Liz Saville Roberts Portrait

Liz Saville Roberts

Plaid Cymru - Dwyfor Meirionnydd

First elected: 7th May 2015

Plaid Cymru Westminster Leader

(since June 2017)

Shadow PC Spokesperson (Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy)

(since June 2017)

Shadow PC Spokesperson (Home Affairs)

(since May 2015)

Shadow PC Spokesperson (Justice)

(since May 2015)

Shadow PC Spokesperson (Women and Equalities)

(since May 2015)

Shadow PC Spokesperson (Transport)

(since July 2020)

Shadow PC Spokesperson (Attorney General)

(since July 2020)

Draft Domestic Abuse Bill (Joint)
6th Mar 2019 - 6th Nov 2019
Welsh Affairs Committee
23rd Oct 2017 - 11th Mar 2019
Shadow PC Spokesperson (Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
8th May 2015 - 3rd May 2017
Shadow PC Spokesperson (Education)
8th May 2015 - 3rd May 2017
Shadow PC Spokesperson (Health)
8th May 2015 - 3rd May 2017
Shadow PC Spokesperson (Energy & Natural Resources)
8th May 2015 - 3rd May 2017
Shadow PC Spokesperson (Local Government)
8th May 2015 - 3rd May 2017
Welsh Affairs Committee
13th Jul 2015 - 3rd May 2017


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Liz Saville Roberts has voted in 691 divisions, and never against the majority of their Party.
View All Liz Saville Roberts Division Votes

Debates during the 2019 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Boris Johnson (Conservative)
(46 debate interactions)
Simon Hart (Conservative)
Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury (Chief Whip)
(43 debate interactions)
David T C Davies (Conservative)
Secretary of State for Wales
(31 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Home Office
(96 debate contributions)
Wales Office
(85 debate contributions)
Cabinet Office
(82 debate contributions)
Ministry of Justice
(65 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Liz Saville Roberts's debates

Dwyfor Meirionnydd Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Petition Debates Contributed

A new offence should be created and legal sanctions should be introduced to stop MPs intentionally or recklessly misleading the public. This could restore a degree of trust in the UK's political system.

The Government should introduce legislation to make lying in the House of Commons a criminal offence. This would mean that all MPs, including Ministers, would face a serious penalty for knowingly making false statements in the House of Commons, as is the case in a court of law.


Latest EDMs signed by Liz Saville Roberts

6th March 2024
Liz Saville Roberts signed this EDM as a sponsor on Monday 11th March 2024

Public Accounts Committee report entitled Reducing the harm from illegal drugs

Tabled by: Grahame Morris (Labour - Easington)
That this House welcomes the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report, Reducing the harm from illegal drugs, published in February 2024; notes that this acknowledges recent progress in workforce recruitment and countering county lines; heeds and highlights the PAC’s warning that, should the Joint Combating Drugs Unit, the Department of Health …
9 signatures
(Most recent: 18 Mar 2024)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 6
Plaid Cymru: 1
Scottish National Party: 1
Green Party: 1
7th March 2024
Liz Saville Roberts signed this EDM as a sponsor on Thursday 7th March 2024

OVO Energy’s decision to stop correspondence in Welsh

Tabled by: Hywel Williams (Plaid Cymru - Arfon)
That this House expresses its significant disappointment in relation to OVO Energy’s decision to stop providing correspondence in Welsh to its customers in Wales, and criticises the instruction for Welsh speakers in Wales to instead use Google Translate to read the contents of English correspondence in the Welsh language; acknowledges …
6 signatures
(Most recent: 13 Mar 2024)
Signatures by party:
Plaid Cymru: 3
Scottish National Party: 1
Independent: 1
Labour: 1
View All Liz Saville Roberts's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Liz Saville Roberts, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.

MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.


