Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jeff Smith and Andrea Leadsom

Thursday 20th April 2017 Commons Chamber

[Andrea Leadsom]

I can absolutely assure the hon. Gentleman that we have had discussions right across the devolved Administrations on this subject. The UK Government and all the devolved Administrations take it very seriously. We are working together closely and we will make an announcement in due course.

[Jeff Smith (Manchester, Withington) (Lab)]

3. Whether it is her policy to (a) retain and (b) strengthen existing environmental standards regulations after the UK has left the EU.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jeff Smith and Andrea Leadsom

Thursday 24th March 2016 Commons Chamber

[Andrea Leadsom]

I can absolutely look the hon. Gentleman in the eye and tell him that bringing forward the capacity market a year early—I am trying to make serious eye contact with him; I am not looking away for a moment—is absolutely in the interests of consumers. He will know that, with wholesale prices where they are at present, old plants are struggling to continue. By bringing forward the capacity market, we are giving them the certainty they need to ensure security of supply. If you like, this is an insurance policy on security of supply, and it is absolutely in the interests of consumers.

[Jeff Smith (Manchester, Withington) (Lab)]

6. What steps her Department is taking to increase investor confidence in the low-carbon economy.

--- Later in debate ---

[Andrea Leadsom]

Yes, I can absolutely give the hon. Gentleman that assurance. Very recently, I held a roundtable meeting with players in the storage sector and heard at first hand exactly where they think the challenges lie. I can absolutely assure the hon. Gentleman that my Department is working very hard to try to ensure that we remove barriers in the easiest and quickest way possible.

[Jeff Smith (Manchester, Withington) (Lab)]

T1. If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities.