Dave Doogan Portrait

Dave Doogan

Scottish National Party - Angus and Perthshire Glens

4,870 (10.3%) majority - 2024 General Election

First elected: 12th December 2019

Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Defence)

(since July 2024)

Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Economy)

(since July 2024)

Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Energy Security and Net Zero)

(since July 2024)

Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Energy Security and Net Zero)
4th Sep 2023 - 30th May 2024
Defence Committee
5th Jan 2022 - 12th Sep 2023
Defence Sub-Committee
5th Jan 2022 - 12th Sep 2023
Committees on Arms Export Controls
26th Jan 2022 - 12th Sep 2023
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Defence)
12th Dec 2022 - 4th Sep 2023
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Defence Procurement)
5th Jan 2022 - 12th Dec 2022
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Agriculture and Rural Affairs)
7th Jan 2020 - 5th Jan 2022
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Manufacturing)
16th Oct 2020 - 5th Jan 2022
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
2nd Mar 2020 - 5th Jan 2022
Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill
3rd Nov 2021 - 18th Nov 2021


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Dave Doogan has voted in 83 divisions, and 1 time against the majority of their Party.

29 Apr 2025 - Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill - View Vote Context
Dave Doogan voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 1 Scottish National Party No votes vs 6 Scottish National Party Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 73 Noes - 255
View All Dave Doogan Division Votes

Debates during the 2024 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
Michael Shanks (Labour)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
(16 debate interactions)
John Healey (Labour)
Secretary of State for Defence
(15 debate interactions)
Rachel Reeves (Labour)
Chancellor of the Exchequer
(13 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
HM Treasury
(68 debate contributions)
Scotland Office
(24 debate contributions)
Ministry of Defence
(15 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
Legislation Debates
Finance Act 2025
(5,793 words contributed)
Great British Energy Act 2025
(2,788 words contributed)
Budget Responsibility Act 2024
(2,082 words contributed)
View All Legislation Debates
View all Dave Doogan's debates

Angus and Perthshire Glens Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Petition Debates Contributed

We think that changing inheritance tax relief for agricultural land will devastate farms nationwide, forcing families to sell land and assets just to stay on their property. We urge the government to keep the current exemptions for working farms.


Latest EDMs signed by Dave Doogan

21st May 2025
Dave Doogan signed this EDM on Thursday 22nd May 2025

Humanitarian aid into Gaza

Tabled by: Adnan Hussain (Independent - Blackburn)
That this House calls on the United Nations, alongside the Security Council, to take urgent action to facilitate humanitarian aid access to Gaza, in light of the statement by the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs that 14,000 babies will die in Gaza if aid supplies do not get in …
35 signatures
(Most recent: 2 Jun 2025)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 13
Scottish National Party: 9
Independent: 6
Plaid Cymru: 4
Green Party: 2
Social Democratic & Labour Party: 2
Alliance: 1
21st May 2025
Dave Doogan signed this EDM on Thursday 22nd May 2025

Arms exports to Israel

Tabled by: Zarah Sultana (Independent - Coventry South)
That this House calls on the Government to immediately suspend all arms exports to Israel in line with majority public opinion and urgently provide full transparency over Britain’s military relationship with Israel considering new evidence of significantly increased military shipments during the war on Gaza; notes a new report evidencing …
45 signatures
(Most recent: 2 Jun 2025)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 19
Independent: 9
Scottish National Party: 7
Green Party: 4
Plaid Cymru: 4
Liberal Democrat: 1
Social Democratic & Labour Party: 1
Alliance: 1
View All Dave Doogan's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Dave Doogan, 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.


Dave Doogan has not been granted any Urgent Questions

1 Adjournment Debate led by Dave Doogan

Dave Doogan has not introduced any legislation before Parliament


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
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what discussions he has had with the devolved Administrations on the format of payments from the infected blood compensation scheme; whether he has had discussions with each devolved Administration on their presumed approach in terms of lump-sum versus monthly payments; and what assessment his Department has made of each devolved Administration's presumed approach.

I met the Health Ministers for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland ahead of the announcement on 16 August, and officials meet on a regular basis to discuss the progress of the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme. The Scheme will operate across the UK and the Infected Blood Compensation Authority has been set up to deliver compensation payments to people infected and affected, and will work across the whole country as a single point administering compensation. We are committed to working closely with devolved governments and their support scheme administrators as we move forward with this work.

