Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will publish the protocol agreed between Great British Energy and solar companies operating in the UK regarding supply chain validation from China.

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

Solar purchasing thus far has been undertaken by Devolved Governments, Other Government Departments, and relevant Mayoral Combined Authorities and the terms are commercially confidential. However, there have been clear expectations that they must comply with UK procurement rules, including requirements under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and Procurement Act 2023.

Great British Energy will lead the way in ethical supply chains by engaging with stakeholders to raise standards and explore alternatives to diversify high-risk supply chains.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have undertaken routine checks under the Great British Energy Act 2025 of all shipments of components from China required for solar panel installation in the UK since the date on which Great British Energy began installing solar panels on 250 schools across England.

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

The Department for Education are procuring the solar panels for schools under the Solar Partnerships Scheme and have done so under the requirements set out by the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and UK procurement controls, as well as making use of Crown Commercial Service frameworks where appropriate.

As a publicly owned company, Great British Energy is expected to lead by example when adhering to the UK’s legislation and guidance on modern slavery, including the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will publish the sources of all imports of polycrystalline silicon into the UK from China associated with the construction and assembly of solar panels during 2025.

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

The Government does not hold or publish data on the specific sources of polycrystalline silicon imported into the UK from China for use in solar panel manufacturing.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government which UK-registered firms imported component parts for solar panels that include polycrystalline silicon from China; and how many of these components were sourced from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

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

The Government does not hold or publish data identifying which UK‑registered firms imported component parts for solar panels containing polycrystalline silicon from China, nor data on how many of these components may have originated from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government why the Clean Energy Partnership Memorandum of Understanding, agreed with the government of China in March 2025, has not been published.

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

The MoU provides a strong platform for deepening cooperation across the full breadth of our shared energy priorities – from power market reform and system flexibility to carbon capture, utilisation and storage –and creates space for structured exchanges on the UK’s experience transitioning away from coal, enabling both sides to share lessons and support an accelerated, orderly and affordable clean‑energy transition. There is no presumption that Memoranda of Understanding be made publicly available, a decision that varies from agreement to agreement; indeed, the previous government did not publish the first clean‑energy agreement signed with China in 2015.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have commissioned independent audits and data tracking on Chinese imports of all products, services and components required for the roll-out of the UK's Warm Homes Plan.

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

The Government is introducing sustainable supply chain requirements in contracts and grants. The Procurement Act 2023, now in force, allows contracting authorities to exclude suppliers, helping prevent government contracts from being awarded to those who cannot meet ethical and industry-specific standards. The Overseas Business Risk Guidance highlights regional risks and urges companies to carry out strong due diligence. The Trade Strategy published last year launched a review of responsible business conduct policy.

The Warm Homes Plan is backing British manufacturing, with £140million of investment including through the Heat Pump Investment Accelerator to strengthen supply chains, drive innovation, support workforce training and create high-quality jobs across the UK.