Liz Saville Roberts has not been granted any Urgent Questions

2 Adjournment Debates led by Liz Saville Roberts

Wednesday 22nd February 2023
Monday 9th November 2020

6 Bills introduced by Liz Saville Roberts


A Bill to devolve management of the Crown Estate and its assets in Wales to the Welsh Government; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 6th May 2022

A Bill to establish a commission to assess the differential impact of the tax system in the UK on different groups of people; to require that commission to make recommendations for reform of the tax system; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Tuesday 15th November 2022
(Read Debate)

A Bill to create offences in relation to the publication of false or misleading statements by elected representatives; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Tuesday 28th June 2022
(Read Debate)

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to prevent abuse of process in civil and family courts; to make provision about cooperation between court jurisdictions; to create offences when certain civil and family court orders are breached; to amend the rights and duties of certain parties to prevent abuse of process in civil and family court; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Tuesday 12th December 2017
(Read Debate)

To make provision for the circumstances in which the sexual history of a victim of rape or attempted rape may be introduced at a trial; to prohibit in certain circumstances the disclosure by the police of a victim’s identity to an alleged perpetrator of a serious sexual crime; to extend the range of serious offences which may be referred to the Court of Appeal on the grounds of undue leniency of the sentence; to amend the requirements for ground rules hearings; to make provision for the issuing in certain circumstances of guidance on safeguarding to schools; to make provision for training about serious sexual offences; to place a duty on the Secretary of State to provide guidelines for the courts in dealing with cases of serious sexual offences; to require the Secretary of State to report annually on the operation of the Act; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Wednesday 8th February 2017
(Read Debate)

A Bill to consolidate offences relating to the misuse of digital devices, technologies, systemsand services for the purposes of committing or preparing to commit or aiding, abetting, facilitating or concealing the commission of a crime or disposal of theproceeds of a crime; to make provision reflecting technological advancements, including the training of criminal justice personnel; to establish a duty for theSecretary of State to provide advice and guidance to the digital andtelecommunications services industry aimed at reducing the misuse of digitaltechnologies for criminal purposes; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Wednesday 9th March 2016

39 Bills co-sponsored by Liz Saville Roberts

Mortgages (switching) Bill 2023-24
Sponsor - Martin Docherty-Hughes (SNP)

Police (declaration) Bill 2023-24
Sponsor - Tonia Antoniazzi (Lab)

Universal Jurisdiction (Extension) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Brendan O'Hara (SNP)

Energy Costs (Pre-payment Meters and Social Tariffs) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Kenny MacAskill (Alba)

Care Supporters Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Dan Carden (Lab)

Shared Prosperity Fund (Wales) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Ben Lake (PC)

Energy Pricing (Off Gas Grid Households) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Drew Hendry (SNP)

Import of Products of Forced Labour from Xinjiang (Prohibition) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Brendan O'Hara (SNP)

Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Patricia Gibson (SNP)

Wellbeing of Future Generations (No. 2) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Caroline Lucas (Green)

Vagrancy (Repeal) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Layla Moran (LD)

Remote Participation in House of Commons Proceedings (Motion) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Dawn Butler (Lab)

Ministerial Interests (Emergency Powers) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Owen Thompson (SNP)

Arms (Exports and Remote Warfare) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Alyn Smith (SNP)

Jet Skis (Licensing) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Hywel Williams (PC)

Employment (Dismissal and Re-employment) (No. 2) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Gavin Newlands (SNP)

Hong Kong Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Alistair Carmichael (LD)

Immigration (Health and Social Care Staff) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Christine Jardine (LD)

Demonstrations (Abortion Clinics) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Rupa Huq (Lab)

Remote Participation in House of Commons Proceedings Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Dawn Butler (Lab)

Parliamentary Constituencies (Amendment) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Afzal Khan (Lab)

Public Expenditure and Taxation (Advisory Body) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Jonathan Edwards (Ind)

Pregnancy and Maternity (Redundancy Protection) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Maria Miller (Con)

Organ Donation (Deemed Consent) Act 2019
Sponsor - Geoffrey Robinson (Lab)

European Union (Revocation of Notification of Withdrawal) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Geraint Davies (Ind)

Packaging (Extended Producer Responsibility) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Anna McMorrin (Lab)

European Union Withdrawal (Evaluation of Effects on Health and Social Care Sectors) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Brendan O'Hara (SNP)

Supervised Drug Consumption Facilities Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Alison Thewliss (SNP)

Universal Credit (Application, Advice and Assistance) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Philippa Whitford (SNP)

Abortion Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Diana Johnson (Lab)

Social Media Service Providers (Civil Liability and Oversight) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Lord Mann (None)

Armed Forces Representative Body Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Martin Docherty-Hughes (SNP)

Child Maintenance Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Marion Fellows (SNP)

Cold Weather Payments Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Hywel Williams (PC)

Access to Banking Services Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Ben Lake (PC)

Crime (Assaults on Emergency Services Staff) Bill 2016-17
Sponsor - Holly Lynch (Lab)

Guardianship (Missing Persons) Act 2017
Sponsor - Kevin Hollinrake (Con)

Financial Regulation of Funeral Services Bill 2016-17
Sponsor - Neil Gray (SNP)

Stalking (Sentencing) Bill 2016-17
Sponsor - Alex Chalk (Con)


Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
5 Other Department Questions
13th Jul 2022
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, if she will take steps with Cabinet colleagues to improve support for self-employed mothers who have children through surrogacy arrangements.