Nick Thomas-Symonds
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
13th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of competition for North Channel ferry crossings on economic growth in Northern Ireland.

The Competition and Markets Authority, the “CMA”, is responsible for competition investigations and enforcement within the UK, including Northern Ireland. It is therefore not appropriate for Government to make assessments on the impacts of conduct on competition.

As an independent authority, the CMA has discretion to investigate competition cases which, according to its prioritisation principles, it considers most appropriate. The government has ensured that the CMA has significant powers to investigate and act to ensure markets remain competitive, and consumers are protected from unfair or exploitative market practices.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
7th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to help tackle postcode-based delivery surcharges that misclassify accessible regions such as Perthshire as (a) remote and (b) offshore.

The postcode is a routing instruction used by Royal Mail to sort and deliver mail quickly and accurately. Individual addresses are therefore not always a geographically accurate description of where a property is located.

Royal Mail updates the Postcode Address File daily and a Code of Practice sets out the process for change requests. The Code of Practice is available on Royal Mail’s website: www.royalmail.com/sites/default/files/PAF-Code-of-Practice-211118.pdf.

Any concerns about the way in which a third party, including retailers and other postal operators, is using a postcode or applying a surcharge should be taken up directly with the company or organisation involved.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
27th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what estimate he has made of the Investment Fund for Scotland management fees paid to (a) DSL Business Finance, (b) FSE Group and (c) Maeven (i) to date and (ii) during the life of the Fund.

The British Business Bank routinely commissions independent evaluations of its programmes to quantify their impact and an overall assessment of performance and value for money. An interim evaluation of the Investment Fund for Scotland (IFS) programme is expected to be commissioned during the first five years of the Fund’s operation. Fees paid to individual managers is commercially sensitive information and therefore not able to be published.

Gareth Thomas
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
27th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many Investment Fund for Scotland applications have been (a) received and (b) approved for each of the funds administered by (i) DSL Business Finance, (ii) FSE Group and (iii) Maeven; and what was the average time taken to consider a funding application by (A) DSL Business Finance, (B) FSE Group and (C) Maeven.

The £150 million Investment Fund for Scotland was launched in November 2023 and provides debt and equity finance to Scottish businesses. Similar funds are available in Wales, Northern Ireland, and three regions of England. As at November 2024, the Investment Fund for Scotland had provided over £10 million of finance to 26 businesses. Updated information will be published by September 2025. The British Business Bank does not publish information on numbers of applications received or hold information on time taken to review applications. All investment decisions are taken by the fund managers who analyse the application and complete due diligence.

Gareth Thomas
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
27th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how much has been allocated from the Investment Fund for Scotland to businesses to date; and what estimate he has made of the amount that will be allocated in each year of the Fund's operation.

A total of £150 million has been committed to the Investment Fund for Scotland. Three fund managers have been contracted to provide £110 million of this total in debt and equity finance to small businesses. The British Business Bank has retained the remaining £40 million in reserve, which will be allocated during the life of the fund depending on market conditions and fund performance. The funding has initially been split approximately 45% to equity and 55% to debt. The expectation is that the funding will be fully deployed during the first five years.

Gareth Thomas
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
21st Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for arms export licences of the International Criminal Court arrest warrant for (a) Benjamin Netanyahu and (b) Yoav Gallant.

The UK respects the independence of the International Criminal Court in investigating the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

We have been clear that all parties must comply with International Humanitarian Law and take every possible step to minimise harm to civilians. The relevant licences remain suspended and the Government’s IHL assessment process continues to gather information from a wide range of sources, including statements from the UN, NGOs, and other organisations.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
15th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many vacant posts there are at Great British Energy.

I can confirm that seventeen vacant posts have been advertised by Great British Energy either on or after 1st April 2025. The Great British Energy Bill received Royal Assent on 15th May 2025 which allows the company to now move forward with the set-up in Aberdeen including workforce planning.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
15th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate he has made of when the Aberdeen headquarters of Great British Energy will be operational.

Great British Energy is initially headquartered in DESNZ’s second headquarters in Aberdeen, Crimon Place, to ensure the organisation can get to work as quickly as possible. As a Government Property Agency (GPA) onboarded department, DESNZ is pursuing property options through the GPA. Due to the commercial sensitivity of any lease negotiations, specific details or timescales cannot be provided at this time.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
12th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make (a) an estimate of the number of radio teleswitch service meters in use in Scotland in the latest period for which data is available and (b) it his policy to delay the RTS signal switch off to avoid loss of service for customers who have not yet transitioned from RTS meters.

