Virginia Crosbie Portrait

Virginia Crosbie

Conservative - Ynys Môn

First elected: 12th December 2019


Seafarers' Wages Bill [HL]
11th Jan 2023 - 17th Jan 2023
Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill
19th Oct 2022 - 29th Nov 2022
Shark Fins Bill
9th Nov 2022 - 16th Nov 2022
Employment (Allocation of Tips) Bill
5th Oct 2022 - 12th Oct 2022
British Sign Language Bill
9th Feb 2022 - 23rd Feb 2022
Nuclear Energy (Financing) Bill
9th Nov 2021 - 25th Nov 2021
Health and Care Bill
7th Sep 2021 - 2nd Nov 2021
Women and Equalities Committee
2nd Mar 2020 - 7th Sep 2020


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Virginia Crosbie has voted in 1010 divisions, and 4 times against the majority of their Party.

27 Apr 2021 - Delegated Legislation - View Vote Context
Virginia Crosbie voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 77 Conservative No votes vs 222 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 431 Noes - 89
22 Jun 2022 - Health and Personal Social Services - View Vote Context
Virginia Crosbie voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 61 Conservative No votes vs 106 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 215 Noes - 70
7 Mar 2023 - Public Order Bill - View Vote Context
Virginia Crosbie voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 107 Conservative Aye votes vs 109 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 116 Noes - 299
5 Sep 2023 - Energy Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Virginia Crosbie voted No - against a party majority - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 86 Conservative No votes vs 2 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 235 Noes - 306
View All Virginia Crosbie 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
Penny Mordaunt (Conservative)
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
(19 debate interactions)
Jacob Rees-Mogg (Conservative)
(17 debate interactions)
David T C Davies (Conservative)
Secretary of State for Wales
(15 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Cabinet Office
(43 debate contributions)
HM Treasury
(35 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
Legislation Debates
Nuclear Energy (Financing) Act 2022
(6,223 words contributed)
Domestic Abuse Bill 2019-21
(2,744 words contributed)
Agriculture Act 2020
(2,516 words contributed)
View All Legislation Debates
View all Virginia Crosbie's debates

Ynys Môn 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

No general statutory duty of care exists in HE. Yet, a duty of care is owed to students, and the Government should legislate for this. HE providers should know what their duty is. Students must know what they can expect. Parents expect their children to be safe at university.

We want suicide spoken about in schools in a safe and age-appropriate way. Speaking about suicide saves lives
The Dept for Education are conducting a review of the RSHE curriculum; this petition calls on the DfE to include suicide prevention within the statutory guidelines of the new curriculum.

Hundreds of thousands of people signed numerous petitions calling for actions that the Government has included in the Kept Animals Bill. The Government should urgently find time to allow the Bill to complete its journey through Parliament and become law.

After owning nurseries for 29 years I have never experienced such damaging times for the sector with rising costs not being met by the funding rates available. Business Rates are a large drain on the sector and can mean the difference between nurseries being able to stay open and having to close.

For the UK government to provide economic assistance to businesses and staff employed in the events industry, who are suffering unforeseen financial challenges that could have a profound effect on hundreds of thousands of people employed in the sector.

If nurseries are shut down in view of Covid-19, the Government should set up an emergency fund to ensure their survival and ensure that parents are not charged the full fee by the nurseries to keep children's places.

The prospect of widespread cancellations of concerts, theatre productions and exhibitions due to COVID-19 threatens to cause huge financial hardship for Britain's creative community. We ask Parliament to provide a package of emergency financial and practical support during this unpredictable time.

As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak there are travel bans imposed by many countries, there is a disastrous potential impact on our Aviation Industry. Without the Government’s help there could be an unprecedented crisis, with thousands of jobs under threat.

The cash grants proposed by Government are only for businesses in receipt of the Small Business Rates Relief or Rural Relief, or for particular sectors. Many small businesses fall outside these reliefs desperately need cash grants and support now.

To extend the business rate relief to all dental practices and medical and aesthetics clinics and any small business that’s in healthcare

Zoos, aquariums, and similar organisations across the country carry out all sorts of conservation work, animal rescue, and public education. At the start of the season most rely on visitors (who now won't come) to cover annual costs, yet those costs do not stop while they are closed. They need help.

As we pass the COVID-19 Peak, the Government should: State where the Theatres and Arts fit in the Coronavrius recovery Roadmap, Create a tailor made financial support mechanism for the Arts sector & Clarify how Social Distancing will affect arts spaces like Theatres and Concert Venues.


Latest EDMs signed by Virginia Crosbie

13th January 2020
Virginia Crosbie signed this EDM as a sponsor on Monday 13th January 2020

Protecting the Welsh language

Tabled by: Virginia Crosbie (Conservative - Ynys Môn)
That this House notes the importance of the Welsh language to the cultural identity of Wales and its residents; is aware of the importance of the teaching of the Welsh language in schools; believes that Government bodies should play their part in advancing the language; and calls on the Government …
10 signatures
(Most recent: 29 Jan 2020)
Signatures by party:
Plaid Cymru: 3
Labour: 2
Independent: 2
Conservative: 1
Scottish National Party: 1
Alba Party: 1
View All Virginia Crosbie's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Virginia Crosbie, 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.


