Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Blair McDougall and Susan Murray

Tuesday 13th October 2026 Commons Chamber

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Blair McDougall)]

I am the one who can organise something in a brewery, apparently! We hear lots of representations from hon. Members in support of small businesses, and we recognise the challenges that they face with their energy costs. Eligible small businesses are already benefiting from the VAT cut. On top of that, we will bring forward measures to deal with the third-party intermediaries who are often ripping off small businesses. As I said earlier, we are keen to go further, and I am working across both of my Departments towards that end.

[Susan Murray (Mid Dunbartonshire) (LD)]

When Torness closes in 2030, Scotland will be left without a nuclear power station for the first time since the 1950s. That steady, low-carbon power will still have to come from somewhere, but the SNP Government still refuse to back nuclear. What discussions has the Minister had with the Scottish Government about keeping Scotland’s lights on once Torness closes?