Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Net Zero

Tuesday 21 March 2023 · 8 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK has committed 30 billion for public investment towards the green industrial revolution.
  • The Treasury aims to maximize domestic energy production and ensure energy security through investment incentives.
  • The UK has contracted about 11 GW of clean power under the contracts for difference regime, sufficient for 12 million homes.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Stephen Morgan Lab Portsmouth South
Economy Climate
Context

No specific background provided in the exchange.

Question

What fiscal steps are being taken with Cabinet colleagues to support the economy in reaching net-zero carbon emissions?

Answer from James Cartlidge

At the spending review 2021, a total of £30 billion has been committed for public investment towards the green industrial revolution. Additional announcements include £6 billion for energy efficiency from 2025 and up to £20 billion for carbon capture, usage and storage.

Answered
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Q2 Catherine West Lab Hornsey and Friern Barnet
Energy
Context

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a report warning about irreversible levels of global heating, urging the Treasury to prioritize renewable investments.

Question

Why is the Treasury still giving energy companies an easy ride through lucrative loopholes in the energy windfall tax? The Treasury should be prioritising investments in renewables so that over time, our bills can come down.

Answer from James Cartlidge

The investment allowance in the windfall tax is not a loophole but an incentive for domestic energy production, aiming to maximise domestic production and ensure energy security.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address whether loopholes exist or if investments are being prioritised over renewables.

How: Maximising Domestic Energy Production

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Q3 Alex Cunningham Lab
Climate Energy
Context

The sector welcomed the announcement of £20 billion over 20 years for carbon capture, use and storage in the Budget.

Question

While welcoming the £20 billion investment, will the Minister confirm that the Teesside-Humber project will proceed and how additional clusters will be selected through the track-2 process?

Answer from James Cartlidge

Further details about the Teesside-Humber project will be announced soon, with a meeting scheduled for the Carbon Capture and Storage Association to discuss progress.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific confirmation or detailed selection criteria for additional clusters.

How: Details Announced Soon

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Q4 Jeff Smith Lab Manchester Withington
Economy Climate Energy
Context

The Inflation Reduction Act was mentioned as an example of what the US is doing, and concerns were raised about a lacklustre Budget.

Question

Why does the Chancellor not rewire local economies by backing Labour's policy for a national wealth fund to support half a million new jobs this decade?

Answer from James Cartlidge

The UK should be proud of its progress in green industry, with significant competitive advantages such as shallow North Sea for offshore wind. The focus is on building a strong future in green economy.

Not addressed: Did not address Labour's national wealth fund proposal or job creation initiatives directly.

How: Proud Of Progress, Green Industry Record

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Q5 Stephen Morgan Lab Portsmouth South
Economy Climate Energy
Context

The Institute of Directors warned that the UK might be left behind in the green economy race.

Question

After a lacklustre Budget, does the Minister agree with the warning from the Institute of Directors?

Answer from James Cartlidge

The UK has a strong record with 40% renewable electricity generation, compared to 20% in the US. Plans include £20 billion for carbon capture and storage and Great British Nuclear for energy security and green progress.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address if the UK is at risk of falling behind.

How: Strong Record, Green Future

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Q6 Richard Fuller Con North Bedfordshire
Climate Business & Trade
Context

The Conservative Government has led significant strides in harnessing the British economy for net zero, including COP26 and financial alliances.

Question

Will my hon. Friend work with British business to continue progress on net zero?

Answer from James Cartlidge

Close collaboration with investors and business includes initiatives like the contracts for difference regime, which contracted about 11 GW of clean power last July, enough for 12 million homes.

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Q7 Virginia Crosbie
Economy Wales Energy
Context

Ynys Môn, known as energy island, has various renewable sources. A campaign for Anglesey to be a freeport aims to boost the economy.

Question

Does it feel like early spring in the Chancellor's garden regarding the Anglesey freeport bid?

Answer from James Cartlidge

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury is considering the proposition carefully, aiming for green job creation and investment across the UK, including Wales.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific timeline or progress update on Anglesey freeport proposal.

How: Careful Consideration

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Q8 Abena Oppong-Asare Lab Erith and Thamesmead
Climate
Context

The Institute of Directors warned the UK is falling behind in green economic leadership. The Confederation of British Industry stated that UK investment in green industries is five times less than Germany's.

Question

As my hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth South (Stephen Morgan) just said, the Institute of Directors has warned that 'the UK will find itself left behind in the accelerating race to lead the green economy.' The Confederation of British Industry says we are investing five times less in green industries than Germany—five times less. Meanwhile, the United Nations issues warnings of a climate disaster. Where is the urgency and action from the Conservatives to decarbonise our economy and win the global race for green jobs?

Answer from James Cartlidge

What the IOD actually said about the Budget was that it was 'hugely encouraging', and I strongly agree. We have an extraordinary track record—the fastest-falling emissions in the whole of the G7 and extraordinary success in offshore wind—but we want to go further. That is why we have announced £20 billion for carbon capture and storage, and we will soon announce many more positive measures.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about matching international investment levels was not addressed.

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