Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Tuesday 12 November 2024 · 25 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 4 Partly answered 16 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Budget was a major step forward, paving the way for investment in clean, home-grown power, creating jobs and delivering energy security.
  • We are looking to bring down standing charges and protect the most vulnerable people through measures set out in the Budget.
  • The Minister agrees that projects like those in the Severn estuary have transformative potential and should be prioritised by the government to promote domestic energy generation.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
Economy Energy
Context

The question follows the announcement of a significant budget and seeks clarity on departmental actions.

Question

Following the Budget being a major step forward, paving the way for investment in clean power, creating jobs, and delivering energy security; what statement will the Secretary make regarding his departmental responsibilities?

Answer from Sarah Jones

The Budget was a major step forward, paving the way for investment in clean, home-grown power, creating jobs and delivering energy security. Last week, the National Energy System Operator provided definitive evidence that our clean power mission is achievable and can give us greater energy security and lower energy costs.

Not addressed: The answer did not provide a statement on departmental responsibilities as requested.

How: Changed The Topic To General Benefits Of The Budget

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Q2 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
Energy
Context

The question arises from concerns about energy price rises, winter fuel payment cuts, higher standing charges, and lower temperatures affecting pensioners in Edinburgh West.

Question

Given the current issues facing my constituents such as rising prices, reduced payments, increased standing charges, and colder temperatures; what concrete steps will the Secretary of State take to work with Ofgem and energy companies for a fairer set of circumstances?

Answer from Sarah Jones

We are looking to bring down standing charges. The hon. Lady has mentioned a lot of cases where people are struggling; we appreciate that, and we are doing what we can. The Budget set out how we are going to protect the most vulnerable people and ensure that people are supported in the way they need to be.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer acknowledged the issues but did not provide concrete steps or timelines for action with Ofgem and energy companies.

How: Acknowledged Concerns Without Specifics

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Q3 Dan Aldridge Lab Weston-super-Mare
Climate Energy
Context

The question follows the announcement of a £1 billion investment in wind power, highlighting the potential of the Severn estuary for renewable energy.

Question

Following the announcement of £1 billion investment in wind power, does the Minister agree that projects like those in the Severn estuary have transformative potential and should be prioritised by the government to promote domestic energy generation?

Answer from Michael Shanks

My hon. Friend is right; there are good projects right across the country that we hope to invest in in the lead-up to delivering in 2030. The NESO report clearly set out that our aim is achievable.

Answered
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Q4 Claire Coutinho Con East Surrey
Climate
Context

The question addresses concerns about the UK's stringent carbon emission targets, their global impact, and reliance on imports from China.

Question

Given the Prime Minister's announcement of higher carbon emission targets despite contributing only 1% of global emissions, and with leaders of major emitters absent; does the Minister agree that this approach could lead to more sacrifice for British people without significant benefits?

Answer from Kerry McCarthy

I think the shadow Secretary of State needs to seek a debate if she wants to elaborate on these issues. Having attended COP last year as part of a cross-party delegation, I found it incredibly depressing to see the way the UK was received.

Not addressed: The question about targets and sacrifice was entirely avoided in favour of discussing perceptions at COP.

How: Suggested Seeking A Debate, Discussed Perception Issues

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Q5 Melanie Ward Lab Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy
Veterans
Context

The question arises from the return of £1 billion to former miners, seeking similar justice for members of the British coal staff superannuation scheme.

Question

Given the return of over £1 billion to former mineworkers; does the Minister have plans to deliver similar justice to 290 members of the British coal staff superannuation scheme in Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy?

Answer from Sarah Jones

I am proud that we have finally ended the injustice of the mineworkers' pension scheme. Miners across the country powered our economy for decades, working in the toughest environments; they should not have had to fight for so long for a fair pension.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide plans or commitments regarding BCSSS members specifically.

How: Acknowledged Past Injustice Without New Specifics

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Q6 Pippa Heylings Lib Dem South Cambridgeshire
Climate
Context

The question addresses concerns about global climate change efforts, especially in light of the US President-elect's stance and UK's role at COP29.

Question

Given the US President-elect's views on climate change as a hoax; does the Minister believe the UK must rebuild its leadership by getting back on track with its climate and nature targets?

Answer from Kerry McCarthy

I agree that it is now more important than ever that the UK shows global leadership, and that is exactly what the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary and the Energy Secretary are doing with their presence at COP today—I will be heading out there tomorrow.

Answered
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Q7 Steve Race Lab Exeter
Climate Energy
Context

The question praises Exeter's role in climate research and asks if the government's mission on clean power will position the UK as a leader in COP29.

Question

I am proud that Exeter is already a global leader in climate research. Does the Minister agree that this Government's mission on clean power will deliver lower bills, energy security, and allow this country to enter COP29 as a world leader?

