Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 28 March 2025 to Question 39646 on Photovoltaics: Import Controls, whether the Government considers Great British Energy to be a public sector contracting authority for the purposes of the Procurement Act 2023.

Yes, Great British Energy (GBE) will be considered a “public authority”, and thereby a “contracting authority”, where it is not operating on a commercial basis.

Under the Procurement Act 2023, GBE can reject bids and terminate contracts with suppliers that are known to use forced labour themselves or anywhere in their supply chain. In addition, GBE will utilise the debarment list to ensure that suppliers with unethical supply chains cannot participate in procurement or be awarded contracts. The company will appoint a senior individual in the organisation to lead on ethical supply chains and modern slavery.