The Law Commissions of England & Wales and Scotland plan to publish the report of their long-standing review of UK surrogacy legislation in November 2022. Upon receipt, the Government will consider the timetable for introducing this to Parliament for pre-legislative scrutiny.

26th May 2022
To ask the President of COP26, whether he has had discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the implications for the UK’s net-zero emissions target in the context of the super-deduction for UK oil and gas extraction through the Energy Profits Levy.

The COP President meets Cabinet colleagues regularly on a wide range of issues.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
28th Feb 2022
To ask the President of COP26, what discussions he has had with his European counterparts regarding net-zero appropriate energy alternatives in response to sanctions on Russia.

The UK and our international partners stand united in condemning the Russian government’s reprehensible actions, which are an egregious violation of international law and the UN Charter. The world must focus on generating cheaper, cleaner power that is not subject to volatile international markets.

I have regular discussions with my European counterparts on reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and accelerating a well-managed transition to cleaner, more efficient energy systems to deliver energy security.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
15th Apr 2021
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, if she will provide details on the plans and date for the establishment of a replacement Government LGBT advisory panel.

The LGBT Advisory Panel was created under the previous administration and the term of all panel members ended on 31 March. The Minister for Women & Equalities has written to panel members to thank them for their contributions. I will shortly set out further details on our plans for the International LGBT Conference and banning conversion therapy, including how we will engage those with relevant expertise.

Kemi Badenoch
President of the Board of Trade
15th Oct 2020
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the Equality Act 2010 in preventing discrimination (a) on the ground of religion or belief or (b) because of a lack a religion or belief.

The provisions within the Equality Act 2010 protect everyone equally, if they hold a recognised religion or belief or if they have a lack of any such religion or belief. The Act does not list or codify recognised religions or beliefs as this is a matter for the courts. Exceptions in the Act recognise the legitimate requirements of organised religions, such as allowing religions to require that its ministers hold that particular faith. We believe this is an effective legislative approach.

Kemi Badenoch
President of the Board of Trade
21st Nov 2023
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps Cabinet members appointed on 13 November 2023 have taken as part of the interests declaration and management process as of 21 November 2023.

The Ministerial Code makes clear that Ministers must ensure that no conflict arises, or could reasonably be perceived to arise, between their public duties and their private interests, financial or otherwise. It is the personal responsibility of each Minister to decide whether and what action is needed to avoid a conflict or the perception of a conflict, taking account of advice received from their Permanent Secretary and the Independent Adviser on Ministers’ interests.

As set out in Chapter 7 of the Ministerial Code, there is an established regime in place for the declaration and management of private interests held by ministers. Cabinet members appointed on 13 November 2023 are following this standard process. On appointment to each new office, ministers must provide their Permanent Secretary and Independent Adviser with a full list of interests which might be thought to give rise to a conflict. This includes interests of the minister’s spouse or partner and close family which might be thought to give rise to a conflict.

The Independent Adviser publishes a list of relevant interests. Work is underway on the next List which will include all ministers appointed week commencing 13 November.

Alex Burghart
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
23rd Feb 2023
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what discussions he has had with the Welsh Government on a single buyer agreement for public sector food; and what assessment he has made of the potential impact of such an agreement on (a) regional wholesalers and (b) small and medium-sized enterprises in Wales.

The Crown Commercial Service, on behalf of the Cabinet Office, continues to work alongside the national food industry, including the Federation of Wholesale Distributors, to make sure that suppliers’ concerns are being factored into the development of the agreement.

We regularly engage with colleagues from the devolved nations, including customers and suppliers across Wales, on their commercial requirements and how we can support them.