Answer from Kerry McCarthy

As I have said, showing domestic leadership gives us the credibility to show international leadership too. We will be doing both.

Not addressed: The answer did not provide specifics on how the mission supports these goals.

How: Broad Statement About Credibility

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Q8 Lee Anderson Reform Ashfield
Climate Energy
Context

The question refers to the significant cost of importing wood from North America to supply Drax power station, which receives £2 million in daily subsidies. It highlights concerns about environmental impact.

Question

Forests in North America are being chopped down to supply wood to burn at Drax power station, at a cost of £2 million a day in subsidies, while pensioners will perish this winter. Does the Minister agree that it is time to end this net zero madness and admit that fossil fuels are “a gift of the God?”

Answer from Michael Shanks

It perhaps will not surprise the hon. Gentleman or the House that I am not going to agree with his final point. Net zero is incredibly important to deliver climate leadership, lower bills and the jobs of the future. But on biomass, we rightly expect full compliance with all regulatory obligations on biomass, and consumers rightly recognise the high standard of accountability from generators.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about ending net zero madness and fossil fuels being a gift was not addressed

How: Not Going To Agree With His Final Point

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Q9 Lee Pitcher Lab Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The question relates to nearly 1,500 constituents in the mineworkers' pension scheme who will benefit from an increase in their weekly pension due to a reserve being returned.

Question

In my constituency there are nearly 1,500 members of the mineworkers' pension scheme. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Minister on the superb decision made in the Budget to return the investment of the reserve to them. I understand that this will mean a 32% rise in their weekly pension. Can the Minister confirm that this is correct?

Answer from Sarah Jones

That is correct. It will mean, on average, an extra £29 a week, putting right a wrong that has persisted for far too long. Although the money is important and a key part of it, we have done the right thing—and about time too. Some 112,000 members across the country will benefit.

Answered
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Q10 Richard Fuller Con North Bedfordshire
Energy Environment
Context

The question addresses a serious incident where an explosion occurred after the striking of a gas field during the installation of a ground source heat pump, resulting in fatalities and evacuations.

Question

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for permitting me to raise this important constituency matter from the Back Benches. On 2 July this year, during the installation of a ground source heat pump in a constituent's back garden, a gas field was struck and gas was released. On 19 October there was an explosion, which resulted in the deaths of two of my constituents and the continuing evacuation of 50 households. Matters related to the period between 2 July and 19 October are subject to investigation. I am advised that this is the first such instance of gas being encountered, but given that ground source heat pumps are expected to play a significant role in decarbonising home heating, will the Minister undertake to review the regulations covering the installation of ground source heat pumps, and will she arrange a meeting for me with the relevant Minister to discuss these matters further?

Answer from Miatta Fahnbulleh

I am sorry to hear about the incident that the hon. Gentleman has raised. We absolutely need to ensure, as we roll out all low-carbon technology, that standards are at the highest level. I undertake to meet him to understand the specific circumstances and see what we can do in terms of reviewing regulation.

Partly answered

How: Understand The Specific Circumstances

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Q11 Adam Thompson Lab Erewash
Science & Technology
Context

The question discusses the Joint European Torus fusion experiment in Oxfordshire, which is being decommissioned as a new large experiment begins.

Question

The Joint European Torus fusion experiment in Oxfordshire has been delivering fantastic scientific results, standing at the forefront of UK science and the fusion experiment internationally. As JET begins to be decommissioned as we move forward to our next large experiment in Bassetlaw, can the Minister comment on how we will retain all the excellent science expertise that has been built up in JET over the past decade?

Answer from Kerry McCarthy

I got to see the JET project when I visited Culham. There is huge potential for a cluster there. Many more companies are being attracted to that sector. My hon. Friend is right that we need to maximise the skills that are there, but I am confident, having spoken to companies that have been attracted to Culham, and having spoken to international companies too, that we will continue to do so.

Partly answered

How: Huge Potential For A Cluster There, Many More Companies Are Being Attracted

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Q12 Helen Morgan Lib Dem North Shropshire
Energy Benefits & Welfare
Context

The question addresses pensioners in off-grid homes who are struggling to fill their heating tanks at the beginning of winter due to losing the winter fuel payment.

Question

Many homes in my constituency are off grid, which means that their owners have to fill up the tank at the beginning of winter to keep warm. The pensioners who have lost the winter fuel payment are struggling with that up-front amount. Will the Minister review the level at which the winter fuel payment is removed, because the most vulnerable are struggling?

Answer from Miatta Fahnbulleh

We are doing everything we can to help the households that will struggle with bills this winter. We have had a big push to increase the uptake of pension credit and we are working with energy suppliers to provide additional support this winter, alongside our warm home discount, which will provide a rebate of £150 to households in fuel poverty. We have also extended the household support fund.