Virginia Crosbie has not been granted any Urgent Questions

2 Adjournment Debates led by Virginia Crosbie

Wednesday 5th February 2020

2 Bills introduced by Virginia Crosbie


A Bill to ensure that tips, gratuities and service charges paid by customers are allocated to workers.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 2nd May 2023 and was enacted into law.


A Bill to amend the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 6th May 2022

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
6 Other Department Questions
31st Jan 2022
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what progress she has made on the appointment of the Equality and Human Rights Commissioner for Wales.

The recruitment campaign for a Wales Commissioner for the EHRC was launched on 23 July 2021 and closed on 3 September 2021.

Applications have been assessed through an independent and impartial process, which was conducted in accordance with the Governance Code for Public Appointments. We will make an announcement once an appointment has been made.

Mike Freer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)
24th Nov 2021
What assessment she has made of trends in the number of incidents of intimidation and harassment of women in public life.

No one should feel afraid to participate in our democracy. Open, fair and safe participation is crucial. However, this freedom can never be an excuse to cause harm or spread hatred, and a line is crossed when disagreement mutates into intimidation, violence or abuse.

Intimidation in public life can stop talented people, particularly women and those from minority backgrounds, from standing for public office.

All of us in public life have a responsibility to challenge and report intimidating behaviour wherever it occurs.

Kemi Badenoch
President of the Board of Trade
4th Jun 2021
To ask the President of COP26, what discussions he has had with (a) the Welsh Government, (b) the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and (c) industry bodies to use the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference to promote the renewables industry of (i) Wales and (ii) Ynys Môn.

I have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues, including the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, to help promote the UK's clean energy transition. I have met with companies in the renewable energy industry in Wales to explore how they can support a successful COP26. The Government has a long history of supporting the development and deployment of wave and tidal stream technologies in the UK, including in Wales. Since 2003 various bodies across Government have provided innovation/R&D funding of £175m to the wave and tidal sectors (almost £80m since 2010).

I am working with the Welsh Government, alongside the other devolved administrations, to ensure an inclusive and ambitious COP26 for the whole of the UK. As part of this, I chair the COP26 Devolved Administrations (DAs) meetings with climate change ministers from the DAs. The COP26 Unit also worked with the Welsh Government and other DAs to encourage proposals from stakeholders, such as the renewables industry, across the UK via the Expression of Interest process for events or showcasing in UK Government managed spaces at COP26.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
4th Jun 2021
To ask the President of COP26, what steps he is taking to work with his international counterparts to reduce the impact of global deforestation; and what support the Government has provided to protect rainforests.

The UK Presidency is working with international counterparts and partners to secure global action to protect and restore forests, and shift international agricultural commodity supply chains away from deforestation and transition towards more sustainable practices. We have established the Forest, Agriculture and Commodity Trade (FACT) Dialogue to achieve this. The FACT Dialogue is a ground-breaking partnership between governments of producer and consumer countries committed to taking action to transition to more sustainable commodity production and global trade.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
4th Jun 2021
To ask the President of COP26, what steps he is taking to work with the Welsh Government to ensure there are opportunities for civil society to engage with COP26.

Civil society, with their links to on-the-ground communities and practitioners, are key partners to achieve the goals we have set for COP26. This is why I have set up an International COP26 Civil Society and Youth Advisory Council so that we can hear and act on the knowledge of civil society groups. My officials run regular, open-invite calls with a large network of civil society organisations to share updates on our planning for COP26, which are regularly attended by Welsh groups.

We are working with the Welsh Government, alongside the other devolved administrations, to ensure an inclusive and ambitious COP26 for the whole of the UK. As part of this, I chair the COP26 Devolved Administrations (DAs) Ministerial meeting with climate change ministers from the DAs. The COP26 Unit also worked with the Welsh Government and other DAs to encourage proposals from stakeholders across the UK via the Expression of Interest process for events or showcasing in UK Government managed spaces at COP26.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
7th Jun 2023
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will set out the timetable for the payment of compensation for people affected by infected blood.

I refer the Honourable Lady to the statement I made in the House on 19 April 2023, following the publication of Sir Brian Langstaff’s second interim report.

14th Dec 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when he plans to publish the response of the Government to the Sir Robert Francis KC Infected Blood Compensation Study; and what the method of payment will be for those people in Wales receiving an interim payment as part of the Infected Blood inquiry.

I refer my Hon Friend to the statement I made in the House on 15 December.

13th Apr 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of allowing civil servants in his Department to receive their Imperial Service Medal whilst still serving, as is the case with his Department's service personnel.

