Christina Rees
Main Page: Christina Rees (Labour (Co-op) - Neath)
Andrea Leadsom
What I can say as an Energy Minister is that the Government’s position is that the UK should stay in a reformed European Union.
Christina Rees (Neath) (Lab)
10. When her Department plans to start its consultation on the phasing out of coal-fired power stations.
The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change (Andrea Leadsom)
We are among the first developed countries to consult on phasing out coal. It is vital for our decarbonisation that we move away from the dirtiest fossil fuels, so holding a consultation is extremely important to make sure that we get views on how best to achieve our goal while ensuring energy security, which, as the hon. Lady will know, is non-negotiable. The consultation will begin in the near future.
Christina Rees
I am grateful to the Minister for her response. There are still many people in the UK, in Wales and, indeed, in my constituency of Neath, who work in or are connected with the coal industry. What assurances will the Minister provide that the consultation will be properly thought through and will take time to explore the issues thoroughly so as not to leave people unduly concerned for their livelihoods?
Andrea Leadsom
The hon. Lady is exactly right to speak out for her community, which is precisely why we are undertaking the consultation. We want to take all the factors into account. I am sure that she and Opposition Members will agree that it is right that we move away from the dirtiest fossil fuels over time, but in a measured way, taking into account the impact on local communities and their livelihoods and what other opportunities there are for them in the energy space and in the workplace. I can totally assure her that we will consult carefully.