How: We Are Doing Everything We Can

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Q13 Joe Powell Lab Kensington and Bayswater
Climate Foreign Affairs
Context

The question refers to Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, a London School of Economics academic who was detained in Azerbaijan for uncovering corruption in the fossil fuel industry.

Question

I have worked for many years with London School of Economics academic and UK resident Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, who has been arbitrarily detained in Azerbaijan since July 2023 for uncovering corruption in the fossil fuel industry, despite a severe medical condition. During COP29, will Ministers meet their Azerbaijani counterparts to urge them to drop the charges and to release him?

Answer from Kerry McCarthy

I understand that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Minister has raised the case with the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister and urged allowing Dr Ibadoghlu to travel overseas for specialist medical care if required. We will continue to use our diplomatic channels to raise our concerns about the protection of freedom and human rights in Azerbaijan, including for my hon. Friend's constituent.

Partly answered

How: Raised The Case, Diplomatic Channels

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Q14 Gareth Davies Con Grantham and Bourne
Energy
Context

The question challenges the government on its pre-election promise to reduce energy bills by £300.

Question

Conservative Members will never stop holding the Government to account for their pre-election promise to cut energy bills by £300. Have civil service officials conducted any modelling whatsoever that can legitimise that figure?

Answer from Michael Shanks

We arrived at the figure through independent analysis. We stand by the reality that the only way to bring down bills is to commit to our 2030 target. The National Energy System Operator backs that, but the Conservative party fails to support that action. The hon. Member therefore must explain what the Conservative plan is for reducing bills for people who are paying more than they have ever paid.

Partly answered

How: Stand By The Reality

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Q15 Tim Roca Lab Macclesfield
Climate Energy
Context

The question discusses Great British Energy's potential investment in community energy projects.

Question

My constituents understand that tackling the climate crisis and getting lower bills go hand in hand, and they are excited about Great British Energy. Will GBE invest in community energy projects in places such as Macclesfield?

Answer from Michael Shanks

My hon. Friend is right to make a point about community energy. The local power plan that we are committed to will deliver community energy projects throughout Great Britain. I am sure that Macclesfield has some fantastic projects that Great British Energy will look at. We want to unleash the potential of community energy across the country.

Partly answered

How: Right To Make A Point, Fantastic Projects

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Q16 Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire
Energy
Context

Concern over National Grid's speculative plans for rebuilding the East Claydon substation, which are not based on actual consented schemes.

Question

I am concerned about National Grid's rationale for rebuilding East Claydon substation, which is based on speculative applications rather than consented real schemes. Will the Minister meet me to find a way to get National Grid more grounded in reality?

Answer from Michael Shanks

I am happy to look at specific cases, but the Secretary of State's role as final decision maker on some planning applications means that I cannot comment on them. However, generally speaking, the hon. Member makes an important point about looking at how we plan projects holistically throughout the country.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific meeting request

How: Cannot Comment On Specific Cases Due To Secretary Of State'S Role

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Q17 Richard Burgon Lab Leeds East
Climate
Context

Recent flooding in Spain highlights the urgency of addressing climate change through investment, which should be funded by polluting companies.

Question

The devastating scenes of flooding in Spain remind us all of why urgent investment is needed to deal with the deadly consequences of climate change. Does the Minister agree that this investment should be paid for by the polluting companies that have caused the climate crisis?

Answer from Kerry McCarthy

We hope that, at COP29 in the coming weeks, we can settle on a figure for a new ambitious goal which will bring in finance from donor countries and mobilise private sector finance. We want to ensure money is getting to developing countries as quickly as possible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Polluting companies funding the investment

How: Focus On Cop29

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Q18 Alison Bennett Lib Dem Mid Sussex
Energy
Context

Residents in Bolney and Twineham parishes are concerned about the adequacy of regulatory frameworks for battery energy storage solutions.

Question

My constituents in Bolney and Twineham parishes host the Rampion windfarm substation, leading to several battery energy storage solution applications. Can the Minister reassure them about the adequacy of the regulatory framework?

Answer from Michael Shanks

Batteries will play an important role in our energy mix, especially for short duration storage. We are continuing to look at whether the regulatory arrangements are sufficient and ensuring that all applications are safe projects.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific reassurance

How: Looking At Whether Regulations Are Sufficient

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Q19 Jayne Kirkham Labour (Co-op) Truro and Falmouth
Climate Energy
Context

A successful all-party group meeting discussed the potential of the Celtic sea in green energy transition.

Question

We had a very successful all-party group meeting last week on floating offshore wind in the Celtic sea. The Minister is supportive; will he consider mechanisms such as ringfencing contracts for difference and investment in ports to kickstart the investment in the Celtic sea?