SMEs and wholesalers are crucial to the food supply chain and have been consulted as part of supplier engagement. These stakeholders have been from across the whole of the UK. The UK Government always seeks to work constructively with devolved administrations, including the Welsh Government, and feedback from this process shaped the procurement strategy for the framework agreement.

The UK Government has made important changes to ensure SME producers across the country will have increased opportunities to work with the public sector. Furthermore, customers will be able to request nominated local products (subject to the local supplier/producer meeting the minimum technical standards). These products would be consolidated into a single delivery with their food order.

Lastly, this will be the first procurement for CCS in the food market, which will actually bring additional choice to public sector food buyers.

Alex Burghart
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
15th Sep 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the value was of Government procurement from UK businesses registered in each NUTS 1 nation and region in 2019.

This information is not held centrally.

25th Mar 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much has been spent by the Government on digital advertising to promote its work in Wales in each month between March 2020 and March 2021.

The Government Communication Service is a cross-government function with teams embedded in departments. Departments are responsible for their own advertising spend across all communication channels.

Cabinet Office publishes expenditure on government communication spend, including our national campaigns, on a rolling monthly basis on gov.uk as part of routine government transparency arrangements at the link below: www.gov.uk/government/collections/cabinet-office-spend-data.

We work closely across the United Kingdom to ensure that government communication activity reaches the intended audiences effectively.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
17th Sep 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the data collected by the Government relating to children’s wellbeing.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.

25th Jun 2020
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what progress he has made with on convening a meeting with the health ministers of the four nations of the UK to discuss the Infected Blood Inquiry.

The Government is aware that there remains significant disparities in financial and non-financial support for people infected and affected by contaminated blood and blood products across the UK. I am working with HM Treasury, the Department of Health and Social Care and health departments in the devolved administrations to take forward the actions necessary to address these disparities and Cabinet Office officials are in regular contact with colleagues in the devolved administrations on the progress of this work. In line with the practice of successive administrations, details of such discussions are not normally disclosed.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
18th Jun 2020
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 16 June 2020 to Question 58751, on Mass Media: Coronavirus, if he will he list of the titles that his Department has supported through the covid-19 public information campaign.

I refer the Hon. member to the answer given to PQ 46692 on 29 May 2020.

18th Jun 2020
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 16 June 2020 to Question 58751, on Mass Media: Coronavirus, whether any conditions have been attached to the funding provided by his Department to support media outlets in response to the covid-19 outbreak.

I refer the Hon. member to the answer given to PQ 46692 on 29 May 2020.

21st Feb 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of amending Post Office target access criteria to include (a) distances by road and (b) services provided.

The Government protects the post office network by setting minimum access criteria to ensure that 99% of the UK population lives within three miles of a post office. These criteria ensure that however the network changes, services remain within local reach of all citizens.

​Post Office continue to ensure that at least the three core services of mails, cash and basic banking, and bill payments are provided within a reasonable distance for customers as defined by the Government-set Access Criteria. This ensures that these services remain easily accessible to all customers.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
21st Feb 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of creating a Post Office access target for outreach mobile services in rural communities.

The Post Office operates as a commercial business and the company has the freedom to deliver the branch network within the parameters we set. The Government-set Access Criteria ensures that services remain within local reach of all citizens, including rural communities.

Providing outreach services is a measure that Post Office takes to ensure communities have the access they require to Post Office products and services, particularly in local areas where permanent solutions are not always possible due to lack of premises or retailers. In these communities, outreach branches ensure customers are not left behind and can continue to access the Post Office services on which they rely.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
21st Feb 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what proportion of the total rural population in Wales was within three miles of (a) Local, (b) Local Plus, (c) Main or Crown and (d) mobile outreach Post Office branches in the latest period for which data is available.

The Government protects the Post Office network by setting minimum access criteria to ensure that 99% of the UK population lives within three miles of a post office. These criteria ensure that however the network changes, services remain within local reach of all citizens.

Post Office network coverage data is not available in the detail requested. However, according to the most recent Post Office Annual Network Report, there were 566 rural branches in Wales as of March 2023.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
4th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of implementing a ban on importing goods produced in Israeli settlements which the UK considers to be illegal; and if she will make an estimate of the quantity of goods imported from those areas in the last 12 months.

