Taking steps to produce more of our own energy
I'm pleased that the Prime Minister recently committed to bringing forward a new British Energy Security Strategy, also making clear that any strategy recognise the importance of undoing the damage of previous governments in increasing the cost of energy for British industry.
At Business Questions yesterday, I asked the Leader of the House of Commons to ensure that MPs get the chance to question Ministers once the Strategy is launched so that we can represent our constituents and our local energy intensive industries such as steel and ceramics.
Although far less reliant on Russian imports than many other European countries, we must change our approach so that we produce more of our own energy, harnessing the power of our natural resources here in the UK. That's the best way to protect our energy security and ease some of the price pressures we're currently experiencing.
Business of the House - Mar 24
"Energy-intensive industries such as steel and ceramics are struggling with the soaring cost of energy, and we cannot afford to lose critical producers such as Stocksbridge Speciality Steel or Naylor Industries in my constituency. I was delighted that, yesterday, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister recommitted to bringing forward a British energy security strategy to provide relief to these industries. Will the Leader of the House commit to a debate or a statement in Government time when this strategy is announced so that hon. Members can scrutinise it on behalf of the industries we represent?"
Mark Spencer, the Leader of the House of Commons
"My hon. Friend will have an opportunity to raise this again at Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy questions next week. We will shortly set out the British energy security strategy to bolster our energy security. Ministers have been making every effort to keep the House updated on the Government’s response to the war in Ukraine, and I am sure the House will be kept updated on this important issue, too."