Data on the number of remaining RTS meters is collected by Ofgem. The latest data as of 18 April indicates that there are c.125,000 RTS meters remaining in Scotland.

The industry-led RTS is reaching the end of its operational life and can no longer be adequately maintained. The switch-off will start from the end of June, and the Government and Ofgem have called on suppliers to rapidly increase the pace of RTS replacements, so that there is a smooth transition and consumers are protected. We continue to closely monitor progress.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
8th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent discussions he has had with Drax Group plc on the postponement of the Cruachan II pumped hydro storage project.

Details of Ministers' and Permanent Secretaries' meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
8th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of contract for difference projects that have recently been cancelled due to increasing cost pressures; and whether he plans to reform the contract for difference scheme given increased volatility in global inflation.

We recognise the effect that globally high inflation and supply chain constraints are having on industry and we will work with Orsted to get Hornsea 4 back on track.

We have a strong pipeline of projects, and our mission-led approach ensures we can steer our way through global pressures and individual commercial decisions to reach our targets. The Government has consulted on reforms to the CfD scheme, with the aim of moving towards energy independence and protecting against volatile global fossil fuel prices. A full response to the consultation will be published before AR7 opens in the summer.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, on what date GB Energy's annual report and accounts will be published.

Clause 7 of the Great British Energy Bill requires Great British Energy to report its accounts to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. It also requires the Secretary of State to lay a copy of these before Parliament.

As The Bill has not yet received Royal Assent, we are unable to confirm a specific date on which the first annual reports and accounts will be laid before Parliament.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
12th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what the budget is for GB Energy in the 2024-25 financial year; how much and what proportion of that budget has been spent; and what GB Energy has spent its funding on.

Great British Energy (GBE) was allocated £11.1million for 2024/25, and a further £125 million was allocated in the Autumn Budget 2024 to set up GBE in FY 25-26. This will enable GBE to begin the roll out of local projects alongside other functions.

Information on departmental expenditure is made publicly available the usual way through the Department's annual report and accounts.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
13th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether Ofgem have made an estimate of the relative costs per KM of installing (a) overhead, (b) underground and (c) offshore electricity transmission cables for energy transmission infrastructure.

Ofgem estimates of the relative costs of overhead, underground and offshore electricity transmission cables vary significantly depending on various factors such as technology types, voltage levels and locations. Due to commercial sensitivity, Ofgem cannot not share specific estimates. However, as set out in the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s 2012 study, offshore cables have considerable cost and technical challenges and can have substantial impacts on the marine environment. Undergrounding is usually by open trenching with costs between 5-10 times those of overhead lines.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
3rd Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent estimate he has made of the relative costs per km of (a) overhead, (b) underground and (c) offshore electricity transmission cables in the last 12 months.

The Government keeps abreast of the various technologies that can be used to help us achieve clean power by 2030, including the various means of laying cable, but has not yet made an estimate of the relative costs of cabling in the last 12 months.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
28th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what progress he has made with Ofgem and energy suppliers on (a) understanding how energy costs will change for consumers following the switch from services relying on Radio Teleswitch and (b) ensuring consumers will have access to competitive tariffs when Radio Teleswitch Service meters are replaced.

Energy suppliers are best placed to advise on suitable tariffs for their customers, and to ensure that they inform affected customers of any changes to the cost of their energy.

Ofgem has been clear that suppliers must take all reasonable steps to ensure former RTS consumers stay on a closely equivalent tariff.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
24th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what progress GB Energy has made on delivering community energy projects.

Great British Energy has as one of its key functions the delivery of the Local Power Plan which will provide funding and support to communities to meet the government's goal of 8GW of community energy by 2030.

The GBE Bill is still making its way through Parliament and the Autumn 2024 budget allocated £125m to set up the company in FY 25-26. We will have more to say on GBE's first investments in due course.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
9th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent discussions he has had with Ofgem on steps it is taking to help consumers secure competitive tariffs when Radio Teleswitch Service meters are replaced.

