Oral Answers to Questions

Gordon McKee Excerpts

Wednesday 4th September 2024 Commons Chamber

[Torcuil Crichton (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (Lab)]

7. What steps he is taking to support the energy industry in Scotland.

[Gordon McKee (Glasgow South) (Lab)]

9. What steps he is taking to support the energy industry in Scotland.

[Richard Baker (Glenrothes and Mid Fife) (Lab)]

10. What steps he is taking to support the energy industry in Scotland.

--- Later in debate ---

[Ian Murray]

I thank my hon. Friend for that question, and congratulate him on winning the Western Isles. He is Mr Western Isles, and he will be a champion for those islands.

The Government will continue to engage with Harland & Wolff, local MPs and the Scottish Government to monitor the situation and support a resolution that provides long-term certainty for the yards and workforces across the whole UK, with all four yards across the UK being treated as one. The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, my hon. Friend the Member for Midlothian (Kirsty McNeill), recently visited the Arnish yard. I have visited the Methil yard twice—once before the election and once during the election—and I have regular meetings with the Deputy First Minister on this issue and hope to meet her again in the coming weeks. We will do all we can to protect these yards.

[Gordon McKee]

Having spent many years working for my right hon. Friend when he was on the Opposition Benches, may I welcome him to his position as Secretary of State for Scotland? The creation of GB Energy will support 50,000 new jobs across Scotland. It will deliver lower household bills and help us meet our net zero obligations. Given that Glasgow already has a fantastic renewables industry, may I ask what work he has done with his Cabinet colleagues to ensure that GB Energy supports jobs in Glasgow?

[Ian Murray]

I congratulate my hon. Friend on winning his seat in Glasgow South. His question is much better than any that he ever wrote for me.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero is due to make an announcement on the location of GB Energy very soon. I regret that, in the interim, I can say no more than that, although I am sure that my hon. Friend’s words of encouragement in respect of Glasgow will not have escaped the attention of my Cabinet colleagues. I can announce exclusively to the House today, Mr Speaker, that GB Energy will be headquartered in Scotland.