Angus Brendan MacNeil Portrait

Angus Brendan MacNeil

Independent - Na h-Eileanan an Iar

First elected: 5th May 2005


Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Trade Team Member)
7th Jan 2020 - 5th Jul 2023
International Trade Committee
29th Jan 2020 - 26th Apr 2023
Committees on Arms Export Controls
6th Jul 2020 - 6th Jul 2020
International Trade Committee
12th Jul 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
National Security Strategy (Joint Committee)
30th Oct 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Liaison Committee (Commons)
6th Nov 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Liaison Committee Sub-committee on the effectiveness and influence of the select committee system
13th Feb 2019 - 6th Nov 2019
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Environment and Rural Affairs)
20th Jun 2017 - 1st Jul 2018
International Trade Committee
19th Oct 2016 - 3rd May 2017
Liaison Committee (Commons)
19th Oct 2016 - 3rd May 2017
National Security Strategy (Joint Committee)
30th Nov 2015 - 3rd May 2017
Liaison Committee (Commons)
10th Sep 2015 - 17th Oct 2016
Energy and Climate Change Committee
18th Jun 2015 - 17th Oct 2016
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Scotland)
1st Jul 2008 - 30th Mar 2015
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Constitutional Reform)
15th Jun 2010 - 30th Mar 2015
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Transport)
15th Jun 2010 - 30th Mar 2015
Shadow Spokesperson (Culture, Media and Sport)
5th May 2005 - 6th May 2010
Shadow Spokesperson (Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
10th May 2005 - 6th May 2010
Scottish Affairs Committee
12th Jul 2005 - 24th Nov 2008
Shadow Spokesperson (Work and Pensions)
1st Jul 2007 - 1st Jul 2008


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Angus Brendan MacNeil has voted in 455 divisions, and never against the majority of their Party.
View All Angus Brendan MacNeil Division Votes

Debates during the 2019 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Lindsay Hoyle (Speaker)
(26 debate interactions)
David Duguid (Conservative)
(17 debate interactions)
Greg Hands (Conservative)
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
(16 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Department for International Trade
(76 debate contributions)
Scotland Office
(59 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
Legislation Debates
Trade Bill 2019-21
(2,388 words contributed)
Energy Act 2023
(712 words contributed)
View All Legislation Debates
View all Angus Brendan MacNeil's debates

Latest EDMs signed by Angus Brendan MacNeil

7th February 2024
Angus Brendan MacNeil signed this EDM on Monday 18th March 2024

International Court of Justice Ruling on Gaza and the UK’s duties under the Genocide Convention

Tabled by: Zarah Sultana (Labour - Coventry South)
That this House notes the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 26 January 2024, which found that it is plausible that Israel’s ongoing attacks on the Palestinian people in Gaza are in breach of the Genocide Convention; further notes that the ICJ issued provisional measures, including ordering …
63 signatures
(Most recent: 18 Mar 2024)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 31
Scottish National Party: 21
Independent: 5
Plaid Cymru: 3
Social Democratic & Labour Party: 2
Green Party: 1
Alba Party: 1
Alliance: 1
31st January 2024
Angus Brendan MacNeil signed this EDM as a sponsor on Monday 5th February 2024

Letter from American rabbis to President Biden

Tabled by: Neale Hanvey (Alba Party - Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath)
That this House welcomes the powerful and moving open letter entitled Sorrow and fury: a letter from American rabbis to President Biden, which was sent by the Jewish Voice for Peace Rabbinical Council; recognises the importance of the voice of moderate Jewish people across the world in opposing the actions …
5 signatures
(Most recent: 19 Feb 2024)
Signatures by party:
Alba Party: 2
Independent: 2
Labour: 1
View All Angus Brendan MacNeil's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Angus Brendan MacNeil, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.

MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.


Angus Brendan MacNeil has not been granted any Urgent Questions

Angus Brendan MacNeil has not been granted any Adjournment Debates

5 Bills introduced by Angus Brendan MacNeil


A Bill to prevent persons who have donated £50,000 or more to a political party within the previous five years from being nominated for a peerage.

Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 6th May 2022

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision for leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom to be granted to the family members of refugees and of people granted humanitarian protection; to provide for legal aid to be made available for such family reunion cases; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading: House Of Commons
Friday 16th March 2018
(Read Debate)

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to require the Prime Minister to revoke the notification, under Article 50(2) of the Treaty on European Union, of the United Kingdom’s intention to withdraw from the European Union, subject to the legislative consent of the Scottish Parliament and the National Assembly for Wales; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Tuesday 29th January 2019

A Bill to establish a mechanism by which the Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament and a majority of Members representing Scottish constituencies may jointly determine further powers and responsibilities to be devolved to Scotland; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Wednesday 25th November 2015

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to provide that, in the event of a positive vote in the Scottish Independence referendum, Members of Parliament representing Scottish constituencies shall vacate their seats on the day on which Scotland becomes independent; that Scottish constituencies shall be abolished with effect from the same date; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Wednesday 2nd April 2014

Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
1 Other Department Questions
23rd Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether he has had discussions with the BBC on coverage of the Scottish Parliament and the Senedd on BBC Parliament.

The BBC is operationally and editorially independent, and the Government has no say on the BBC’s day-to-day decisions, including on the content it shows. Any decisions on this matter are for the BBC to take independently.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
19th Oct 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will have discussions with the Metropolitan Police on the steps being taken to help ensure political parties do not exchange financial contributions for honours.

It is against the law to 'sell' honours or peerages - offering cash for awards - under the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act 1925.

Honours are earned, not bought, and there are clear procedures in place to protect the honours system and to ensure the integrity of the selection process.

Donations to any political party should not be regarded as a reason for disqualification from receiving an honour.

More broadly, fundraising by political parties is a legitimate part of the democratic process. The alternative is taxpayer-funding of political campaigning, which would mean less money for frontline services like schools, police and hospitals.

Chris Philp
Minister of State (Home Office)
4th Jun 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, which team in his Department is responsible for arrangements for Scottish people to demonstrate their (a) consent and (b) opposition to the Union; and what the work priorities of that team are for 2021.

The Cabinet Office is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the Union. The UK Government’s full focus is on ensuring the whole of the United Kingdom overcomes the challenges that the Covid-19 pandemic has created, including helping our NHS, our schools and our economic recovery. These are challenges that all parts of the UK face and our collective priority must be to tackle them together.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
19th May 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what plans he has to make arrangements for the Scottish people to demonstrate their (a) consent and (b) opposition to the Union.

Our full focus must be on recovering from the challenges that the Covid-19 pandemic has created, on helping our NHS, our schools and our economic recovery. These are challenges that all parts of the UK face and our collective priority right now should be on tackling them together. That is what people across the UK want and expect.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
23rd Feb 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, which Government department has responsibility for (a) oversight of and (b) answering questions on matters relating to trade between the UK and the EU; and if he will make a statement.

Lord Frost, Minister of State in the Cabinet Office, has Ministerial responsibility for the overall relationship between the UK and the EU, including the core elements of the trade relationship. Within this framework, relevant departments have responsibility for implementing the Trade and Cooperation Agreement in their policy areas.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
19th Feb 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether (a) the Trade Partnership Council and (b) any of its 16 sub-committees have met to date.

Further to the answer given to PQ138410 on 20 January, there have been no meetings of the Trade Partnership Council to date. It has however agreed by committee procedure, the extension of the provisional application of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.


From 1 March Lord Frost, as Cabinet Office minister, is the UK co-chair of the Partnership Council as of 1 March 2021, and is accountable for its overall operation. Departments will lead on the Trade and Cooperation Specialised Committees in their areas.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
15th Jan 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, when the Trade Partnership Council and Trade Partnership Committee is planned to meet.

The UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement establishes a standard set of committees to oversee its operation. The Government is considering carefully the process around the establishment of these committees. Further announcements will be made in the usual way.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
16th Nov 2020
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office and the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, what contingency plans he has with respect to the UK's future relationship with the EU in the event of lorries queuing to cross the Channel after the transition period.

I refer the hon. Member to the oral statement made by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 23 September about the Reasonable Worst Case Scenario planning assumptions which were published to support these planning activities.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
2nd Oct 2020
To ask the Prime Minister, what plans he has to appoint a new Advocate General for Scotland.

An appointment will be announced in the usual way.

8th Dec 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether her Department has taken recent steps to reduce the tariff on fish feed imported from the Faroe Islands.

The UK and the Faroe Islands met in February for the UK-Faroe Islands Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Joint Committee. Officials discussed implementation of the FTA and remain in contact on a number of areas of trade, including the possibility of further liberalisation of fish feed imports from the Faroe Islands.

