills are falling by an average of 17% for households. We are committed to powering Britain from Britain, despite some alarming energy surrender plans coming from the Opposition.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked about making a statement on departmental responsibilities, but no specifics were provided in the response regarding this request.
Changed Subject To Energy Bills And Commitment Statements
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Climate Change Committee recently published a report criticizing the government's progress on carbon budgets.
The Climate Change Committee's report found that 33 policies are overdue under the Secretary of State's Department. He cannot blame anyone else. Will he now own up to the Government's appalling failure?
The actual data argues the opposite way. We have met all our carbon budgets to date. The Climate Change Committee last week said that the chances of reaching carbon budget 4 are “slightly increased”. We are confident of meeting it, and we have set out our plans for carbon budgets 5 and 6. I have to say that given that this country has the best record in the world among developed nations for getting carbon under control, it is surprising to hear the Opposition's view.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked about acknowledging government failures, but the answer focused on defending their track record and criticizing the opposition.
Changed Subject To Defending Carbon Budget Progress
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The domestic nuclear sector is struggling with recruitment and retention of nuclear engineers.
Our domestic nuclear sector and our military are struggling to recruit and retain enough nuclear engineers. What discussions is the Minister having with the sector and the Department for Education to create a long-term workforce plan?
Since day one, the skills challenges that we face have been a top priority for me, which is why my Department is working closely with the Ministry of Defence, the DFE and the sector to tackle them. With the employer-led Nuclear Skills Strategy Group, we have deployed a joint plan of skills actions to support the civil and defence programmes, but I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss that further.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked about specific discussions regarding workforce planning, but no concrete details were provided in the response.
Invited Follow-Up Meeting Instead Of Detailed Plan
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Climate Change Committee reported that the Government were off track on 41 out of 50 key targets.
Six days ago, the Climate Change Committee delivered its most scathing assessment in its history on the Government's record. It said we have gone backwards under the Secretary of State's watch. Who does he blame for this failure?
As has been discussed more than once in these questions and answers, we have taken this country from having only 7% renewable energy to over 40%. We have decarbonised faster than any other G7 nation and we are on track for carbon budget 4, having already overdelivered on carbon budgets 1, 2 and 3. Based on our record to date, we are doing a pretty good job.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked about blaming failures, but the answer focused on defending past achievements.
Changed Subject To Defending Carbon Budget Progress
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The Climate Change Committee reported that the government was off track on major climate targets.
That answer is total complacency from a Secretary of State who has just been proven to be failing on every major aspect of his agenda. That is why Lord Goldsmith resigned, and others have criticized him. Is not the truth now that even the Tories do not trust the Tories on the climate crisis?
This is one of the problems with not being prepared to follow the data, which shows us overdelivering on the commitments of carbon budgets 1, 2 and 3, and that we are more likely to meet carbon budget 4 than we were a year ago. If the right hon. Gentleman wants to ignore all that and still roll out his pre-written question, that is how we get to his conclusions. The truth is that the Government are delivering on the issues of climate change while protecting every single household in the country from Putin's tyranny. I am afraid that has already been surrendered by the right hon. Gentleman, who subscribes to the Just Stop Oil approach.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked about trust issues within the party regarding climate policy, but the answer criticized the opposition and changed subject.
Changed Subject To Defending Carbon Budget Progress
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The financial cost of reaching net zero is a concern for the UK.
What is the full financial cost to the United Kingdom of reaching net zero? If the UK reaches net zero, what difference will it make to global temperatures?
We estimate that the net cost excluding air quality and emissions-saving benefits will be equivalent to about 1% to 2% of GDP in 2050. As my hon. Friend knows, emissions are global, and we all need to play our part. The UK has a part to play in tandem with others, and that is why I will be working with other Ministers at the conference of the parties in Dubai.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for specific figures on net zero cost and impact on global temperatures, but no concrete details were provided.
Invited Further Discussion On Cop Conference
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The Climate Change Committee criticized the government's failure in energy efficiency measures.
The number of homes helped under the energy company obligation has fallen by half since 2021. Instead of complacent nonsense, will the Minister explain why this is happening and what he will do about it?
