Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment has been made of how many UK manufacturing jobs are at risk if industrial energy prices are not brought into line with international competitors.

The Government recognises that high industrial electricity prices are a significant pressure on UK manufacturers. While we do not publish a single estimate of jobs at risk from international energy price differentials, we are taking action to reduce costs for industry.

The British Industry Supercharger is already supporting around 550 of the most electricity-intensive businesses and from 2027, the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will reduce electricity costs by up to £40/MWh for more than 10,000 businesses, bringing UK prices more closely in line with European competitors. We are continuing our work to develop policies to bring down electricity costs relative to gas for the non-domestic sector and intend to consult on options.

The Clean Power 2030 Action Plan will reduce the UK’s exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets to deliver long-term affordability. Alongside this, the Clean Energy Jobs Plan sets out that the delivery of our clean energy superpower mission could support up to 860,000 jobs across the UK by 2030.