There are no import sanctions on goods originating from Israeli settlements and no plans to introduce any bans. The UK government has always been clear on this. Under the existing UK-Israel trade agreement, goods originating from illegal Israeli settlements are not entitled to tariff and trade preferences under either the agreement between the UK and Israel, nor the agreement between the UK and the Palestinian Authority. I can confirm that this will not change in the upgraded free trade agreement with Israel.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
27th Feb 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether she has made a recent assessment of the potential merits of expanding the ECO4 scheme eligibility criteria to include households with a total annual income above £30,000.

Households may qualify for support under ECO4 where a member of the household receives a qualifying means-tested benefit, regardless of the total household income.

The Flexible Eligibility element of the scheme (ECO Flex) allows a gross combined household income of £31,000, with additional routes (not based on income) for households where a member has been diagnosed with a specific long-term health condition which could be impacted by living in a cold home.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
31st Jan 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how much net revenue has the Maentwrog hydro-electric power station generated in each of the last five years.

Generation figures for individual power stations are collected under commercial confidentiality agreements. Aggregate totals for electricity generated from hydro in Wales are published in an Energy Trends article available at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/energy-trends-december-2023-special-feature-article-electricity-generation-and-supply-in-scotland-wales-northern-ireland-and-england-2018-to-2022

The Department does not collect power station revenue data.

Andrew Bowie
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
31st Jan 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many gigawatt hours of electricity the Maentwrog hydro-electric power station has generated in of the last five years.

Generation figures for individual power stations are collected under commercial confidentiality agreements. Aggregate totals for electricity generated from hydro in Wales are published in an Energy Trends article available at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/energy-trends-december-2023-special-feature-article-electricity-generation-and-supply-in-scotland-wales-northern-ireland-and-england-2018-to-2022

The Department does not collect power station revenue data.

Andrew Bowie
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
23rd Jan 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether she has made a recent assessment of the impact of rising (a) electricity and (b) gas prices on places of worship.

The Secretary of State has not made these specific assessments. However, the Energy Bills Discount Scheme (EBDS) has provided all eligible businesses and other non-domestic energy users, including places of worship, with a baseline discount on high energy bills, since April 2023 and until 31 March 2024. The EBDS replaced the Energy Bill Relief Scheme, which has successfully delivered support of £7.4 billion to cut energy costs for businesses.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
23rd Jan 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of supporting places of worship with high electricity and gas costs.

The Secretary of State has not made these specific assessments. However, the Energy Bills Discount Scheme (EBDS) has provided all eligible businesses and other non-domestic energy users, including places of worship, with a baseline discount on high energy bills, since April 2023 and until 31 March 2024. The EBDS replaced the Energy Bill Relief Scheme, which has successfully delivered support of £7.4 billion to cut energy costs for businesses.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
19th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to ensure that households who have invested in small-scale renewable energy production can have smart metering equipment technical specifications 2 meters installed; what information his Department holds on the number of households with solar panels that have been refused a smart metering equipment technical specifications 2 meter by their energy supplier to date; and what assessment he has made of the potential impact of energy companies refusing to install a smart metering equipment technical specifications 2 meter for households with solar panels on the energy bills of those households.

We do not hold the data requested.

Second generation smart (SMETS2) meters are now installed as standard for new smart meter installations. Recent technical eligibility improvements mean that SMETS2 smart meters can now be installed in over 99% of properties. Solar panels are compatible with second (SMETS2) and first (SMETS1) generation smart meters.

Customers should contact their energy supplier if they wish to have a smart meter installed with their solar panel equipment.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
15th May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of increasing the tariffs offered by energy suppliers to homeowners who generate renewable energy on (a) household energy bills, (b) climate targets and (c) energy security.

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a cost-reflective and market-led mechanism. It is for suppliers to determine the value of the exported electricity and to take account of the administrative costs associated when setting their tariffs. The Department has made no assessment on the potential impact of raising SEG tariffs, but Ofgem produces an annual report on the SEG that can be found on their website.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
24th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what progress his Department has made on developing a domestic supply of medical isotopes as part of the Medical Radionuclide Innovation Programme.

The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero is delivering the up to £6 million Medical Radionuclide Innovation Programme (MRIP) which aims to identify technology and policy options that could support domestic supply of medical radionuclides in the future.

MRIP launched in December 2022 and will run until March 2025.

