Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure voltage stability if Torness power station closes as planned in 2028.

Answered by Lord Vallance of Balham - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

In December 2024, EDF announced the extension of the lifetime of Torness by a further 2 years until March 2030. As set out in our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, nuclear will continue to play a key role in the energy system beyond 2030 with the continued operation of Sizewell B and delivery of new build projects such as Hinkley Point C, Sizewell C and advanced nuclear projects including GBE-N's SMR programme.

Energy security is a priority for the government. The Capacity Market is the UK Government’s main tool for ensuring continued security of electricity supply.

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) is responsible for the secure and efficient operation of the electricity system, including maintaining voltage stability across the network. NESO has the necessary tools, expertise, and statutory powers to fulfil this role and ensure the continued stability of the system.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what species are proposed to be planted in the new national forest in the Oxford-Cambridge corridor to generate an economic return given the relative lack of rainfall in that area and the expectation that there will be even less in future.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The design of the new forests will be led by delivery partners on the ground, so exact species mix is not known at this time. We know that the UK climate is more likely to experience frequent extreme weather events (such as summer droughts and winter storms) and therefore it is important for us to plant a wide range of tree species that will adapt to these future changes, in line with our National Adaptation Plan commitment to ensure new woodlands have current and future climate conditions considered in their design and species choice, whilst also being selected carefully on a site-by-site basis to suit multiple functions, such as recreation, flood management, timber production and wildlife habitat .

Found: I think it was Lord Lucas who talked about education being for a few mathematicians rather than being

Found: 10.20 am Watch the meeting Members present: Lord Mair (The Chair); Lord Berkeley; Lord Borwick; Lord Lucas

Found: Committee Members Lord Berkeley Lord Borwick Lord Drayson Lord Lucas

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