Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Michael Shanks and Joani Reid

Tuesday 12th November 2024 Commons Chamber

[Joani Reid (East Kilbride and Strathaven) (Lab)]

12. What assessment he has made of the potential impact of Great British Energy on job creation.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Michael Shanks)]

The energy transition presents an incredible opportunity for job creation right across the UK, particularly in our industrial and coastal communities. Through Great British Energy, we will build on Scotland’s reputation as a world leader in energy and secure long-term, well-paid jobs in the industries of the future.

[Joani Reid]

I recently had the privilege of opening an extension to the Kype Muir wind farm in my constituency. The extension alone will generate enough power for 53,000 homes for 30 years. My constituency is also home to part of Whitelee, the largest onshore wind farm in Europe. However, not one of those turbines was manufactured in the UK, let alone locally. What steps is the Minister taking to develop UK manufacturing capacity in that area?

[Michael Shanks]

I know well my hon. Friend’s constituency—it is next door to mine—and both wind farms she mentions. She says quite rightly that, for all the expansion in those technologies over recent years, very few of those jobs, particularly in manufacturing, have been in this country. We will do everything we can, through Great British Energy and the clean industry bonus we have announced today, to grow our domestic supply chains, build industry in this country and win jobs for Britain.