Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects: Electric Lines

Tuesday 24 March 2026 · 2 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

  • The regime for implementing nationally significant infrastructure projects provides a clear consenting route but processes have been too slow.
  • Reforms are planned to support faster delivery while maintaining robustness.
  • The Minister cannot comment on a live application involving Bute Energy due to its ongoing nature.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Helen Morgan Lib Dem North Shropshire
Energy
Context

The process for implementing these projects is under scrutiny due to concerns about efficiency and transparency.

Question

What assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the process for implementing nationally significant infrastructure projects in relation to electric lines?

Answer from Michael Shanks

The regime provides a clear consenting route but processes have been too slow, and reforms are planned to support faster delivery while maintaining robustness.

Partly answered

How: Processes Have Been Too Slow But No Specifics On Reforms

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Q2 Helen Morgan Lib Dem North Shropshire
Energy Parliamentary Procedure
Context

Green GEN Cymru is in the process of securing planning consent for controversial power lines connecting Vyrnwy to Frankton, raising concerns about lack of infrastructure at Lower Frankton and perceived political influence.

Question

Given Bute Energy's links to Labour and National Grid's obligation to connect new infrastructure, how can the Minister reassure constituents that the process is fair?

Answer from Michael Shanks

Cannot comment on a live application. Met MPs to discuss this issue, looking at all available information, Ofgem regulates energy companies involved, unsure how question relates to planning application, will write more details.

Not addressed: Details about fairness and political influence in the process

How: Cannot Comment On Live Applications, Met Mps But No Specifics Provided

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