Job Creation: Industrial Communities

Luke Myer (Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland) and Mrs Sureena Brackenridge (Wolverhampton North East), both Labour MPs, asked the Minister for Industry, Sarah Jones, about the potential impact of Great British Energy on job creation in industrial communities. The Minister responded that the government has two key missions: to become an energy superpower and to grow the economy, and that Great British Energy will help deliver on both. She expressed excitement for the job creation potential in industrial communities, noting that the project will require a range of skilled workers from engineers to welders and electricians to project managers. Luke Myer welcomed the Minister's response and the recent announcement about carbon capture investment in Teesside. He agreed that Teesside has significant potential for green jobs, and asked whether the Minister agrees that only Labour's plan for clean power by 2030, Great British Energy, and a national wealth fund can create well-paid, long-term jobs in the industries of the future. The Minister agreed with Myer, noting the benefits of the carbon capture announcements, which she said will create 4,000 jobs in the short term and up to 50,000 jobs over the next decade. She criticized the Opposition for dismissing these job figures, and stated that alongside carbon capture, Great British Energy, the national wealth fund, and the British jobs bonus, the government is putting in place the levers to encourage growth and create up to 725,000 net new jobs in low-carbon sectors by 2030. Mrs Brackenridge asked whether the Minister agrees that Great British Energy is a fantastic opportunity for Wolverhampton North East to capitalize on the green innovation corridor and put the area back at the heart of industrial growth and British industry. The Minister agreed, stating that publicly owned Great British Energy will partner with industry to help deliver the mission of clean power by 2030, and that she is interested to see what the green innovation corridor will deliver. Mr Peter Bedford, a Conservative MP, asked whether the Minister agrees with the head of the GMB union that the government's plans to ban new licenses for oil and gas will result in exporting jobs and importing virtue. The Minister responded that the government is working closely with trade unions, including the GMB, to ensure a just energy transition and the creation of the jobs and skills of the future as the UK becomes a clean energy superpower.