Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephen Doughty and Fay Jones

Wednesday 31st January 2024 Commons Chamber

[Anna McMorrin (Cardiff North) (Lab)]

10. What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the adequacy of the energy mix in Wales.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Fay Jones)]

That was lively, Mr Speaker.

The UK has a secure and diverse energy system, and Wales continues to play a key role. The UK Government are going further to ensure our energy security by supporting our oil and gas industry, and investing to scale up our renewable energy production, such as floating offshore wind in the Celtic sea.

[Stephen Doughty]

Many of my constituents make the long journey round to work at Hinkley, yet we have had this Government in power for 14 years and we have seen no new nuclear delivered in Wales, despite our proud history of generation, with its significant opportunities to lower energy bills, deliver high-quality jobs and reduce carbon emissions. Where on earth is their plan, and why are they not getting on with delivering it?

[Fay Jones]

I very much welcome the hon. Gentleman mentioning nuclear. I seem to recall that, when his party was in power, Labour did next to nothing to advance the cause of nuclear energy in this country. It gives me ample opportunity to pay tribute to the work of my hon. Friend the Member for Ynys Môn (Virginia Crosbie), who has committed the Government to everything we have done on Wylfa so far. Progress is being made, in stark contrast to the record of his party.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephen Doughty and Fay Jones

Wednesday 6th December 2023 Commons Chamber

[Madam Deputy Speaker]

Order. Let the Minister respond to the question.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Fay Jones)]

The UK Government are committed to building a strong rail infrastructure network across Wales, which will improve connectivity and drive economic growth.

[Stephen Doughty]

My constituents want the parkway station to be built at St Mellons. That will require important work on the south Wales main line for relief lines. Will the Minister meet me and colleagues, with the rail Minister—the Minister of State, Department for Transport, the hon. Member for Bexhill and Battle (Huw Merriman)—to ensure that this important national investment is made, so that the station can go ahead?

[Fay Jones]

I will be delighted to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss that and the investment that the UK Government are already putting into rail infrastructure in Wales.