North Sea Oil and Gas Workers: Transitional Support

Debate between Andrew Bowie and Pippa Heylings
Wednesday 23rd April 2025

(3 days, 6 hours ago)

Westminster Hall
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Andrew Bowie Portrait Andrew Bowie
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Yes, of course we believe in net zero, but not in setting arbitrary targets and dates that are unachievable without making this country poorer or more reliant on foreign imports for our energy supply. The fact is that imports of LNG have doubled just to keep the lights on as we actively accelerate the decline in our own North sea oil and gas industry. That is nonsensical—it is madness. It is an act of national self-harm. We should revert to our policy of maximum economic recovery from the North sea while doing all we can to ensure that the companies involved invest in new technologies.

Pippa Heylings Portrait Pippa Heylings
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Will the hon. Gentleman give way?

Andrew Bowie Portrait Andrew Bowie
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I am conscious of time, but I will be delighted to give way.

Pippa Heylings Portrait Pippa Heylings
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I could not resist; I thank the hon. Gentleman for giving way, given the time limit. He is talking about how important language is, but is it not considered to be an act of national self-harm to talk down the incredible opportunity for the North sea to be a global leader?

Great British Energy Bill (Fourth sitting)

Debate between Andrew Bowie and Pippa Heylings
Pippa Heylings Portrait Pippa Heylings (South Cambridgeshire) (LD)
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Taking away labels such as “nefarious” or “baubles” and moving to the serious intent of our interventions, this is about scrutiny, and I take the point from the right hon. Member for Aberdeen South in that respect. We heard from witnesses that if the objects remain broad, they are reassured that all their issues will be contained within the statement of priorities. Will the Minister reassure us about the engagement that will happen prior to the development of those priorities? If it will not happen through the House, what will the process be? Instead of baubles, we may find bits of home-made tinsel hanging on this majestic tree, which is not exactly what was bought in the shop, to continue the metaphor.

Andrew Bowie Portrait Andrew Bowie
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A British-made tree.

Pippa Heylings Portrait Pippa Heylings
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British-made and home-made. I think the serious issue is the extent to which there is reassurance that a statement of priorities, which everybody is accepting will be within the remit of the objects, will fulfil expectations and not steer into areas in which there will be duplication.