Greg Hands
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
15th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether her Department is taking steps to reduce the tariff on fish feed imported from the Faroe Islands.

The UK and the Faroe Islands met in February for the UK-Faroe Islands Free Trade Agreement Joint Committee. Officials discussed implementation of the FTA and remain in contact on a number of areas of trade, including the possibility of further liberalisation of fish feed imports from the Faroe Islands.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
29th Jan 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment she has made of the reasons for change in the mean cost of heat pump installations through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

With the growth in heat pump demand encouraged by the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) in combination with the Clean Heat Market Mechanism, Government expects to see continued real terms cost reductions over time.

Government actively engages with installers and suppliers participating in the scheme, and will continue to monitor BUS scheme data, wider industry data, and use the outputs of the BUS evaluation programme to understand price trends.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
11th Dec 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to her Department's publication entitled UK Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, published on 11 April 2023, what steps her Department is taking to implement the telecommunications capability required to maintain the resilience of the smart energy grid.

Ofcom are carrying out a review of the future communication needs of the utilities (electricity, gas, and water) that is due for publication in Q4 2023-2024. The Department will draw on the recommendations of that report and, if a spectrum solution is recommended, work with the Department for Science Innovation and Technology to assist industry partners in securing the relevant spectrum allocation.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
5th Dec 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to recommendation 27 of the report entitled The Second National Infrastructure Assessment published by the National Infrastructure Commission in October 2023, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of utilising radio spectrum for energy networks.

Ofcom published a consultation on possible spectrum for the energy and water utilities in June, identifying 5 bands for the potential use by the energy sector (https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations-and-statements/category-1/potential-spectrum-bands-to-support-utilities).

In response to this consultation, the Government has contracted Fraser Nash Consultancy to produce a report looking at the technical feasibility and indicative cost of each of the options Ofcom identified, together with other communication solutions that do not require new radio spectrum. This report will be published in due course.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
13th Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what her Department's timescale is for publishing its planned consultation on the use of hydrotreated vegetable oil for domestic fuel use.

The Government will issue a consultation on the potential use of renewable liquid heating fuels within twelve months.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
6th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 10 January to Question 122084 on Electric Vehicles: Copper, what estimate he has made of how many tonnes of copper will be required for (a) additional cabling, (b) vehicles, (c) turbines and (d) electrical generation components by 2040.

The Government does not hold information on the amount of copper required by 2040, however it is working closely with industry to ensure robust supply chains to meet its net zero commitments.

In 2022, the Department commissioned the British Geological Survey to undertake the UK’s first criticality assessment. 18 minerals – assessed as having the highest supply risk and highest economic importance – were defined as “critical”. Many other minerals, such as copper, have important uses but have not been classed as critical in this context.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
15th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the outcome of the Intellectual Property Office’s consultation entitled Standard Essential Patents and Innovation: Executive summary and next steps, updated on 5 August 2022, what plans he has to consult Parliament on the potential impact of such steps on the (a) wider UK intellectual property economy and (b) ability of small and medium-sized enterprises’ to compete in the global marketplace.

In December 2021, the Government launched a Call for Views on whether or not the current Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) ecosystem promotes competition and encourages innovation. In its August 2022 Summary of Responses the Government said that there was little consensus on the nature, extent, causes, and impact of problems in the ecosystem. A subsequent questionnaire was launched in March 2023, to better understand the experiences of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), small-cap and mid-cap businesses. A Summary of Responses will be published in Summer 2023. Findings on the SEPs ecosystem will be presented to Ministers in late 2023.

15th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to help ensure that small and medium-sized enterprises developing innovative products, do not have to pay excessive royalties to foreign companies for licences to standard-essential patents.

In December 2021, the Government launched a Call for Views on whether or not the current Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) ecosystem promotes competition and encourages innovation. In its August 2022 Summary of Responses the Government said that there was little consensus on the nature, extent, causes, and impact of problems in the ecosystem. A subsequent questionnaire was launched in March 2023, to better understand the experiences of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), small-cap and mid-cap businesses. A Summary of Responses will be published in Summer 2023. Findings on the SEPs ecosystem will be presented to Ministers in late 2023.

15th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will make an assessment of the impact of the Intellectual Property Office review of the standard-essential patent ecosystem on the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises in international trade, in the context of terms for licencing (a) 5G and (b) other technology standards.