The Government recognises the importance of a smooth transition for consumers away from Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters. The Government is working closely with Ofgem, industry stakeholders, and energy suppliers through the RTS Taskforce which is working to upgrade all RTS meters before the switch off in June 2025. We will continue to work closely with Ofgem and the RTS Taskforce to tackle this issue and to ensure that consumers get a good deal.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
22nd Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will take steps with his international counterparts to negotiate a treaty on (a) ending fossil fuel (i) exploration and (ii) expansion, (b) phasing-out existing production of fossil fuels and (c) supporting a just transition to renewable energy.

The UK will work closely with international partners to deliver our commitments to transition away from fossil fuels, as agreed at COP28, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, while ensuring our energy security. The Government has also just launched a Global Clean Power Alliance to accelerate the transition to clean energy.


The UK’s international engagement is based on strong domestic leadership. One of the Government’s missions is to deliver clean power by 2030, and the Government will consult later this year on implementing the manifesto position not to issue new oil and gas licences to explore new fields.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
8th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what methodology his Department will use to allocate the £1 billion of funding for community energy to each of the nations in the UK.

GBE will benefit all four nations, creating jobs and building supply chains across the whole of UK. GBE’s funding envelope provides a total amount for it to operate UK-wide.

We are resetting the Government’s approach to working with the devolved nations. We are working with the Northern Ireland Executive, and Scottish and Welsh Governments on the scope and opportunities for GBE’s work across the UK. The vision statement between the Scottish Government and DESNZ is a key step towards progressing this collaboration, including exploring opportunities for GBE to partner with the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme to support local energy in Scotland.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of overhead lines on GPS equipment used by farmers.

Any developer of electricity network infrastructure projects undertakes an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for individual projects and EIAs for projects in rural areas will almost always include assessment of agricultural impacts. These assessments are then considered in the consenting process for projects. In addition, consultation on proposed projects includes engagement with relevant stakeholders, including farmers.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate his Department has made of changes in the number of jobs in the (a) oil and (b) gas sector in (i) the UK and (ii) Scotland in each of the next 30 years.

The Department does not hold these estimates.

According to ONS data[1], direct jobs in oil and gas extraction fell by around a third between 2014 and 2022 (from c.42k to c.28k). Of all current direct offshore oil and gas jobs, roughly 80% are in Scotland[2].

As Britain becomes a clean energy superpower, the Government is determined to create new high-quality jobs to ensure a phased and responsible transition in the North Sea.

[1] ONS Business Register and Employment Survey - https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/employmentandemployeetypes/datasets/industry235digitsicbusinessregisterandemploymentsurveybrestable2

[2] ONS Business Register and Employment data from NOMIS - (https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/query/select/getdatasetbytheme.asp?theme=27&subgrp=Previous+employment+surveys)

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent estimate he has made of the relative costs per km of (a) overhead, (b) underground and (c) offshore electricity transmission cables.

The Government keeps abreast of the various technologies that can be used to help us achieve clean power by 2030, including the various means of laying cable, but has not yet made an estimate of the relative costs of cabling since it came into power.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what plans he has for GB Energy (a) investments in renewable energy supply chains and (b) (i) whole and (ii) partial ownership of supply chain manufacturing companies.

As set out in Great British Energy’s Founding Statement, supporting British supply chains is one of the five key functions of this new publicly-owned energy company. Government is committed to supporting the transition to an affordable, decarbonised power system by 2030, built using domestic manufacturing and supply chains. Government will provide further detail as to the role that Great British Energy will play in due course as we continue to work towards putting a plan in motion to deliver a comprehensive package of support for domestic clean energy supply chains that will significantly boost the number of skilled jobs in these essential industries.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what plans he has for (a) whole and (b) partial ownership of (i) offshore and (ii) onshore wind farms by GB Energy by 2045.

Great British Energy will be a publicly-owned energy company that will invest in, own and operate projects. Great British Energy will support the Government's clean power mission by partnering with industry, local authorities and communities.

The exact detail and timeline of specific projects will be set out as appropriate by Great British Energy itself, as an operationally independent company.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what proportion of Great British Energy's budget will be allocated to early development work to help de-risk private sector investments over the next five years.

Great British Energy will be an operationally independent company capitalised with £8.3 billion over this Parliament. The exact proportion of investment allocated to different priorities will be a decision for Great British Energy and investment to support early development work on projects will be an important part of its work. The Secretary of State will set out Great British Energy’s strategic priorities in due course.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what plans he has for GB Energy (a) whole and (b) partial ownership of electricity transmission infrastructure.

