Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Offshore Wind Sector

Tuesday 28 November 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Kenny MacAskill raised concerns about the exploitation of workers in the offshore wind sector, including UK seafarers being replaced by low-wage migrant labour.
  • The Government expressed shared concerns about preventing exploitation and ensuring well-paid jobs in the offshore wind sector.
  • Tim Loughton questioned how to coordinate between new offshore wind farms and marine archaeologists to protect cultural assets like wrecks under the Protection of Wrecks Act.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kenny MacAskill
Employment Energy
Context

The MP is concerned about UK seafarers being laid off and replaced by low-wage, exploited migrant labour in the offshore wind industry. The risk of exploitation extends to workers beyond the 12-mile territorial limit.

Question

We have seen the situation where UK seafarers working in the offshore wind sector are being laid off to be replaced by low-wage, exploited migrant labour. With the sector's growth and increasing need for long-term accommodation, there is a risk of exploitation for workers not just on supply ships but throughout the sector. Will the Minister work with Cabinet colleagues to ensure that the national minimum wage applies beyond the 12-mile territorial limit?

Answer from Graham Stuart

The hon. Gentleman's concerns about exploitation and ensuring good, well-paid jobs are shared by the Government. We will continue to work together to develop opportunities without exploitation onshore or offshore.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to specific action regarding national minimum wage beyond territorial limit

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Q2 Kenny MacAskill
Migrants & Borders Employment Energy
Context

The MP is concerned about UK seafarers being laid off and replaced by low-wage, exploited migrant labour in the offshore wind industry. The risk of exploitation extends to workers beyond the 12-mile territorial limit.

Question

Jobs for whom? We have seen the situation where UK seafarers working in the offshore wind sector are being laid off to be replaced by low-wage, exploited migrant labour. With the sector's growth and increasing need for long-term accommodation, there is a risk of exploitation for workers not just on supply ships but throughout the sector. Will the Minister work with Cabinet colleagues to ensure that the national minimum wage applies beyond the 12-mile territorial limit?

Answer from Graham Stuart

The hon. Gentleman's concerns about exploitation and ensuring good, well-paid jobs are shared by the Government. We will continue to work together to develop opportunities without exploitation onshore or offshore.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to specific action regarding national minimum wage beyond territorial limit

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Q3 Tim Loughton Con
Climate Culture, Media & Sport Environment
Context

The MP highlights the importance of protecting wrecks under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973, noting only 57 out of over 6000 wrecks are listed. He seeks co-ordination between new wind farms and marine archaeologists to balance cultural protection with climate change efforts.

Question

Offshore wind farms support workers in energy production, tourism, fishing, and leisure too. With the Protection of Wrecks Act marking its 50th anniversary and only 57 out of over 6000 wrecks listed, how can we co-ordinate between new wind farms and marine archaeologists to protect cultural assets while combating climate change?

Answer from Graham Stuart

The hon. Friend highlights an important point regarding existing assets like wrecks that have multiple uses which need understanding. We are working on a strategic, joined-up energy plan to ensure protection of interests such as wrecks, marine protected areas and others in an integrated manner.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to specific actions or timeline for coordination with DCMS

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