In December 2021, the Government launched a Call for Views on whether or not the current Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) ecosystem promotes competition and encourages innovation. In its August 2022 Summary of Responses the Government said that there was little consensus on the nature, extent, causes, and impact of problems in the ecosystem. A subsequent questionnaire was launched in March 2023, to better understand the experiences of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), small-cap and mid-cap businesses. A Summary of Responses will be published in Summer 2023. Findings on the SEPs ecosystem will be presented to Ministers in late 2023.

16th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how many households in (a) Na h-Eileanan an Iar and (b) Scotland have accessed the Universal Service Obligation scheme for broadband.

Neither Ofcom, nor BT as the broadband Universal Service Provider for Scotland provides a breakdown at a constituency level of how many premises have taken up the broadband Universal Service Obligation (USO). However, Ofcom data shows that the number of potentially USO-eligible premises in Na h-Eileanan an Iar has reduced from 2,476 premises in March 2020, to 595 in October 2022, due to a combination of commercial rollouts, improved 4G Fixed Wireless Access services, government intervention and USO delivery.

As of October 2022, Ofcom Connected Nations 2022 reported that, in Scotland, there have been 110 broadband Universal Service Obligation orders resulting in 583 premises connected.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
12th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make an estimate of the amount of copper that will (a) be laid in the UK in the next 17 years and (b) need to be laid to meet 2040 electric vehicle targets.

Government analysis in the Electricity Networks Strategic Framework suggests that the distribution network in Great Britain could require up to 380,000km of additional cabling by 2040 compared to the baseline demand scenario.

The Government is working with Ofgem and industry to ensure the energy system is ready for additional demand from low-carbon technologies, like electric vehicles. A smart and flexible electricity system, including electric vehicle smart charging, could reduce infrastructure needs, saving up to £10billion per year by 2050.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
9th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answer of 12 October 2022 to Question 55036 on Fuel Oil: Prices, what recent progress he has made on determining how to deliver the £100 one-off support payment in winter 2022.

Households eligible for the Alternative Fuel Payments in Great Britain will receive £100 as a credit on their electricity bill this winter.

For Northern Ireland, the Government is working with electricity suppliers to explore how the payment could be delivered via electricity bills under a similar delivery model.

This is complicated because there is no central register, either in Great Britain or Northern Ireland, of people who do not use the gas grid for their heating

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
23rd Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he will take to ensure that off-grid energy users are able to receive equal support as people people on-grid beyond the one-off £100 payment.

The support provided to off-grid households is intended to ensure that they do not face a higher rate of growth in their heating costs since last autumn, compared to those on gas supported by the Energy Price Guarantee. The Government will continue closely to monitor the situation to support all energy users.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
23rd Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how oil customers will be able to access the £100 one-off support payment towards their energy bills in winter 2022.

The Government continues to work at speed to determine the most practical and tested routes to deliver this support and will provide more details in due course.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
16th Jun 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that (a) fertiliser and (b) carbon dioxide continue to be manufactured in the UK.

The Government is working with industry to see what more they can do to achieve a more sustainable and resilient market for these products, and we encourage industry to continue to build their resilience plans.

Supply of carbon dioxide for the UK market has diversified since last year, with a variety of domestic sources providing supply along with imports where commercial agreements are made.

Lee Rowley
Minister of State (Minister for Housing)
25th May 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many craftsmen are available to build nickel plate products in the UK; and are there any university programmes available in the UK for nickel plate products.

BEIS does not collect or have access to this data.

Lee Rowley
Minister of State (Minister for Housing)
25th May 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what design approval is required for nickel plate products.

BEIS does not collect or have access to this data.

Lee Rowley
Minister of State (Minister for Housing)
25th May 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what (a) materials and (b) capability there is within the UK to build nickel plate products for UK power stations.

BEIS does not collect or have access to this data.

Lee Rowley
Minister of State (Minister for Housing)
21st Jan 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what estimate he has made of the number of personnel supporting (a) heritage and (b) smart meters in the local area networks in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland; and what level of obligation do utility companies have to fulfil heritage and smart metering to customers.

Smart meters are replacing traditional gas and electricity meters as part of a national infrastructure upgrade that will make our energy system more efficient and flexible, helping to deliver net zero emissions by 2050. As such, smart meters are becoming the default meter offer in Great Britain. The Government has introduced a new four-year Targets Framework, which commenced on 1 January 2022, with individual annual smart meter installation requirements for energy suppliers to further drive rollout momentum.