Answer from Michael Shanks

My hon. Friend is right about the potential of the Celtic sea; I will be discussing this tomorrow at a green energy conference and we are looking to bring manufacturing jobs in the supply chain to this country, including through our clean industry bonus.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific mechanisms

How: Discussing Potential But Not Specific Mechanisms

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Q20 Alicia Kearns Con Rutland and Stamford
Energy Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The solar industry has been criticized for issues with supply chains, including Uyghur slave labour.

Question

The wind industry has agreed on a standard compensation package for rural communities. However, the solar industry is not addressing similar issues in its supply chain. Will the Government create a standardised compensation programme if the industry does not act?

Answer from Michael Shanks

We are currently looking at all options, particularly around community benefits to ensure they genuinely benefit communities. Following previous government consultations on whether such measures should be compulsory, we will consider this scale of impact.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Standardised compensation programme

How: Looking At All Options

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Q21 Rupa Huq Lab Ealing Central and Acton
Climate
Context

My constituent Konnie Huq has compiled a kids' climate guide with Arts Council and Lottery funding, including contributions from Jamie Oliver.

Question

Konnie Huq's kids' climate guide, funded by Arts Council and Lottery, includes contributions from Jamie Oliver. Will Ministers join forces to get this guide out to every school in the country?

Answer from Kerry McCarthy

I would be more than happy to meet my hon. Friend and her constituent to discuss how we can support climate education among children, including in our schools.

Answered
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Q22 Patrick Spencer Con Central Suffolk and North Ipswich
Transport
Context

Concern over National Grid's lack of progress in defining community benefit schemes.

Question

I communicated my concerns about the Norwich to Tilbury line with National Grid yesterday, and they mentioned that the Government are dragging their feet. Can the Minister update on when guidance will be brought forward?

Answer from Michael Shanks

In four months we have moved quickly as possible on defining community benefit schemes for network infrastructure and generation projects; the previous Government had 14 years to implement a scheme but did not.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Timelines for guidance

How: Comparison With Previous Government

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Q23 Perran Moon Lab Camborne and Redruth
Climate Energy
Context

Cornwall is a European powerhouse for critical minerals, including lithium essential for the transition away from fossil fuels.

Question

The industry calls for a target of 50,000 tonnes of lithium to support our transition away from fossil fuels. Will Ministers agree with this call?

Answer from Sarah Jones

I thank my hon. Friend for his question and look forward to meeting him shortly to discuss tin among other things; we are looking at our critical minerals strategy which has a big role in his constituency for lithium and tin, and will be pushing that as hard as we can.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Agreement with industry target

How: Looking Forward To Meeting, Discussing Critical Minerals Strategy

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Q24 Chris Law SNP Dundee Central
Economy Employment Energy
Context

Ahead of the general election, Labour was warned that its plans for North Sea operations could lead to up to 100,000 job losses in Scotland. Last week US firm Apache announced it would end all its UK operations by the end of 2029 due to the UK Government's Budget and tax regime.

Question

Ahead of the general election the Labour party was warned that its plans for the North sea in Scotland would lead to up to 100,000 Scottish job losses. Last week this became a reality when the US oil firm Apache said it would end all its operations in the North sea by the end of 2029 citing this UK Government's Budget and tax regime. Can the Minister explain why this UK Government sees the jobs and livelihoods of oil and gas workers in the north-east of Scotland as expendable?

Answer from Michael Shanks

I do not believe that at all. This Government are committed to a just and prosperous transition. The reality is that 100,000 jobs have been lost in the oil and gas industry in the past 10 years. If we do not recognise that there is a transition under way and put in place the measures to produce the jobs of the future, we will have more losses.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific commitment to address job losses and protect livelihoods was avoided.

How: This Government Are Committed To A Just And Prosperous Transition.

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Q25 Noah Law Lab St Austell and Newquay
Energy Business & Trade
Context

The questioner declares interest as chair of the all-party parliamentary group for critical minerals. Domestic supplies of copper and Cornish tin are critical to UK energy security.

Question

I declare an interest as a chair of the all-party parliamentary group for critical minerals. Domestic supplies of copper and, of course, Cornish tin are critical to the UK's energy security. What consideration has the Minister given to ensuring that copper and tin are recognised as critical minerals?

Answer from Sarah Jones

The process in terms of what is on the list of critical minerals is independent, but I have a strong interest, as does my hon. Friend, in ensuring that we produce as many critical minerals here as we can and that the supply chains around the world are working for us. I am looking at a critical minerals strategy, which will come forward in due course.

Not addressed: The specific consideration or action on recognizing copper and tin as critical minerals was avoided.

How: I Am Looking At A Critical Minerals Strategy, Which Will Come Forward In Due Course.

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