Oral Answers to Questions

Mark Hendrick Excerpts

Tuesday 10th February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Martin McCluskey]

I know that my hon. Friend is a real champion for local community power in Na h-Eileanan an Iar. I am sure my hon. Friend the Minister for Energy will have lots to say on the matter soon on his visit to the Western Isles.

[Sir Mark Hendrick (Preston) (Lab/Co-op)]

13. What estimate he has made of the potential impact of the contracts for difference clean industry bonus on the number of clean energy jobs.

[The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)]

The first-of-a-kind clean industry bonus as part of allocation round 7 is set to crowd in up to £3.4 billion of private investment in supply chains and support up to 7,000 jobs across the country. After a legacy of failure under the previous Government, we are determined that the clean energy future is made in Britain.

[Sir Mark Hendrick]

What steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that the jobs generated through the clean industry bonus are directed towards communities formerly dependent on fossil fuel industries and that workers at risk of displacement during the transition are supported into those new opportunities?

[Ed Miliband]

My hon. Friend makes an important point. One great thing about the clean industry bonus is that it will be focused on the industrial areas of our country, including those that are based on oil and gas. We also have, as part of our North sea future plan, a whole set of plans to help displaced oil and gas workers into these areas. There is huge potential in this innovation, as it rewards companies that invest in our country.