Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Energy Security: Gas Imports from Russia

Tuesday 4 July 2023 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ending Russian gas imports in April 2022 showed that Russian gas belongs in the past.
  • The Department emphasizes a balanced energy supply including renewables, nuclear power, and oil and gas licences to ensure energy security.
  • The Government has set up an energy taskforce to reduce energy demand and increase efficiency, while rejecting Labour's policy on energy imports.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Gagan Mohindra Con South West Hertfordshire
Energy
Context

The MP questions the impact of ending Russian gas imports.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the impact of ending gas imports from Russia on energy security?

Answer from Grant Shapps

Ending Russian imports in April 2022 showed that Russian gas belongs in the past. Our system was well supplied last winter by North sea gas and reliable imports, unlike Labour's energy surrender plan which would put us back at square one with despots like Putin.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific assessment of impact on energy security

How: Labour'S Energy Surrender Plan

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Gagan Mohindra Con South West Hertfordshire
Energy
Context

The MP seeks steps being taken by the Department to prevent future energy supply crises.

Question

Could he explain what steps his Department is taking to ensure that no country will ever be able to hold the UK to ransom through our energy supply?

Answer from Grant Shapps

It is about having a balanced energy supply, which means renewables, nuclear power, and yes, where necessary, oil and gas licences. Without them, household bills will go up due to reliance on unreliable sources like Putin's regime. This is Labour's policy.

Not addressed: Steps being taken by the Department

How: Labour'S Policy

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Caroline Lucas Green
Climate Energy
Context

The MP questions the effectiveness of expanding domestic oil and gas production in ensuring UK's energy security.

Question

A recent report shows that imports of gas will continue to rise significantly unless we tackle demand. New oil and gas licences simply will not deliver energy security as they cost taxpayers while being a disaster for climate change. Will the Government rule out new licences and commit instead to measures like home insulation, unblocking onshore wind, and solar installation?

Answer from Grant Shapps

From 14% of homes insulated under the previous Government to nearly 50% this year. An energy taskforce is set up to reduce usage and make it more efficient. However, the policy of importing all oil and gas without providing new licences is insane, putting Britain at risk of tyrants like Putin and doubling carbon use.

Not addressed: Commitment to ruling out new licences and alternative measures

How: Labour'S Policy

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)