Energy suppliers are responsible for the provision of metering to their customers, including ensuring that overall installer capacity is in place to meet their targets and customer demand across Great Britain.

Greg Hands
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
21st Jan 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what estimate his Department has made of the amount to be raised from the 2018 Contracts for Difference auctions when those wind farms come on stream; and in the context of the wholesale price being higher than the strike price, what estimate his Department has made of the potential amount of repayment to Government revenues.

The Low Carbon Contracts Company publishes regularly updated short-term forecasts of aggregate Contracts for Difference payments under a range of different scenarios to reflect uncertainty. The Office for Budget Responsibility also publishes a longer-term forecasts of aggregate Contracts for Difference costs including Contracts for Difference payments.

Greg Hands
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
15th Oct 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department has plans to restart carbon capture and storage projects in the UK.

The Government’s ‘Ten point plan for a green industrial revolution’ sets out an ambition to deploy CCUS at scale in 2 of the UK’s industrial clusters by the mid-2020s, and a further 2 by 2030. Phase-1 of the cluster sequencing process looked to identify and sequence CCUS clusters which are suited to deployment in the mid-2020s. On 19th October the Government announced that Hynet and East Coast Cluster have been confirmed as Track-1 clusters for the mid-2020s and will be taken forward into negotiations. We also announced the Scottish Cluster as a reserve cluster.

Phase-2 of this process will determine which emitter projects within, or able to connect to, the chosen cluster locations will receive government support. The Government will continue to engage with the Scottish Cluster throughout Phase-2 of the sequencing process, to ensure it can continue its development and planning.

The Government has committed to supporting four clusters to deployment by 2030 at the latest, and have confirmed in the Net Zero Strategy that the Government will look to deploy 10Mt of annual CO¬2 capture capacity through these additional ‘Track-2’ clusters, helping to achieve the Government’s 2030 capture ambition of 20-30Mtpa.

Greg Hands
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
8th Jul 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what his timeframe is for the allocation of the Clean Steel Fund; and what steps his Department has taken to ensure the effective allocation of that funding.

The Department announced the Clean Steel Fund (CSF) in 2019 and it is currently in development. This policy will take time to design in order to be delivered effectively.

Based on previous evidence, complex decarbonisation projects have long lead-in times and take time to set up. Due to this and other factors, the steel sector indicated in response to the 2019 Call for Evidence that their preference is for the CSF to be launched in 2023. Other schemes are available to support the sector and are live now, including the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund.

8th Jul 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment his Department has made of progress in Europe on trialling hydrogen-based steelmaking; and what steps he plans to take to ensure that the UK keeps up with international developments in clean steel production.

The UK is monitoring international progress on low carbon steel making trials, using hydrogen and other technologies, and is actively engaged in international initiatives to support industrial decarbonisation innovation, including the Mission Innovation platform and the Leadership Group for Industry Transition.

Decarbonising UK industry is a core part of the Government’s ambitious plan for the green industrial revolution. The Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy, published on 17 March, commits government to work with the Steel Council to consider the implications of the recommendation of the Climate Change Committee to ‘set targets for ore-based steelmaking to reach near-zero emissions by 2035’. The Steel Council offers the forum for government, industry and trade unions to work in partnership on the shared objective of creating an achievable, long-term plan to support the sector’s transition to a competitive, sustainable and low carbon future. Hydrogen-based steelmaking, Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), and electrification are some of the technological approaches being examined as part of this process.

The UK steel sector will be given the opportunity to bid into industrial fuel switching innovation programmes under the £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP), which is intended to promote switching away from more carbon-intensive fuel sources. The Government has also announced a £250 million Clean Steel Fund to support the UK steel sector to transition to lower carbon iron and steel production, through investment in new technologies and processes.

8th Jul 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment his Department has made of potential additional policy measures needed to support future clean steel production in the UK.

The UK is monitoring international progress on low carbon steel making trials, using hydrogen and other technologies, and is actively engaged in international initiatives to support industrial decarbonisation innovation, including the Mission Innovation platform and the Leadership Group for Industry Transition.

