Public Ownership of Energy Companies

Debate between George Freeman and Sheryll Murray

Monday 31st October 2022 Westminster Hall

[George Freeman]

Thank you, Mrs Murray.

We have heard nothing today about the really exciting opportunities in our energy sector: the new renewables, including those in marine, tidal, geothermal, hydrogen and fusion, that this Government and I, as Minister with responsibility for research, are supporting. There are also opportunities for the UK’s cleantech sector—the small and large companies that are in the frontline of developing global solutions for new energy. We have heard nothing about the smart grid, the importance of incentives or the digitalisation of the grid to create a micro-market and bring net zero down to the ground in different communities. We have heard very little about energy use. We have heard a lot about generation, but very little about how transport and agriculture—the two big industries on the frontline of energy usage—are making huge strides in decreasing their reliance on energy. Instead, we have heard quite a lot of the old dogma of decline.

To be honest, I think that explains why there are so few colleagues from other parties here this afternoon; most of them are more interested in trying to develop practical solutions. I honestly think that the 100,000 people who petitioned for a proper debate about long-term energy strategy deserve something slightly better than we have heard today, and the Government are determined to provide it.

[Mrs Sheryll Murray (in the Chair)]

Mr Martyn Day, you have two minutes to wind up.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between George Freeman and Sheryll Murray

Tuesday 22nd February 2022 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Sheryll Murray (South East Cornwall) (Con)]

T10. Cornwall is famous for its creativity and its inventions—whether it be Richard Trevithick’s steam engine, Cornishman Richard Lower, who did the first blood transfusion, or Sir Humphry Davy’s lamp. What assurance can the Government give that research and development funding is getting to Cornwall?

[George Freeman]

My hon. Friend is an outspoken advocate for the Cornish cluster, which is growing fast. In addition to our groundbreaking pledge to increase investment in R&D outside the golden triangle to 55%, we are specifically investing in the South West Centre of Excellence in Satellite Applications, the Newquay Spaceport and work with the University of Exeter and Virgin Orbit. This is an exciting time for the Cornish economy.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between George Freeman and Sheryll Murray

Tuesday 25th June 2013 Commons Chamber

[Sheryll Murray (South East Cornwall) (Con)]

3. What recent fiscal steps he has taken to support small businesses.

[George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con)]

8. What recent fiscal steps he has taken to support small businesses.