Oral Answers to Questions

Stephen Farry Excerpts

Tuesday 4th July 2023 Commons Chamber

[Grant Shapps]

Of course, I am delighted that the Barnett formula stretches so far in providing some of the excellent additions to those buildings. I just want to repeat that no Government have gone further and faster in the G7 than this one in introducing renewables and ensuring that they now power a very significant part of our grid. We want to go further and faster still, and we will make sure that things such as building codes help with that plan.

[Stephen Farry (North Down) (Alliance)]

11. What assessment he has made with Cabinet colleagues of the adequacy of workforce skills for delivering net zero projects.

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

We recognise that having the right skills within the workforce is critical, which is why we established the green jobs delivery group.

[Stephen Farry]

The Climate Change Committee has expressed concern that the UK is falling behind on a range of net zero commitments, including on skills. A skilled workforce, alongside new green jobs, is a key component of the green new deal, but the workforce plan is not due until 2024. In the light of the urgency of addressing climate change, will the Government commit to bring that forward to some time later this year?

[Amanda Solloway]

We are working as quickly as we can on ensuring this. The new skills that will be required are really beneficial for the UK economy, so we are keen to work with the green jobs delivery group and the Department for Education in looking at apprenticeships and how we can push this forward as quickly as possible.