Topical Questions

Answer from Polly Billington

The fuel finder app is a good way to ensure transparency in the market. The Competition and Markets Authority found that the market works competitively. The government has frozen fuel duty, with diesel being £11 cheaper than it would have been under the previous government. The government is doing what it can to help motorists and ensure market transparency.

Answer from Martin McCluskey

The Wat Tyler pub should access the UK Business Climate Hub for advice on reducing energy costs and may be eligible for the boiler upgrade scheme, which offers a grant of up to £7,500 for installing a heat pump or other clean technology.

Answer from Miatta Fahnbulleh

The Falkland Islands is independent and self-governing, so the decision is not a matter for the UK government. The government will manage existing oil and gas fields in the UK and diversify the energy mix to include clean power and renewables.

Answer from Miatta Fahnbulleh

The government had no plan for oil and gas jobs under the previous government, resulting in the loss of 75,000 jobs. The government will have a plan for oil and gas workers in the country.

Answer from Michael Shanks

The installation of solar panels at these schools will reduce energy bills, allowing more money to be spent on frontline teaching. The young people are learning about renewable energy while bills go down.

Answer from Polly Billington

The Minister acknowledges the challenges faced by the Isle of Wight with the fuel finder app and emphasizes the need for transparency in ensuring the cheapest fuel is available in all communities. She also highlights the government's announcement on regulating heating oil to benefit off-grid communities.

Answer from Katie White

The Minister acknowledges the science regarding climate change and confirms that the government remains committed to the net zero goal. However, the answer does not provide a direct response to the specific question about the evidence of climate change from recent weather patterns.

Answer from Miatta Fahnbulleh

The Secretary of State acknowledges the impact of high energy prices and the need for action, but emphasizes the importance of diversifying the energy mix and reducing reliance on global fossil fuel markets. She does not directly address the question about reducing green taxes and levies.

Answer from Michael Shanks

The Minister acknowledges the previous government's target and the progress made towards decarbonisation. However, he does not provide a specific timeline or a clear announcement regarding the government's new target for decarbonising the grid.

Answer from Michael Shanks

The Minister acknowledges the importance of community energy and confirms that details will be forthcoming, but does not provide a specific timeline.

Answer from Miatta Fahnbulleh

The Minister agrees to meet with the constituent to discuss the solution and its potential role in meeting energy demand and net zero goals.

Answer from Polly Billington

The Minister acknowledges the importance of off-grid communities and highlights the allocation of £53 million to help vulnerable people across the UK, with £4.6 million allocated to the Scottish Government.

Answer from Martin McCluskey

The Minister acknowledges the eligibility of heat batteries for a £2,500 grant under the boiler upgrade scheme and notes that a Committee of the House will consider legislation for this on Wednesday. However, the Minister does not directly address the question about VAT relief.

Answer from Michael Shanks

We are looking at alternatives for decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors. The Peak Cluster is not a Government-backed project, and community engagement has been lacking. The scheme must ensure strong engagement and the project will be subject to a planning application.

Answer from Miatta Fahnbulleh

I cannot go into specifics due to legal reasons. Decisions will be made at pace, compatible with climate commitments. Constituents should hear that decisions will respect climate commitments.

Answer from Polly Billington

We are working with regulators and industry to ensure a proportionate regulatory regime and stronger protections for consumers. We will review industry practices, raise awareness of payment plans, and work with industry and consumer organisations to get this right for consumers.

Answer from Michael Shanks

As I have said in a number of answers, I cannot comment on the particular projects. On the general point, the very reason we are in this situation with these consents is that, because of the court judgment, we have to take into account the scope 3 emissions of these projects, which means there will be a full environmental assessment, and we have been very clear that that environmental assessment is critical in the consenting decisions that we will make in due course.

Answer from Michael Shanks

This is quite a change to the Conservatives' foreign policy if their position is now that we should interfere in the day-to-day decisions of the Falkland Islands Government. That was not their position when they were in government, and it is not the position of this Government.

Answer from Blair McDougall

I am the one who can organise something in a brewery, apparently! We hear lots of representations from hon. Members in support of small businesses, and we recognise the challenges that they face with their energy costs. Eligible small businesses are already benefiting from the VAT cut. On top of that, we will bring forward measures to deal with the third-party intermediaries who are often ripping off small businesses. As I said earlier, we are keen to go further, and I am working across both of my Departments towards that end.

Answer from Michael Shanks

I completely agree with the hon. Lady: Torness nuclear power station has been keeping the lights on in Scotland every single day of the week, and it is a disgrace that the Scottish Government are refusing to accept the critical role that that firm power plays in Scotland's system. There is absolute potential for new nuclear and for good jobs in every part of Scotland. I take every opportunity that I can to persuade SNP Members of the error of their ways, but since they do not even bother to turn up in this House, I am afraid I will have to continue that debate with Scottish Ministers.

Answer from Polly Billington

My hon. Friend is right that local authorities—in England, in particular—are the ones making the decisions about how they use the crisis and resilience fund money allocated to them in order to support heating-oil households. However, they should be on notice from us. If councils have been allocated money for their crisis and resilience fund in order to support vulnerable households that use heating oil, those councils should be creating criteria so that affected households can access the fund.

Answer from Michael Shanks

I appreciate the hon. Gentleman's engagement as we went through that process. As the House will remember, the insolvency was driven by decisions that the directors of the Prax Lindsey oil refinery had made at the time. The investigation into their actions continues. We tried everything we could to find a buyer. I am glad that Phillips 66, next door, has taken over the assets so that we can continue to make use of the site and to do everything we can to support the workers, who do an incredibly important job.

Answer from Michael Shanks

I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for all his work with the community in Coalsnaughton. I visited recently and met with householders, and they are going through a hellish situation that is not of their own making. The Mining Remediation Authority is working on a case-by-case basis with individual households to ensure a process is in place that works for individual households. We are limited by the legislation, but the UK Government have been clear that we will meet all the costs for those householders. I am happy to meet with him to discuss the issue further.