Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Transition from Fossil Fuels: Progress

Tuesday 2 June 2026 · 5 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 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The hon. Member Vikki Slade is concerned about the delay in Dorset's green energy initiatives and its economic impact.
  • The Minister responded to Vikki Slade's question about jet fuel shortages, stating flights are back to normal and there is no current issue with jet fuel in the UK.
  • Brian Leishman inquired about the environmental impact of importing fracked gas versus using North Sea gas, with the response noting the UK's reliance on imports and the need for future industry development.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Vikki Slade Lib Dem Mid Dorset and North Poole
Climate Energy
Context

Dorset's Clean Energy Super Cluster development is likely a decade away despite significant potential.

Question

What assessment has been made of progress transitioning from fossil fuels? Development for Dorset's green energy initiatives is delayed. Given that net zero industries deliver higher wages and productivity, is it an environmental and economic missed opportunity to delay development? Will the Minister review this personally and consider appointing a ministerial advocate?

Answer from Michael Shanks

The hon. Member is right to champion her local community, and I am happy to meet with those involved in the Dorset super cluster again because we see huge potential for clean energy transition across the country.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to reviewing delay or appointing a ministerial advocate not addressed

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Vikki Slade Lib Dem Mid Dorset and North Poole
Transport Energy
Context

Fuel shortages caused delays at Scottish airports. Loss of 2,822 jobs from Grangemouth oil refinery closure contributed to transport problems.

Question

What is the Government doing to stop jet fuel shortages happening again after yesterday's disruptions at Scottish airports due to driver shortage issues?

Answer from Michael Shanks

Flights are carrying on as normal now that driver disruption is resolved. There is not an issue with jet fuel in the UK, but past Governments failed to plan for Grangemouth's closure leading to job losses and transport problems.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No commitment to preventing future shortages

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Brian Leishman Lab Alloa and Grangemouth
Energy Environment
Context

The debate includes the long-term decline in North Sea oil extraction and reliance on imports.

Question

Which is better for the environment: importing fracked gas or using gas piped directly from the North Sea?

Answer from Michael Shanks

We are continuing to use the North sea but recognize long-term decline in extraction. The UK has been a net importer for over 20 years, and it is important to build future industries alongside retaining oil and gas.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No clear environmental assessment provided

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email
Q4 Claire Coutinho Con East Surrey
Climate Science & Technology Business & Trade
Context

Clean technology start-ups face funding issues in the scale-up phase. The net zero innovation portfolio was abolished, and the clean tech innovation challenge has not started.

Question

What is his Department doing to support clean tech start-ups given that funding for start-up and scale-up phases is falling off a cliff?

Answer from Michael Shanks

The UK has not been good at growing innovation and spin-outs from universities. We need to nurture them, invest in early stage development, and keep intellectual property here.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No concrete actions for supporting clean tech start-ups mentioned

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email
Q5 Edward Morello Lib Dem West Dorset
Climate Energy
Context

Progress on clean power mission is being assessed.

Question

What assessment has been made of the adequacy of progress in transitioning from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources?

Answer from Michael Shanks

We are making good progress towards targets with successful renewables auction securing power for 11 million homes and record-breaking solar installations. We see huge potential for the clean energy transition right across the country.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific assessment of adequacy or missed opportunity acknowledged

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email