Great British Energy will not seek to own electricity transmission infrastructure, instead it will be a publicly owned generation company that will own, manage, and operate clean energy projects across the country. This means Great British Energy will invest in and own renewable energy projects which will produce clean, cheap and homegrown energy and make Britain energy secure.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what plans he has for GB Energy (a) investment in and (b) partial ownership of community energy projects.

Great British Energy, through the Local Power Plan, will give local communities a stake in the transition to net zero, as owners and partners in clean energy projects. It will provide commercial, technical and project-planning assistance to Local and Combined Authorities and Community Energy Groups, increasing their capability and capacity to build a pipeline of successful projects in their local areas. As an operationally independent company, Great British Energy will work with stakeholders at the local level to decide ownership structures for each project.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether any of Great British Energy's 8.3bn budget will be spent on funding (a) the offshore renewable energy catapult and (b) other existing technology investment initiatives.

Great British Energy will invest in, own and operate projects which will produce clean, cheap and homegrown energy and make Britain energy secure. It will be backed by a capitalisation of £8.3bn of new money over this Parliament.

Government will clarify the relationship between Great British Energy and existing technology investment schemes and initiatives, such as the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, in due course.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what plans he has for (a) whole and (b) partial ownership of energy generation capacity by GB Energy by 2045.

Government does not intend for Great British Energy to buy existing generation assets from private sector operators. Instead, Government anticipates that it will develop a portfolio of new assets, boosting Britain’s energy security whilst also delivering revenues to the British taxpayer. Government will do this by working in partnership with the private sector, local authorities and communities.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he plans for GB Energy to have a public option retail arm.

No. The Government does not intend Great British Energy to be an energy retail company or to supply energy directly to households. Great British Energy will invest in, own and operate energy projects which will produce clean, cheap and homegrown power that is sold to retail companies.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he will publish a response to the consultation entitled Review of electricity market arrangements (REMA): second consultation which closed on 7 May 2024.

Electricity market reform work is key to delivering a decarbonised, secure, and affordable system. The new Government is currently assessing timelines, and we will provide more information in due course.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he plans to introduce zonal energy markets in the UK.

Electricity market reform work is key to delivering a decarbonised, secure, and affordable system. The Government will provide more information in due course.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether wind farm developments which receive investment from GB Energy will be eligible for contracts via the Contracts for Difference scheme.

The way that Great British Energy interacts with other existing and new government policies influencing the energy system, including the Contracts for Difference Scheme, will be determined in due course. Great British Energy’s activities will be compliant with the Subsidy Control Act and Windsor Framework.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how GB Energy will interact with the (a) UK Infrastructure Bank and (b) National Wealth Fund to provide investment for renewable energy; and how renewables investments by GB Energy will differ from investments by the (a) UK Infrastructure Bank and (b) National Wealth Fund.

Great British Energy will work with institutions such as the National Wealth Fund and UK Infrastructure Bank to deliver the Government’s clean energy mission. The Government is currently developing the details of both Great British Energy and the National Wealth Fund in consultation with industry stakeholders and is committed to providing further detail on these bodies and the interactions between them in due course.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
29th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether any of the £8.3 billion funding allocated to Great British Energy over the next five years will be spent on funding the Contracts for Difference scheme.

No. The 8.3bn of funding allocated to Great British Energy over the next five years will be an additional measure and will not replace the need for other government support mechanisms such as the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme. The CfD Scheme is funded through a separate route via the CfD Supplier Obligation Levy. This government has increased the budget for allocation round six of the CfD Scheme by over 50%. The budget is now set at £1.555 billion.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
29th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether offshore wind projects developed with help from Great British Energy's early development work and investment will be co-owned by Great British Energy.

Great British Energy will be a publicly-owned energy company that will invest in, own and operate projects. Great British Energy will support the Government's clean power mission by partnering with industry, local authorities and communities.

The exact detail and timeline of specific projects will be set out as appropriate by Great British Energy itself, as an operationally independent company.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
29th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether Great British Energy will purchase and operate any existing energy generation capacity in the UK.

Government does not intend for Great British Energy to buy existing generation assets from private sector operators. Instead, Government anticipates that it will develop a portfolio of new assets, boosting Britain’s energy security whilst also delivering revenues to the British taxpayer. Government will do this by working in partnership with the private sector, local authorities and communities.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
29th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether GB energy will (a) build and (b) operate energy generation capacity by 2045.

