Topical Questions

Tracy Gilbert (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab) asked the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, to outline the role of the satellite offices of Great British Energy, the new state-owned energy company, and whether he would consider Leith as the location for the Edinburgh site given the investment in renewable companies and the supply chain in the area. In response, Ed Miliband acknowledged the potential of Gilbert's constituency and stated that the Government wants to drive jobs throughout the supply chain through Great British Energy. He expressed his desire to visit the area and further discuss the opportunities. Claire Coutinho (East Surrey) (Con) then challenged Miliband, criticizing the Government's decision to remove the £300 energy bill reduction pledge and the impact it will have on pensioners. Miliband defended the Government's actions, arguing that the previous administration had left the country in a "total mess" and that the Conservatives' own ministers had made concerning statements about their party's energy policies. Danny Beales (Uxbridge and South Ruislip) (Lab) raised the issue of grid capacity and slow new connections, which are holding back house building and green businesses in his constituency. Michael Shanks, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, acknowledged the problem and stated that the Government is working to release network capacity and accelerate the connection of viable projects. Sir John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con) asked Miliband to accept that new nuclear power stations are essential to meet net zero targets and keep energy bills down. Miliband agreed, stating that nuclear is an essential part of the energy mix. Alistair Strathern (Hitchin) (Lab) questioned whether the Government would take a "wait and see" approach to insulating homes, or if they would take more immediate action. Miatta Fahnbulleh, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, responded that the Government is "hitting the ground running" on various energy initiatives, including ending the onshore wind ban and announcing CCUS funding. Claire Young (Thornbury and Yate) (LD) raised the issue of grid connections for micro-generation projects, particularly in rural areas. Miliband acknowledged the problem and stated that the Government is building on the work of the former electricity networks commissioner to tackle grid connection issues. Tom Rutland (East Worthing and Shoreham) (Lab) asked about the Government's plans to expand offshore wind and ensure that UK workers and supply chains benefit. Sarah Jones, the Minister of State for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, outlined the Government's belief in an industrial strategy and Great British Energy to deliver resilient supply chains and economic benefits. Charlie Dewhirst (Bridlington and The Wolds) (Con) sought guarantees that the grid connection required for a new electric arc furnace in Scunthorpe will be ready on time. Miliband acknowledged the issue and stated that the Government is working with National Grid to address it. Anna Dixon (Shipley) (Lab) asked how the Government plans to ensure the safety of residents and community benefit from the development of battery storage facilities. Michael Shanks responded that the Government will engage with communities and convene a roundtable with battery technology providers to learn from both successful and problematic projects. Zöe Franklin (Guildford) (LD) asked Miliband to commit to ensuring that large energy suppliers work with community energy organizations to generate and sell electricity locally at discounted rates and provide fair community benefits. Miliband acknowledged the importance of community energy and stated that the Government's GB Energy local power plan will aim to address this issue. Euan Stainbank (Falkirk) (Lab) praised the Government's "clean power by 2030" mission and asked Miliband to agree that it is time for opposition parties to put forward their own plans for the just transition and clean energy jobs. Miliband agreed, stating that the previous government had no plan for North Sea workers, but this government is determined to ensure a just transition. Dr Luke Evans (Hinckley and Bosworth) (Con) asked about the Government's plans for the "pumpwatch" scheme to monitor petrol prices and whether they will freeze fuel duty. Miliband stated that the Government is sympathetic to the pumpwatch scheme and that he cannot comment on the Budget. Steve Race (Exeter) (Lab) asked what more can be done to ensure that all tenants, including social tenants, can benefit from new green technologies. Miliband acknowledged the importance of this issue and stated that the Government is working on it with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Gregory Campbell (East Londonderry) (DUP) asked what discussions Miliband has had with the Scottish Government regarding a major planning application for an offshore wind farm between Scotland and Northern Ireland, which may have implications for the Giant's Causeway world heritage site. Miliband stated that he has frequent conversations with his Scottish counterpart and that this issue will likely be discussed. Matt Western (Warwick and Leamington) (Lab) asked if the Government would support onshore wind turbines in his constituency, rather than a solar farm, if the community was willing to welcome them. Miliband stated that all planning applications are assessed on their merits and that the Government's forthcoming land use framework will help to balance various land use priorities. Priti Patel (Witham) (Con) asked if the Government will meet with members of local communities affected by grid upgrades, in addition to meeting with Members of Parliament. Miliband acknowledged the concerns of local communities and stated that the Government must have a discussion about this issue in the House and across the country. Mike Amesbury (Runcorn and Helsby) (Lab) asked what discussions the Government has had with trade unions to ensure that the new carbon capture and hydrogen facilities in his constituency are built with unionized labor. Sarah Jones responded that the Government believes in working with trade unions and wants to create good jobs in the industries of the future. Tom Gordon (Harrogate and Knaresborough) (LD) asked if the Government will look to bring forward a spatial energy plan, as recommended by the Institution of Civil Engineers. Miliband confirmed that the Government will be bringing forward a spatial energy plan, which will be a responsibility of the National Energy System Operator. Oliver Ryan (Burnley) (Lab/Co-op) raised concerns about failed insulation and "cowboy workmanship" under previous Government schemes, and asked if the Minister is aware of these issues and will ensure stronger regulation. Miatta Fahnbulleh acknowledged the problems and agreed to meet with Ryan to discuss the matter further. Clive Jones (Wokingham) (LD) expressed concerns about potential delays in connecting a new solar farm in his constituency to the grid, and asked what steps the Government will take to reduce similar delays. Michael Shanks acknowledged the issue and stated that the Government is prioritizing the connections queue, but more infrastructure is needed to speed up and reduce the cost of these connections.