The hon. Gentleman is right to be frustrated about progress. But as the Secretary of State said, when the right hon. Member for Doncaster North (Edward Miliband), who is chuntering on the Front Bench, was in power, just 14% of homes were decently insulated; by the end of the year, it will be more than 50%. We have set up the energy efficiency taskforce because we want to go further and faster. We are determined to do more. We are spending £12.6 billion over this Parliament and the next, and—
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for a specific explanation of falling insulation numbers, but the answer compared progress with previous governments.
Changed Subject To Defending Past Achievements
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
Businesses in Keighley and Ilkley need additional support due to rising energy prices.
Many businesses across my constituency have contacted me about needing additional support for their energy prices. The Government have done a lot to help domestic users, but what more can be provided to small independent businesses?
My hon. Friend will be interested to hear that the Government provided more than £7.4 billion of support to businesses—more than £35 million a day—through the energy bill relief scheme last winter.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for additional support, but no new specifics were provided in the response.
Provided Past Figures Instead Of Current/New Measures
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
Mine water heating is an emerging low-carbon and efficient technology that could benefit deindustrialised areas like County Durham with high levels of fuel poverty.
Mine water heating is a promising technology for heating buildings in former mining regions. What forms of support does the Minister plan to offer? Will he meet me to discuss how this can be implemented in the north-east?
The Government are taking steps to support mine water heating technology, and I am willing to meet with the hon. Lady to further discuss this matter.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify any forms of support or concrete plans for implementation
Did Not Provide Specific Details On Support Measures
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
Northamptonshire has significant green renewable energy production. There is interest in the total output and breakdown by type for the most recent year.
What was the total renewable electricity generation output in Northamptonshire, and what is its breakdown by type? Are there plans to increase this further?
The total output of renewable electricity in north Northamptonshire was 362 GWh in 2021. I do not have the full data for 2022 at this time.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide 2022 figures or breakdown by type, and did not address plans to increase production
Did Not Provide Specific Details On Recent Data
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
The Secretary of State indicated a U-turn regarding the proposed hydrogen levy. Labour wants to confirm this change and understand how the Government plans to fund green hydrogen technology without impacting household energy bills.
Is it confirmed that there is a U-turn on the proposed hydrogen levy? How will investment in green hydrogen be funded, ensuring households are not burdened?
The Government welcome the hydrogen economy as crucial for storing power in heavy industry. We aim to support this sector while ensuring it does not affect people's energy costs, which have recently decreased due to winter support measures.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm U-turn on levy or detail funding mechanisms without impacting households
Did Not Specify Funding Mechanism
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner highlights the success of offshore wind through contracts for difference and seeks an update on how the Government plans to adapt this mechanism to enhance local employment opportunities.
Will the Government adapt the contracts for difference scheme to prioritize job creation in places like Lowestoft, and what strategic approach will be taken regarding infrastructure development?
We have recently completed a call for evidence on introducing non-price factors into the contracts for difference scheme, aiming to value more than just cost deployment. The Government want to maximize job creation in this country.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify adaptation details or infrastructure provision plans
Did Not Provide Specific Adaptation Plans
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
Lord Deben urges the Government to place climate change at the heart of its leadership. The questioner seeks clarification on whether the Government has sufficient strength to implement necessary policies.
Does the Minister share concerns about the Prime Minister and Government's ability to address climate change effectively? Will they ensure strong leadership in this area?
This Government have delivered over 43% renewable electricity and created a Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. We will not take lectures from Labour on combating climate change.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the question's concerns about leadership or strength of commitment to climate action
Criticized Labour
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner seeks information on Departmental initiatives to facilitate the import of green hydrogen feedstock, aiming to meet a 10 GW capacity goal by 2030.
What measures is the Department undertaking to support the importation of green hydrogen feedstock into the UK? Will this help achieve our 10 GW capacity target?
I am aware of proposals involving shipping and piping of hydrogen. I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss further steps we can take.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify measures or contribution towards capacity goal
Did Not Provide Specific Details On Measures
Response accuracy
Q15
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a significant CCUS development planned for Teesside. The questioner seeks confirmation of the project's finalization and concerns about BP's role in building CO2 collection pipework.