Great British Energy will be a publicly-owned energy company that will invest in, own and operate projects. Great British Energy will support the Government's clean power mission by partnering with industry, local authorities and communities.

The exact detail and timeline of specific projects will be set out as appropriate by Great British Energy itself, as an operationally independent company.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
29th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he expects GB Energy to generate funds through (a) generation of energy, (b) distribution of energy and (c) any other mechanism.

Great British Energy will be a publicly-owned energy company that will invest in, own and operate projects, including generation assets, that expect a return on investments, generating revenue and delivering profits that will benefit the public. Any profit generated through Great British Energy will be channelled into creating further benefits for the UK taxpayers, billpayers and communities. Government does not intend for Great British Energy to be a retail energy supplier.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
13th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of (a) trends in population levels of West African migratory bird species over the last 10 years and (b) the potential impact of the use of mist nets in West African countries on those populations.

Defra has not made an assessment on trends in population levels of West African migratory bird species in the last ten years, nor has it made an assessment of the potential impact of the use of mist nets in Western African countries on these populations.

Mary Creagh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
2nd Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will introduce a digitalised ID system for horses to (a) ensure effective enforcement of the ban on live exports for slaughter and (b) prevent illegal horse smuggling.

The Government recognises the importance of the equine sector to the UK economy and of improving equine identification. We have no current plans to implement mandatory digital identification, but we remain in close touch with the industry.

Exporting livestock and horses from Great Britain for slaughter is banned under the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Act 2024. We have put in place regulations to ensure that the ban is enforced robustly. The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Enforcement Regulations 2024 came into force on 1st January 2025 and provide a range of regulatory and enforcement powers to the Animal and Plant Health Agency and Local Authority Inspectors.

Daniel Zeichner
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
2nd Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure enforcement of the ban on live (a) horse and (b) other animal exports for slaughter.

The Government recognises the importance of the equine sector to the UK economy and of improving equine identification. We have no current plans to implement mandatory digital identification, but we remain in close touch with the industry.

Exporting livestock and horses from Great Britain for slaughter is banned under the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Act 2024. We have put in place regulations to ensure that the ban is enforced robustly. The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Enforcement Regulations 2024 came into force on 1st January 2025 and provide a range of regulatory and enforcement powers to the Animal and Plant Health Agency and Local Authority Inspectors.

Daniel Zeichner
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
21st Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an estimate of the potential loss of revenue for seed potato farmers that lost potato cyst nematode clear status due to contamination during the construction of national infrastructure in the last 12 months.

Landowners, businesses and homeowners that have electrical equipment, such as pylons or towers, sited on their land have the right to compensation for the value of their land, as well as for any losses or expenses incurred. Acquiring authorities can also put in place discretionary schemes offering additional compensation. Such compensation is provided by network licence holders, not the Government.

Daniel Zeichner
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
21st Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to compensate seed potato farmers that lose potato cyst nematode clear status due to contamination caused by the construction of national infrastructure including overhead lines.

Landowners, businesses and homeowners that have electrical equipment, such as pylons or towers, sited on their land have the right to compensation for the value of their land, as well as for any losses or expenses incurred. Acquiring authorities can also put in place discretionary schemes offering additional compensation. Such compensation is provided by network licence holders, not the Government.

Daniel Zeichner
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
3rd Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what guidance she has issued on the recourse available to neighbours to Network Rail maintenance and construction projects for disputes relating to planned works.

While the Secretary of State has not issued specific guidance on this, there are options available for raising a dispute. Ahead of planned works Network Rail consults with communities affected, to address their concerns. Compensation for disruption will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Network Rail has a contact centre and webpage which details the process for making a complaint: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/communities/contact-us/making-a-complaint/.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
3rd Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions she has had with Network Rail on the steps it is taking to ensure the health and wellbeing of neighbours impacted by rail maintenance.

I am replying as Minister responsible. I am not aware of any discussions between the Secretary of State and Network Rail on this issue. The health and wellbeing of lineside neighbours is a key consideration for Network Rail in undertaking any essential rail maintenance work. These are reflected in Network Rail’s safety management system arrangements, which covers how they manage operations and connected activities to ensure that disturbance is minimised as far as reasonably practicable, whilst upholding their statutory duties on safety and performance.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)