Asked by: Adam Jogee (Labour - Newcastle-under-Lyme)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions he has had with his Cabinet colleagues in relation to the rising price of home heating oil in Northern Ireland.
Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
We understand that heating oil pricing is a significant issue for households in Northern Ireland. The Minister for Energy met with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland this week to discuss the impacts to households.
The Secretary of State has written to the industry reminding heating oil distributors of their commitments under the UKIFDA Code of Practice, including the need for fair, transparent and justifiable pricing. Following discussions with the Competition and Markets Authority, the CMA are launching a comprehensive examination of the heating oil industry. We will work closely with the CMA to understand findings and develop options to increase consumer protections in this sector.
The Chancellor has also allocated £17m to support the most vulnerable customers in Northern Ireland.
Asked by: Adam Jogee (Labour - Newcastle-under-Lyme)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the price of home heating oil in a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and b) Staffordshire.
Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
We understand that heating oil pricing is a significant issue for households. The Secretary of State and The Minister for Energy have been closely engaging with their counterparts across Government on heating oil prices, including with the Treasury and Devolved Governments. These discussions have been focussed on UK-wide prices of heating oil.
The Secretary of State has written to the industry reminding heating oil distributors of their commitments under the UKIFDA Code of Practice, including the need for fair, transparent and justifiable pricing.
Following discussions with the Competition and Markets Authority, the CMA are launching a comprehensive examination of the heating oil industry. We will work closely with the CMA to understand findings and develop options to increase consumer protections in this sector.
For the most vulnerable households, £27m in support is being provided to England, which will be distributed by Local Authorities via the Crisis and Resilience Fund.
Asked by: Adam Jogee (Labour - Newcastle-under-Lyme)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has had discussions with the First and deputy First Ministers of Northern on the rising price of home heating oil.
Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
We understand that heating oil pricing is a significant issue for households in Northern Ireland. The Minister for Energy met with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland this week to discuss the impacts to households.
The Secretary of State has written to the industry reminding heating oil distributors of their commitments under the UKIFDA Code of Practice, including the need for fair, transparent and justifiable pricing. Following discussions with the Competition and Markets Authority, the CMA are launching a comprehensive examination of the heating oil industry. We will work closely with the CMA to understand findings and develop options to increase consumer protections in this sector.
The Chancellor has also allocated £17m to support the most vulnerable customers in Northern Ireland.
Asked by: Adam Jogee (Labour - Newcastle-under-Lyme)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether he has had discussions with the Minister for Communities in the Northern Ireland Executive on Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann being held in Belfast.
Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I have regular discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive, including the Communities Minister, on a range of priorities. Northern Ireland Office officials have engaged directly with Comhaltas on the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast this summer.
The Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will be a great opportunity for Northern Ireland. As one of only three UK cities with UNESCO City of Music status, I am delighted that Belfast will host the world's largest celebration of Irish music and culture. This event will attract global visitors, providing a chance for the city to showcase its rich and diverse cultural offering. The decision by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann to bring the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann back to Belfast in 2027 is also very welcome news.
Asked by: Adam Jogee (Labour - Newcastle-under-Lyme)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps he is taking to support the Northern Ireland Executive with Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Northern Ireland.
Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I have regular discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive, including the Communities Minister, on a range of priorities. Northern Ireland Office officials have engaged directly with Comhaltas on the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast this summer.
The Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will be a great opportunity for Northern Ireland. As one of only three UK cities with UNESCO City of Music status, I am delighted that Belfast will host the world's largest celebration of Irish music and culture. This event will attract global visitors, providing a chance for the city to showcase its rich and diverse cultural offering. The decision by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann to bring the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann back to Belfast in 2027 is also very welcome news.
Asked by: Adam Jogee (Labour - Newcastle-under-Lyme)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with the BBC regarding the decision not to air the Commonwealth Day service live.
Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The Secretary of State regularly meets with the BBC to discuss a range of issues. However, the BBC is editorially and operationally independent of the government and decisions regarding the coverage of the Commonwealth Day service are a matter for the BBC.
Asked by: Adam Jogee (Labour - Newcastle-under-Lyme)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent discussions he has had with his Arab counterparts on the global price of energy.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Government continues to monitor the situation in oil and gas markets and work with our international partners.
Since 28 February, the Secretary of State has engaged with several counterparts. Further calls with a range of international partners are planned over the coming days.
Details of the Secretary of State’s meetings are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.
Asked by: Adam Jogee (Labour - Newcastle-under-Lyme)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent discussions he has had with his European counterparts on the global price of energy.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Secretary of State is in regular contact with European counterparts on international oil and gas price developments. Details of the Secretary of State’s meetings are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.