Oral Answers to Questions

Wera Hobhouse Excerpts
Tuesday 13th October 2026

(2 days, 20 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Michael Shanks Portrait Michael Shanks
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When we came into government, we set this incredibly ambitious target to decarbonise the power system, which meant 95% of our electricity coming from clean sources. We have done everything possible to move towards that, and we are closer than we have ever been. It is worth saying that every single solar farm and wind farm that we switch on helps us to get off gas. In just the past few months since what has been happening in the middle east has taken course, we have been saving £5 million a day in displacing gas from the system because of the clean power mission. We are making huge progress and will continue pushing towards it.

Wera Hobhouse Portrait Wera Hobhouse (Bath) (LD)
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Ministers have repeatedly stated their intention to establish local trading to unleash the full potential of community energy, but details are still not forthcoming. Will the Minister set out a timeline to give community energy projects the clarity that they have so long been waiting for?

Michael Shanks Portrait Michael Shanks
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I recognise, as I always do, the hon. Lady’s championing of the sector. We on the Government Benches agree with her about the importance of community energy. She will not have to wait very long.