← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
Future of the Gas Grid
18 June 2025
Lead MP
Josh Newbury
Cannock Chase
Lab
Responding Minister
Michael Shanks
Tags
EmploymentClimate
Word Count: 13618
Other Contributors: 11
At a Glance
Josh Newbury raised concerns about future of the gas grid in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Calls for a substantial shift in cost barriers and clear focus on inequality in government policy. Suggests hybrid heat pump systems as an option to reduce gas demand while minimising impact on electricity grid.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Gas accounts for 40% of UK's total energy consumption and is vital for flexibility in renewable generation. Eighty-three per cent of homes rely on mains gas, with 95% of households in Cannock Chase on the grid. Six thousand four hundred sixty households in his constituency live in fuel poverty. Heat pumps are costly and only partially covered by government schemes, leading to decarbonisation inequality.
Andrew Pakes
Lab
Peterborough
Highlights the issue of decarbonisation inequality, noting that only 3% of boiler upgrade scheme grants went to Peterborough despite high fuel poverty rates. Acknowledged the importance of debates on energy security due to global uncertainties. Emphasised that UK's economy heavily relies on gas with over 30 large power stations, 24 million homes and half a million businesses connected. Advocated for clean power and government’s green ambition to create jobs and deliver long-term energy security.
Deirdre Costigan
Lab
Ealing Southall
Questions whether other technologies like heat batteries should be included in the boiler upgrade scheme and if current VAT situation is optimal.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
Discusses the competitive pricing issue in Northern Ireland's gas market and mentions the success of biomethane injection at Granville Ecopark, emphasizing the potential for significant reductions in CO2 emissions.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Welcomes the debate and highlights Northern Ireland's commitment to net zero emissions by 2050, mentioning Phoenix Gas' biomethane case and its potential to cut carbon emissions while creating jobs. Stressed the importance of working together within the UK despite differences in constitutional views.
Joe Morris
Lab
Hexham
Rural communities are often disconnected from essential energy infrastructure, leading to higher heating costs and less economic opportunity. The lack of gas grid access contributes to a sense of isolation and vulnerability.
Andrew Pakes
Asked about consultation on hydrogen blending in gas networks.
Nick Timothy
Con
West Suffolk
Agreed with the lead MP on the prohibitive cost of heat pumps and highlighted challenges faced by rural communities. Emphasised the importance of a national gas grid due to demand for gas, criticised the Climate Change Committee's proposal for no gas in heating homes.
South Cambridgeshire
Gas dependency is a strategic vulnerability due to the importation of half of UK's gas, highlighting risks during geopolitical instability such as the Ukraine invasion. Transitioning away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy can protect households and businesses from future price shocks.
Seamus Logan
SNP
Aberdeenshire North and Moray East
Research suggests that transitioning to green gases could create up to 100,000 jobs by 2050. The gas grid is critical for over half a million businesses in the UK, supporting millions of workers. Responded to the hon. Gentleman's comments, noting that the gas network supplies not only Ireland but Belgium and part of the Netherlands.
Jim Shannon
Emphasised the importance of working together across the UK on skills and jobs.
Tom Collins
Lab
Worcester
Welcomes the debate and emphasizes its timeliness amid national security uncertainty and energy transition challenges. Emphasised the role of gas in industry, national security, and energy transition; discussed cost and feasibility of hybrid heating systems compared to heat pumps.
Government Response
Michael Shanks
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero
Government Response
In response, the Minister congratulated the hon. Member on his speech and wished him a happy birthday. He acknowledged the importance of energy security but did not address specific concerns raised about gas usage or provide details on plans to support businesses affected by higher levies. The Government have set out to achieve a once-in-a-generation transition in our energy system through the spending review, investing £13 billion into our warm homes plan over the next five years. They secured development funding for the Acorn and Viking CCUS projects, supporting clean power ambition and creating jobs. The focus is on transforming the electricity system while also considering the future of the gas network. Natural gas is central to meeting current demands but must undergo a transformation towards net zero, phasing out coal and reducing emissions faster than any other major economy. The government recognises the importance of transitioning in a way that involves every community and supports job creation. Outlines the government's plans to decarbonise home heating through hydrogen economy and industrial decarbonisation strategy. Emphasises the role of carbon capture, usage and storage sector in creating jobs and reducing emissions. Discusses the Acorn project and its importance in achieving net zero targets.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.