Oral Answers to Questions

Jim Shannon Excerpts

Tuesday 12th November 2024 Commons Chamber

[Sarah Jones]

I completely agree with my hon. Friend’s sentiment and commend the work that he is doing in his constituency. Low carbon technology will of course play a critical role in our future, from hydrogen to carbon capture and to renewable energy. I am pleased that, in the Budget, we saw the funding of 11 hydrogen projects, which will drive jobs and growth. I am really keen to talk to him about his plans for Peterborough becoming the King’s Cross for a hydrogen network and applaud the work that is going on in his constituency around green jobs.

[Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP)]

rose—

[Tim Farron (Westmorland and Lonsdale) (LD)]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

I call Jim Farron.

[Jim Shannon]

Me or him, Mr Speaker? [Laughter.]

[Tim Farron]

Mr Speaker, perhaps if I start, the hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) could finish.

In order to safeguard renewable jobs and to create new ones, will the Minister consider a specific project that has hydro-turbine manufacturers such as Gilkes in Kendal, and many others around the country, working alongside our farmers to make use of streams, becks and rivers that go through farmland to create renewable industry and, indeed, new jobs?

--- Later in debate ---

[Miatta Fahnbulleh]

I completely agree; decarbonising our public sector will not only reduce emissions but lower bills. We estimate that the £1 billion that we have allocated to public sector decarbonisation will reduce bills by about £40 million per year. That is a big step forward, but there is more work to do.

[Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP)]

It is clear that there is a role for all schools across this great United Kingdom to play in public sector decarbonisation. They also have a role in educating the children in their classrooms, who we want to be the pioneers of tomorrow. What has been done to ensure that the good things that happen on the mainland of the United Kingdom are shared with regional Administrations such as the Northern Ireland Assembly?

[Miatta Fahnbulleh]

We will work on that with the devolved Administrations across the United Kingdom. Good practice is happening across local government and regional government. We will ensure that everyone can learn from it, and we will deliver the biggest upgrade in a generation.