Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Transition to Net Zero

Wednesday 16 March 2022 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government's net zero strategy includes measures to support up to 90 billion of private investment and hundreds of thousands of well-paid jobs by 2030.
  • The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of a balanced energy approach, combining North Sea oil and gas with renewables for energy security.
  • The Secretary of State stated that ScotWind is a matter for the Scottish Government and assured that they will ensure no Russian money finances the successful contracts.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Dean Russell
Economy Climate Scotland
Context

The MP seeks clarity on the government's steps towards Scotland achieving a sustainable and green future. The context includes economic impacts, private investment, job creation, and environmental targets.

Question

What steps are being taken by the Government to support Scotland's transition to net zero? This involves leveraging private investment and creating well-paid jobs while addressing environmental goals.

Answer from Alister Jack

The Government's net zero strategy outlines a comprehensive set of measures to transition to a green and sustainable future, supporting hundreds of thousands of well-paid jobs and leveraging up to £90 billion of private investment by 2030 across the entire United Kingdom, including Scotland. All previously licensed fields such as Cambo are accounted for in projected production and estimated emissions.

Answered
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Q2 Dean Russell
Climate Energy
Context

The MP discusses initiatives with his “Dean's Green Team” in Watford aimed at greener economic growth. He enquires about the significance of the net zero strategy for ensuring energy security and emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts within the Union.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that the net zero strategy is even more important for energy security, and that we are stronger as a Union when we work together on these issues? He highlights his role in championing net zero policies.

Answer from Alister Jack

I agree with my hon. Friend, and I know he is a great champion of net zero policies. The Prime Minister has outlined that a balanced approach to energy is crucial, highlighting both North Sea oil and gas as well as renewables can guarantee a secure energy supply without relying on foreign imports.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answerer criticizes the SNP and Greens for opposing new oil and gas fields but does not directly address Dean Russell's specific ask about net zero strategy importance for energy security and Union collaboration.

How: Criticizing Opposition Parties

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Q3 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Climate Scotland Energy
Context

Concerns about ScotWind, the largest offshore wind project in the world, potentially involving Russian funding despite its importance for net zero emissions. The question arises from worries that Scottish wind power could indirectly support Putin's war efforts.

Question

Our journey to net zero is critical not only to saving the planet, but to weaning us off any reliance on Russian gas. ScotWind has huge potential, but we must live up to our values and ensure that no ill-gotten Russian money is part of its financing. Will the Secretary of State ask Scottish Ministers to conduct an audit of ScotWind?

Answer from Alister Jack

As the hon. Lady will know—she makes a fair point—ScotWind is a matter for the Scottish Government, but I am sure they will be doing all they can to ensure that no Russian money is financing any of the successful contracts.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask was not fully addressed; there was no commitment from the Secretary of State to request a review by Scottish Ministers.

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Q4 Stephen Flynn SNP Aberdeen South
Climate Scotland Energy
Context

The Secretary of State's Government faces criticism for failing to deliver carbon capture projects in Scotland, not matching funding for the just transition fund, and overseeing high electricity transmission costs compared to Europe. This raises concerns about their support for Scotland's renewable energy future.

Question

You have to admire the brass neck of the Secretary of State because it is his Government who failed to deliver carbon capture and underground storage in Scotland, did not match fund the just transition fund, and oversee Scotland paying the highest electricity transmission charges in Europe. When will he stop doffing his cap to Westminster and stand up for Scotland's renewable future?

Answer from Alister Jack

I agree with the hon. Gentleman on this point, and we have raised it many times with Ofgem, but it is an independent regulator, and it is looking again at transition charge reform.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask was not fully addressed; there was no commitment to take immediate action on the issues related to carbon capture projects and high transmission charges.

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