The programme will deliver an assessment of the UK supply and demand landscape, building on existing research. It will test data against potential future scenarios to inform policy development and future Government decision-making. Officials are currently finalising Phase I of the Landscape Assessment, with Phase II commencing next financial year to focus on modelling future supply and demand scenarios.

In parallel, several feasibility studies are ongoing by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority to assess whether the retrieval of radionuclides from legacy material is possible, and whether this material might be useful in supporting domestic supply and research.

The Innovation Project Call aims to spark innovation in the field and the competitive call will commence later this year. The call aims to spark innovation across the supply chain, to develop new radionuclide production capability in the UK.

Andrew Bowie
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
22nd Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact on the development of nuclear fission technology of the reduction in the numbers of Centres for Doctoral Training funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council since 2013.

According to the Nuclear Innovation and Research Advisory Board (NIRAB), more than 400 students have followed the nuclear CDT programmes over the last ten years, with the vast majority following careers in the nuclear sector afterwards. We continue to work closely with the nuclear sector and academia to drive forward the necessary actions to enhance our nuclear capabilities in support of our energy security objectives and net zero ambitions.

Andrew Bowie
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
22nd Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the National Nuclear User Facility ending in March 2024 on Great British Nuclear; if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending funding for that scheme beyond March 2024; and whether he has had recent discussions with relevant stakeholder on that scheme.

The National Nuclear User Facility (NNUF) is funded through UKRI and provides equipment for, and access to, state-of-the-art experimental facilities focused on research and development in nuclear science and technology. This work is very different to more mature commercial reactor technologies expected to engage with Great British Nuclear.

Funding beyond 2024 would be a matter for UKRI and my colleagues in their sponsor department, and would need be considered in the context of future priorities and budget allocations in the next spending review.

Andrew Bowie
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
22nd Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has had recent discussions with the Welsh government on proposals for a national medical isotope centre in Trawsfynydd.

The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero recognises the importance of maintaining future access to medical radionuclides for UK patients.

No specific assessment has been made on the potential impact of developing a nuclear material test reactor in the UK on the domestic supply of medical isotopes. The Department is, however, delivering the up to £6 million Medical Radionuclide Innovation Programme which aims to identify technology and policy options that could secure access to radionuclides for nuclear medicine services. The programme will consider the development of a domestic research reactor as a potential option.

Officials from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Department of Health and Social Care continue to meet regularly with their counterparts in the Devolved Governments to discuss medical radionuclide supply, most recently on the 9 March 2023.

The Department will continue to work with Welsh Government as their proposal for a medical isotope centre in North Wales progresses.

Andrew Bowie
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
22nd Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of developing a nuclear material test reactor in the UK on the domestic supply of medical isotopes.

The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero recognises the importance of maintaining future access to medical radionuclides for UK patients.

No specific assessment has been made on the potential impact of developing a nuclear material test reactor in the UK on the domestic supply of medical isotopes. The Department is, however, delivering the up to £6 million Medical Radionuclide Innovation Programme which aims to identify technology and policy options that could secure access to radionuclides for nuclear medicine services. The programme will consider the development of a domestic research reactor as a potential option.

Officials from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Department of Health and Social Care continue to meet regularly with their counterparts in the Devolved Governments to discuss medical radionuclide supply, most recently on the 9 March 2023.

The Department will continue to work with Welsh Government as their proposal for a medical isotope centre in North Wales progresses.

Andrew Bowie
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
1st Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of (a) reducing or (b) removing the standing charge on energy bills on levels of fuel poverty in Wales.

While fuel poverty is a devolved matter, it is an issue that this Government takes very seriously.

The standing charge is a fixed charge that suppliers pass on to their customers to cover the cost of providing a live supply and decisions about standing charges are a commercial matter for energy suppliers subject to the maximum permitted under the price cap.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
6th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions he has had with (a) the Welsh Government and (b) Welsh local authorities on Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding, including a portal for people who do not have a direct relationship with an electricity supplier; what steps his Department is taking to encourage people to apply for the funding; and what steps he is taking to help people without internet access to apply for that scheme.

The Government is speaking to the Welsh Government to provide them with updates on the EBSS Alternative Funding scheme and is working with local authorities across the UK to prepare for delivery of the scheme. The Government is also working closely with key stakeholder groups who are helping to provide information and updates to eligible households and who will help to raise awareness of the application process when the portal opens later in February. A dedicated customer helpline will be available to assist customers who do not have online access, with further details to be released this month.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
6th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what progress the Government has made on the implementation of the Non-Domestic Alternative Fuel Payment; and when he expects the payment to be delivered.

