Second Reading

The Government, represented by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, opened the debate by outlining the rationale for the Great British Energy Bill. Miliband argued that the Bill would deliver on the public's call for change, establishing the first new national, publicly owned energy generation company in over 75 years. He contended that public ownership is crucial to ensure the British people can benefit from the country's natural resources, just as other nations do through their state-owned energy companies. In response, the official opposition, represented by the shadow Minister Claire Coutinho, put forward a reasoned amendment to the Bill. Coutinho questioned the lack of detail in the Bill, arguing that it amounted to a "blank cheque" for £8 billion of taxpayers' money without clear plans for investment, energy production, or cost savings for consumers. She challenged the Government's claims that the new company would save households £300 per year on energy bills, stating that this promise had already been quietly dropped. The wide-ranging debate that followed saw many new Members of Parliament make their maiden speeches, showcasing the diversity of constituencies across the UK and the passion of the newly elected representatives. A number of key themes emerged, including the importance of community energy projects, the need to balance the transition to renewable energy with support for traditional industries like oil and gas, and concerns about the impact on devolved administrations. Several speakers, such as the hon. Members for Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire and for Caerfyrddin, highlighted the potential for renewable energy generation in their regions, but called for greater local control and ownership of these projects. Others, like the hon. Member for Gordon and Buchan, expressed concerns about the impact of the Government's plans on the oil and gas industry in their constituencies. The debate also touched on the role of Great British Energy in relation to other state-backed entities, such as Great British Nuclear and the UK Infrastructure Bank, with questions raised about coordination and accountability. The Minister, Michael Shanks, sought to address these concerns, emphasizing the operational independence of Great British Energy and the Government's commitment to working collaboratively with the devolved administrations. Overall, the debate demonstrated the complexity of the energy transition and the need to balance national priorities with local concerns. While the Government secured the Bill's Second Reading, the discussion highlighted the ongoing scrutiny and debate that will likely surround its implementation.