Decarbonising UK industry is a core part of the Government’s ambitious plan for the green industrial revolution. The Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy, published on 17 March, commits government to work with the Steel Council to consider the implications of the recommendation of the Climate Change Committee to ‘set targets for ore-based steelmaking to reach near-zero emissions by 2035’. The Steel Council offers the forum for government, industry and trade unions to work in partnership on the shared objective of creating an achievable, long-term plan to support the sector’s transition to a competitive, sustainable and low carbon future. Hydrogen-based steelmaking, Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), and electrification are some of the technological approaches being examined as part of this process.

The UK steel sector will be given the opportunity to bid into industrial fuel switching innovation programmes under the £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP), which is intended to promote switching away from more carbon-intensive fuel sources. The Government has also announced a £250 million Clean Steel Fund to support the UK steel sector to transition to lower carbon iron and steel production, through investment in new technologies and processes.

7th Jul 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to trials, pilots and full-scale projects underway in countries including France, Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Italy on using hydrogen to produce primary steel, what steps she is taking to ensure steel production in the UK keeps pace with international competitors on developing and using clean steel production technology.

The UK is monitoring international progress on low carbon steel making trials, using hydrogen and other technologies, and is actively engaged in international initiatives to support industrial decarbonisation innovation, including the Mission Innovation platform and the Leadership Group for Industry Transition.

Decarbonising UK industry is a core part of the Government’s ambitious plan for the green industrial revolution. The Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy, published on 17 March, commits government to work with the Steel Council to consider the implications of the recommendation of the Climate Change Committee to ‘set targets for ore-based steelmaking to reach near-zero emissions by 2035’. The Steel Council is a forum for Government, industry and trade unions to work together on the shared objective of creating a competitive, sustainable and low carbon future for the sector. Hydrogen-based steelmaking is one of the technological approaches being examined as part of this process.

The UK steel sector will be given the opportunity to bid into industrial fuel switching innovation programmes under the £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP), which is intended to promote switching away from more carbon-intensive fuel sources. The Government has also announced a £250 million Clean Steel Fund to support the UK steel sector to transition to lower carbon iron and steel production, through investment in new technologies and processes.

2nd Feb 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will take steps with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to (a) extend the payback period for Bounce Back Loans for 6-12 months and (b) write-off a proportion of debt incurred under that scheme in response to the ongoing economic effects of the covid-19 outbreak.

The Government launched the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) to ensure that the smallest businesses could access loans of up to £50,000 to help businesses through this difficult period. Under BBLS no repayments are due from the borrower for the first 12 months of the loan, giving businesses the breathing space they need during this difficult time. In addition, the Government covers the first 12 months of interest payments charged to the business by the lender.

We have always been clear that businesses are responsible for repaying any finance they take out. However, we recognise that some borrowers will benefit from flexibility for their repayments. That is why we announced the Pay As You Grow measures.

Pay As You Grow was designed to provide Bounce Back Loan borrowers more time and flexibility over their repayments by giving them the option to:

  • Extend the length of the loan from six years to ten.
  • Make interest-only payments for six months, with the option to use this up to three times throughout the loan.
  • Once six payments have been made, have the option of a six-month repayment holiday.

On 8 February, the Government announced that these options would be made more generous – removing the requirement to make six payments before accessing the six-month repayment holiday.

Businesses will be able to use these options either individually or in combination with each other. In addition, they have the option to fully repay their loan early and will face no early repayment charges for doing so.

29th Jun 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the Scottish Crown Estate’s ScotWind leasing requirements for Scottish supply chain content.

Responsibility for offshore wind leasing is a devolved area.

The Government has not made any assessment of the Scottish Crown Estate’s ScotWind leasing programme. However, Ministers and officials regularly engage with the Scottish Government.

26th Jun 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of including binding contractual clauses for supply chain plan estimates in future contract for difference offshore wind projects.

The Department does not have the legal power to require the holder of a Contract for Difference to sell all or most of their stake in a project under these circumstances.

The Secretary of State can take into account an Applicant’s failure to demonstrate that they have implemented a previously approved supply chain plan when considering a plan for a future CfD Allocation Round. This could lead to the Applicant (and any partner(s) with a 20% share or greater) having their supply chain plan rejected and therefore be prevented from entry to that CfD Allocation Round.

We recently consulted on potential changes to the CfD scheme for the next allocation round, due to be held in 2021. This included questions around the potential merits of strengthening the powers to fail supply chain plans, including the remedies the Department could consider for Applicants who do fail, and of linking compliance with an approved supply chain plan with CfD payments. We will publish the Government’s response to the consultation in due course.