On 6 February, I announced further information on the Non-Domestic Alternative Fuel Payment Scheme (ND-AFP). Electricity suppliers can now start providing discounts to eligible off-grid energy users and they will deliver this support up to 10 March. Most customers are expected to receive a credit of £150 on bills later this month and will not need to apply.

A top-up payment in addition to the £150 will be available for large users of heating oil (kerosene) in GB and NI to take account of their higher usage. These top-up payments will require an application to a delivery body and will be banded based on level of usage. The Government will set out further details in the near future.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
1st Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has had recent discussions with the Welsh Government on the delivery of the Alternative Fuel Payment.

Officials have spoken to counterparts in the Welsh Government and will continue to do so. The Government values the insight the Welsh Government can bring, particularly as the Alternative Fuel Payment benefits those in rural areas, with households who use alternative fuels such as biomass, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or heating oil.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
22nd Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to help ensure that research excellence in Wales is considered for new government-funded (a) research contracts and (b) national facilities.

Wales is home to significant national research capabilities including the Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult based in Newport and the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) at Aberystwyth University. Excellence is a key criterion for the allocation of research funding to institutions in all parts of the UK. It is central to the Research Excellence Framework, managed by the research funding bodies including the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales.

In addition, the Government has given UKRI a new organisational objective to support levelling up, and increase consideration of local growth criteria and impact in R&D fund design.

24th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of energy support for hospices (a) now and (b) from April 2023; and whether he has had discussions with the Welsh Government on the impact of the increase in energy bills on hospices in Wales.

The Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS) provides a discount on the wholesale element of gas and electricity bills to ensure that eligible hospices are protected from excessively high energy costs over the winter period. Following an HMT-led review, the new Energy Bill Discount Scheme will run from April until March 2024, and continue to provide a discount to eligible hospices. Both energy schemes apply across all of the United Kingdom, including Wales. The Government will continue to engage with devolved administrations in its design and implementation plans for the new scheme.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of requiring energy companies to provide freephone customer helplines; and whether he (a) has had and (b) plans to have discussions with energy companies on the provision of freephone customer helplines.

Domestic customers should be able to access their energy supplier’s telephone customer services easily and without high call charges by offering freephone or low-cost geographic numbers. The decision to provide a freephone number is a commercial matter for individual companies and there are no plans to discuss this matter. Energy suppliers who have signed up to Energy UK’s Vulnerability Commitment must have a freephone number for consumers who are in debt. Some also have a designated freephone line for prepayment meter and Priority Service customers.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
16th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of the Federation of Small Businesses’ proposal to introduce Help to green vouchers for small businesses.

The Government keeps energy efficiency support for businesses, including SMEs, under review. Existing initiatives include an exemption on business rates for green technology, providing small businesses grants under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, and support under the £289million Industrial Energy Transformation Fund.

The Government is reviewing what additional levers can be introduced to help small businesses to be more energy efficient, including financial support such as those suggested by the Federation of Small Businesses. As part of this, in the Autumn Statement my Rt Hon. Friend Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that Government will establish a new Energy Efficiency Taskforce to help achieve the Government's target to reduce energy consumption from buildings and industry by 15% by 2030.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
14th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what estimate he has made of the average time households wait for a first-generation smart meter be migrated to a second-generation smart meter.

First generation (SMETS1) smart meters are being remotely moved onto the national smart metering communications network, run by the Data Communications Company (DCC), so that consumers regain smart services and keep them if they switch energy supplier in the future. Second generation smart (SMETS2) meters are connected to the national network from the point of installation.

BEIS does not hold data on the average time households wait for a smart meter to be migrated. However, the vast majority of SMETS1 meters – which had previously lost smart services – have now been connected to the national communications network. Industry is continuing work at pace to enrol remaining “active” SMETS1 meters, that are connected to energy suppliers’ own communications systems and continue to provide smart services.

The Government continues to work closely with the DCC and energy suppliers to monitor and drive progress.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
14th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he has made a recent assessment of the adequacy of the performance of the ongoing migration of first generation smart meters to second generation smart meters.