Can the Minister provide an update on the Teesside CCUS project? Why isn't BP being asked to build the CO2 collection pipework as originally planned?
We are progressing CCUS at top speed. The opportunity is enormous in areas such as the Tees, Humber, and north-west.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific update or clarification on BP's involvement
Did Not Address Specific Concerns
Response accuracy
Q16
Partial Answer
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Context
Cornwall's unique geology presents opportunities for geothermal energy projects, including by-products such as lithium and competitive strike prices.
Will the Secretary of State ensure that assessments factor in the benefits of geothermal energy, such as its competitive strike price and potential lithium by-product?
My right hon. Friend is correct about the opportunities of geothermal energy; it just received a potential allocation through the contracts for difference round.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm specific assessment factors or mention lithium by-product benefits
Did Not Specify Details On Assessments
Response accuracy
Q17
Partial Answer
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Context
Communities are concerned about a flawed consultation process by SSEN regarding the construction of a 400 kV line. The questioner seeks guidance on minimum consultation standards.
What are the minimum standards for consultations on major infrastructure projects like this one? Why won't Ofgem mandate community benefits?
I will write back to the hon. Gentleman with a more detailed response, as the development is actually in my hon. Friend's constituency.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide information on consultation standards or community benefit mandates
Deferred To Another Mp'S Constituency
Response accuracy
Q18
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about unlocking private sector capital for battery storage projects through grid access.
Unlocking access to the grid will unlock significant private sector capital ready to come in for microgeneration of battery storage projects. Can my hon. Friend give me an update on the timing for the Winser review and the Government's response to it?
The Government have received Nick Winser's review and it will be published imminently.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q19
Partial Answer
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Context
Following a debate on making heritage buildings more sustainable, the MP is pushing for greater flexibility in siting solar panels and other renewables.
Following a debate in Westminster Hall on making heritage buildings more sustainable, will the Secretary of State undertake to meet his colleague the Minister with responsibility for culture to push for the urgent revision of guidelines to allow greater flexibility in the siting of solar panels and other renewable installations on heritage buildings, in order to make them more environmentally sustainable and economically viable?
Speaking for myself, I would be delighted to have a meeting on that subject.
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Assessment & feedback
specific commitment to meet and revise guidelines
Speaking For Myself
Response accuracy
Q20
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the linkage between electricity price and gas, especially given the progress in renewable energy adoption.
At a time when the cost of generating electricity is falling thanks to the increasing use of renewables, my constituents do not understand why the price of electricity remains linked to the price of gas. I know that the Government are undertaking a review of electricity market arrangements. When might they expect to see a change?
My hon. Friend is quite right to ask that question. We would all like to see gas setting the price of electricity less frequently. That is why we are accelerating the take-up of renewables, which were so pitifully low in quantity when Labour was in power. We need a Conservative Government to keep up progress and lower bills right across the country.
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Assessment & feedback
timeline for changes
Accelerating Take-Up Of Renewables
Need For Conservative Government
Response accuracy
Q21
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is interested in the progress being made on small modular nuclear reactors.
The Secretary of State outlined the progress being made on small modular nuclear reactors. Can he provide an estimate of how many there might be within 10 years?
Great British Nuclear will be launched later in July. We will also be launching the draw-down selection process for which technologies we will invest in and support. I would be delighted to speak to the hon. Gentleman in more detail about that progress moving forward.
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Assessment & feedback
number of reactors by 2034
Launching Selection Process
Delighted To Discuss Further
Response accuracy
Q22
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the Minister's response regarding community energy projects.
I think my constituents, not least those who are part of the Glasgow Community Energy co-operative, will be disappointed with the Minister's answer to the right hon. Member for Exeter (Mr Bradshaw). The Minister is extremely familiar with the clauses that form part of the proposed community energy Bill. They are not acceptable as amendments to the Energy Bill before this House. Will the Government bring forward their own amendments, so that community energy groups can have the confidence they need to take forward their projects?
As I said, we are working with the sector and parliamentarians to find a way forward to further support community energy projects. As part of that, I would be delighted to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss it further.
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Assessment & feedback
bringing forward amendments
Delighted To Meet
Response accuracy