26th Jun 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what penalties his Department applies to offshore wind developers who fail to meet estimates made on (a) value and (b) jobs for the UK supply chain in awarded contract for differences.

The Department does not have the legal power to require the holder of a Contract for Difference to sell all or most of their stake in a project under these circumstances.

The Secretary of State can take into account an Applicant’s failure to demonstrate that they have implemented a previously approved supply chain plan when considering a plan for a future CfD Allocation Round. This could lead to the Applicant (and any partner(s) with a 20% share or greater) having their supply chain plan rejected and therefore be prevented from entry to that CfD Allocation Round.

We recently consulted on potential changes to the CfD scheme for the next allocation round, due to be held in 2021. This included questions around the potential merits of strengthening the powers to fail supply chain plans, including the remedies the Department could consider for Applicants who do fail, and of linking compliance with an approved supply chain plan with CfD payments. We will publish the Government’s response to the consultation in due course.

26th Jun 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what legal recourse his Department has to ensure that the original developer of a contract for difference for offshore wind sells (a) the project or (b) a majority stake in that project if they no longer meet the conditions on the UK supply chain in that contract.

The Department does not have the legal power to require the holder of a Contract for Difference to sell all or most of their stake in a project under these circumstances.

The Secretary of State can take into account an Applicant’s failure to demonstrate that they have implemented a previously approved supply chain plan when considering a plan for a future CfD Allocation Round. This could lead to the Applicant (and any partner(s) with a 20% share or greater) having their supply chain plan rejected and therefore be prevented from entry to that CfD Allocation Round.

We recently consulted on potential changes to the CfD scheme for the next allocation round, due to be held in 2021. This included questions around the potential merits of strengthening the powers to fail supply chain plans, including the remedies the Department could consider for Applicants who do fail, and of linking compliance with an approved supply chain plan with CfD payments. We will publish the Government’s response to the consultation in due course.

26th Jun 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will place in the Library a copy of the supply chain plans for consented offshore wind contract for difference projects.

The redacted supply chain plans for renewable energy projects that were awarded Contracts for Difference (CfD) in the CfD Allocation Round 3 will be published on the Government website shortly.

The supply chain plans for previous Allocation Rounds can be found here:

Allocation Round 1

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/contracts-for-difference-supply-chain-plans-for-projects-over-300mw-which-secured-contracts

Allocation Round 2

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/contracts-for-difference-2nd-allocation-round-supply-chain-plans-for-projects-over-300mw-which-secured-contracts-2017

1st Jun 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when he last met with Scottish and Southern Energy regarding their Seagreen Offshore wind development; and what was discussed at that meeting.

Details of meetings held by BEIS Ministers are recorded in the Transparency data published on gov.uk, and available at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/beis-ministerial-gifts-hospitality-travel-and-meetings-october-to-december-2019

Officials have regular meetings with SSE to discuss various issues, including the Seagreen offshore wind development.

1st Jun 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what representations he has received from Scottish and Southern Energy on the minimum levels of (a) UK and (b) Scottish content in the supply chain for the Seagreen offshore wind farm development prior to the award of a contract for difference.

The Seagreen Offshore Wind Farm Supply Chain Plan (which will be published in due course), submitted prior to the award of a contract for difference, committed to maximising opportunities for UK suppliers with an aspirational target of achieving 50% - 55% lifetime UK content.

Seagreen Wind Energy Ltd also committed to encouraging new suppliers into the market and promoting supply chain opportunities to the local and national supply chain and has collaborated with Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to compile a list of Scottish companies capable of supplying to the sector.

The Department will monitor the implementation of the Seagreen Supply Chain Plan.

1st Jun 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the Seagreen offshore wind farm’s Environmental Impact Assessment report Chapter 15, paragraph 15.95, how much of the £690 million of estimated contracts available to Scottish companies in the CAPEX phase of the project have been awarded; and with reference to table 15.10 of that report, how much of the estimated £79m for foundations has been awarded by Scottish and Southern Energy.

The Department does not hold that information. However, we work closely with the Scottish Government and the Department for International Trade and the industry to maximise the opportunities for UK suppliers from offshore wind projects.

16th Nov 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport what contingency plans he has with respect to the UK's future relationship with the EU in the event of a UK-based companies being disadvantaged through the treatment of data after the transition period.

We are working constructively with the Commission to secure data adequacy by the end of the transition period. We see no reason why we should not be awarded adequacy. However, the process is controlled by the Commission, and we are realistic about the increasingly challenging timelines for completion.