First generation (SMETS1) smart meters are being remotely moved onto the national smart metering communications network, run by the Data Communications Company (DCC), so that consumers regain smart services and keep them if they switch energy supplier in the future. Second generation smart (SMETS2) meters are connected to the national network from the point of installation.

BEIS does not hold data on the average time households wait for a smart meter to be migrated. However, the vast majority of SMETS1 meters – which had previously lost smart services – have now been connected to the national communications network. Industry is continuing work at pace to enrol remaining “active” SMETS1 meters, that are connected to energy suppliers’ own communications systems and continue to provide smart services.

The Government continues to work closely with the DCC and energy suppliers to monitor and drive progress.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
12th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of requiring energy companies to pay the rest of the amount due under the Energy Bills Support Scheme in cash value rather than via credits on people's electricity accounts in cases where the value of a customer’s direct debit is less than the value of the EBSS payment.

Energy suppliers are delivering the Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS) to households in Great Britain with a domestic electricity contract in six monthly instalments to help reduce bills over the winter period. If a customer does build up a surplus in their account, they can contact their supplier to request a refund of that credit. Delivering EBSS is a complex and unique task which is delivering help to millions of households each month and the Government does not plan to amend the agreed process.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
7th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to park home residents who will receive their Energy Bills Support Scheme via the Alternative Fund allowance, whether those residents will have to apply for that payment or whether it will be disbursed automatically; what delivery mechanisms his Department will use to disburse that payment, including the option of payments being made via local councils; and when those residents will receive that payment.

The Government is working to finalise the details of the Energy Bill Support Scheme Alternative Funding and have the process up and running for applications this winter. Eligibility, timescales and method of delivery of will be announced shortly.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
28th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when households which will be eligible for the Alternative Fuel Payment but will not receive the payment automatically because they do not have a relationship with an electricity supplier will be able to make an online application.

Eligible households will receive the Alternative Fuel Payment (AFP) this Winter.

Further details on when households that do not have a relationship with an electricity supplier can apply for the AFP will be confirmed shortly.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
28th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when households eligible for the Alternative Fuel Payment will receive the £200 as a credit on their electricity bill; and whether this will be delivered as a lump-sum.

The Alternative Fuel Payment scheme will provide a one-off payment to eligible UK (GB and NI) households.

Households eligible for these payments in Great Britain will receive £200 as a credit on their electricity bill this winter. The details of when this payment will be made will be confirmed shortly. The Government is committed to delivering this support to customers as fast as possible.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
7th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answer of 31 October 2022 to Question 72386 on Business: Energy, whether multi-function premises used for both residential and business purposes which have business electricity accounts will be eligible for support under the Energy Bills Support Scheme; and whether further information will be provided in that guidance.

The Government recognises that there are some domestic energy users who receive their energy through business contracts. The Government is working to ensure that eligible households are not excluded from the Alternative Funding scheme on that basis. The Government is engaging with a range of organisations, such as local authorities, as well as Devolved Administrations and across UK Government, to finalise the details of the Alternative Funding and have the process up and running for applications this winter.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
26th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the support provided to help with energy costs for multi-function premises which are used for both residential and business purposes and have one business electricity account.

Through the Energy Prices Bill the Government has established a comprehensive package of measures to support homes and businesses this winter. Multi-function premises on a single business electricity account may benefit from the Energy Bill Relief Scheme, which provides equivalent support to the domestic Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) scheme. If the electricity account holder supplies other residential and business users on the premises, it will be required to pass on the scheme benefits as appropriate.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
26th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether multi-function premises that are used for both residential and business purposes and have business electricity accounts will be eligible for the Energy Bills Support Scheme.

All domestic electricity customers who have a direct relationship with a licensed electricity supplier will be automatically eligible for the Energy Bills Support Scheme. Therefore, if a customer has a domestic electricity contract, they will be receiving the discount under the Energy Bills Support Scheme. If a customer is registered as receiving energy to a business premises, this will be covered in detail in further guidance to be published in due course.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
19th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy what assessment his Department has made of the effects of the energy crisis on the viability of fish and chip shops.

The Government regularly engages with small businesses across the retail and hospitality sectors to understand the challenges they face.

The recently announced Energy Bill Relief Scheme ensures that all businesses and other non-domestic customers are protected from excessively high energy bills over the winter period.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)