Energy Industry

Torcuil Crichton, Richard Baker, and Gordon McKee, all Labour MPs, asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, what steps he is taking to support the energy industry in Scotland. In his response, the Secretary of State highlighted the government's plans to make Britain a clean energy superpower by 2030, including the establishment of a new publicly owned clean energy company, Great British Energy, which will be headquartered in Scotland. He noted that this will help create thousands of jobs and deliver energy security and lower prices for consumers. The Secretary of State also mentioned the recent announcement of the sixth allocation for the contracts for difference scheme, with over 130 renewable projects awarded contracts, 20% of which are based in Scotland. Torcuil Crichton welcomed the Secretary of State to his position and asked him to use the full firepower of the Scotland Office to convince Cabinet colleagues and industry players of the vital role and potential of the Arnish fabrication yard in Stornoway and the Methil yard, both of which are being sold as part of the Harland & Wolff group. The Secretary of State assured Crichton that the government will continue to engage with Harland & Wolff, local MPs, and the Scottish Government to support a resolution that provides long-term certainty for the yards and their workforces. Gordon McKee, who previously worked for the Secretary of State when he was in the Opposition, asked what work he has done with his Cabinet colleagues to ensure that the new Great British Energy company supports jobs in Glasgow, given the city's strong renewables industry. The Secretary of State stated that the location of Great British Energy will be announced soon, and he is sure that McKee's words of encouragement regarding Glasgow will not have escaped the attention of his Cabinet colleagues. Richard Baker, who has been working closely with trade unions and local management at the Methil yard in his constituency, asked the Secretary of State if he agrees that the 200 skilled workers at Methil and those at Arnish have a vital contribution to make to the growth of the renewable sector, and that all stakeholders have a crucial role in securing the long-term future of these yards. The Secretary of State acknowledged Baker's efforts and those of others in advocating for the Methil fabrication yard, and assured him that the yard, along with many others, will have a key role in fulfilling the government's ambition for Scotland and the UK to become a green energy powerhouse. John Cooper, a Conservative MP, raised concerns about two sanctioned Russian oligarchs having a share in Harbour Energy, the largest producer of North Sea oil and gas. The Secretary of State stated that the Foreign Secretary, who was present, had heard Cooper's concerns and that a written response would be provided as soon as possible.