If adequacy decisions are not in place by the end of the transition period, organisations would be able to use alternative legal mechanisms to continue receiving personal data from the EU. Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) are the most common legal safeguard and will be the relevant mitigation for most organisations.

The ICO has created an interactive SCCs tool for businesses to use and further guidance can be found on GOV.UK and the ICO’s website regarding steps organisations may be required to take relating to data protection and data flows by the end of the transition period.

30th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many tonnes of commercial Atlantic Blue Fin Tuna quota the Government plans to acquire; and how much and what proportion of that tonnage will be designated to Scotland.

The UK has 65.4 tonnes of eastern Atlantic bluefin tuna quota in 2023. Currently, eastern Atlantic bluefin tuna is managed as a UK unallocated stock and is not apportioned between the UK Fisheries Administrations. Defra is considering how best to manage the UK’s eastern Atlantic bluefin tuna quota in future years.

Mark Spencer
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
16th Jun 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the availability of fertiliser in the last 12 months.

Global gas prices have impacted production of fertilisers internationally and domestically. Some international companies halted or reduced production, and some countries, such as China, reduced the export of some fertiliser products to protect their domestic demands. However, supply of all fertilisers in the UK has remained available throughout the last 12 months although high prices reduced demand from farmers.

While global fertiliser prices have risen, the supply chain providing imports of fertiliser to the UK has remained dynamic. CF Fertilisers continues to produce ammonium nitrate fertiliser from its plant at Billingham. New season fertiliser prices since May have fallen from their peak caused by high global gas prices, allowing many farmers to purchase fertiliser and take-up was extremely good.

Government actions, such as bringing forward half of this year's Basic Payment Scheme payment as an advance injection of cash to farm businesses, will help farmers deal with high fertiliser prices. In addition, the Government announced on 30 March a number of actions to help mitigate the current issues and support farmers and growers ahead of the next growing season. These included changes to statutory guidance to the Environment Agency on how they should implement the "Farming Rules for Water" to provide clarity to farmers on how they can use slurry and other manures during autumn and winter to meet agronomic needs; increased grants funding to help farmers and growers boost research and development; and a delay to changes to the use of urea by at least a year. When the urea restrictions are introduced, they will be related to the use of ammonia inhibitors rather than a complete ban.

We are monitoring the situation closely, including through the UK Agriculture Market Monitoring Group. Defra is in regular contact with key industry figures including the National Farmers Union, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board and the Agricultural Industries Confederation.

Jo Churchill
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
16th Jun 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if his Department will make an assessment of the potential impact of recent measures the EU has taken to support its agricultural sector during the conflict in Ukraine on the competitiveness of (a) farmers and (b) fertiliser manufacturers in the UK.

The UK is working with G7 and other partners in multilateral fora such as the World Trade Organization, to monitor and address global food security issues, focusing on the ongoing benefits of open markets, and working together to ensure that sufficient, safe, affordable and nutritious food continues to be available and accessible to all. We are aware that other countries have put various measures in place to support their agricultural sectors. We are monitoring developments and applying our own measures in the UK.

The Secretary of State recently announced a range of measures in support of the current situation, such as delaying changes to the use of urea fertiliser to help farmers manage their costs and improving statutory guidance for use of slurry. On 31 March I hosted the first meeting of the Fertiliser Taskforce with key industry bodies to discuss potential mitigations to the challenges which global supply pressures are causing. The second Taskforce meeting occurred on 18 May, hosted by Minister Churchill. Ministers will continue to meet with key industry bodies for further Fertiliser Taskforce sessions in the coming months, to help identify and mitigate potential risks.

In addition, the 2022 Basic Payment Scheme payment will be made in two instalments to give farmers an advance injection of cash. Farmers with eligible applications will receive half of their payment from the end of July, and the rest from December. By doing this, the Government intends to inject cash into farm businesses, helping them to make business decisions sooner, with more confidence. Leaving the EU has given us flexibility to introduce this measure. In the days of the EU this would never have been possible due to the way audits worked and the need to enforce the three crop rule during the summer.

We continue to keep the market situation under review through the UK Agriculture Market Monitoring Group, which monitors UK agricultural markets including price, supply, inputs, trade and recent developments. We have also increased our engagement with industry to supplement our analysis with real-time intelligence.

Victoria Prentis
Attorney General