The Imperial Service Medal (ISM) is awarded to recognise long and faithful service in the Civil Service by an individual in an eligible grade. The ISM is awarded on the recommendation of the employing department on the retirement, redundancy, resignation, or transfer to the private sector of an individual with at least 25 years of meritorious service. Eligibility for the ISM is set in Statute and there are currently no plans to change the qualifying criteria.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
13th Apr 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he has taken to negotiate with the Greek Government the granting of special permits to allow the up to 180 days that are permitted per year under Schengen rules to be used in a single block of any length up to 180 days by travellers from the UK.

The 90 days in a rolling 180-day period is the standard length of stay that the EU offers to the nationals of eligible third countries that reciprocate visa-free travel access for EU citizens. There is no precedent for the EU offering a longer length of visa-free stay than 90 / 180 days to the nationals of any third country and the Government does not typically enter into bilateral agreements on visa-free travel. Both the UK and the EU provide visa-free arrangements for tourists and short-term business visitors.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
4th Mar 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he has taken to facilitate freight traffic through Holyhead Port since 1 January 2021.

HMG worked with Welsh Government and local stakeholders to share planning assumptions about potential disruption ahead of the end of the Transition Period and put in place contingency plans, including to manage potential traffic disruption at Holyhead. As there has not been significant traffic disruption to the port, additional facilitative steps have not been needed.

We recognise the need to provide as much support to traders, ports and hauliers as possible. The Government has introduced a range of measures to help the industry meet new export requirements, including training, webinars and extensive guidance on GOV.UK. We are increasing our communication and engagement efforts to ensure that traders are confident using Welsh routes.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
29th Jan 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if she will make it her policy to maintain the existing terms of the universal service obligation for Royal Mail delivery services.

The Government is committed to ensuring the provision of a financially sustainable and accessible universal postal service which meets consumer needs.

The Government will consider any recommendations that Ofcom puts forward, but we have made clear the importance of maintaining a Saturday delivery service and we are not currently minded to introduce new legislation to change the current obligations on postal deliveries.

Kevin Hollinrake
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
11th Jan 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether she has had recent discussions with representatives of Fujitsu on compensation for subpostmasters affected by the Horizon case.

Whilst DBT Ministers have not met Fujitsu, officials in this and other Government Departments have done so. The subject of those discussions is commercially confidential.

Kevin Hollinrake
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
8th Jan 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps she is taking to help protect farmers from competition from countries with lower animal welfare standards; and what steps she is taking to help ensure that food labelling accurately reflects the origin of produce.

HM Government is committed to uphold our high standards of food in any trade deal. All food and drink products imported into the UK must comply with our import requirements and regulatory standards for food safety.

Country of origin information is already required for a range of fresh and frozen meat products, as well as for uncut fresh fruit and vegetables, honey, olive oil and wine.

At the Oxford Farming Conference, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs announced a rapid consultation to gather views on how we can make packaging information clearer. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will announce more details on this in due course.

Greg Hands
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
17th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of implementing the recommendations on the sale of fireworks in the (a) Policy Statement BVA position on the use and sale of fireworks, published by the British Veterinary Association in October 2019, and (b) RSPCA campaign entitled Change firework laws to protect animals on the welfare of animals.

The Government believes the legislative framework controlling fireworks strikes the right balance and has no plans to replace it at this current time.

The majority of individuals who use fireworks do so in a responsible and safe manner and there are enforcement mechanisms in place to tackle situations when fireworks are misused.

A number of animal welfare organisations provide advice and guidance to enable people to minimise the impacts of fireworks on animal welfare. We are working with these organisations to amplify this messaging during key dates when fireworks are commonly used.

Kevin Hollinrake
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
1st Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether she is taking steps to encourage inward investment for (a) components and (b) other equipment to enable the scaling up of low carbon hydrogen.

My department has been working closely with the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero to showcase the opportunity for investment in the UK hydrogen sector. Together we’ve published a Net Zero Investment Roadmap setting out the UK’s strategy, policies and funding for scaling-up low-carbon hydrogen. The Sector Development Action Plan published in 2022 committed to regular meetings with investors and ‘Meet the-Specifier’ events to help industry understand supply chain opportunities. My officials in the UK and overseas are in communication with equipment manufacturers across the world to ensure they understand what the UK has to offer investors and to advertise the pipeline of hydrogen production projects in development across the country.

Nusrat Ghani
Minister of State (Minister for Europe)
31st Jan 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps she is taking to (a) develop the tidal stream ringfence and (b) work with industry on this resource.

The Government is undertaking analysis of the technology pipeline available for Contracts for Difference Auction Round 6 against our legal obligation to ensure the auction round is competitive. We are considering the appropriate parameters for all technologies, including tidal stream.

Final parameters will be published in the Budget Notice in March 2024, ahead of the round opening.

The Department continues to engage with the industry and other stakeholders to maximise opportunities for developing tidal stream in the UK.

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, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of (a) setting a 1GW tidal stream target for 2035 and (b) taking steps to support UK companies bidding for tidal stream contracts (i) in the UK and (ii) abroad.

The Government will continue to review the merits of setting a potential target for tidal stream deployment.

The Department continues to engage with the Department for Business and Trade on maximising private investment opportunities for the tidal stream companies, as well as with the tidal stream industry.

An unprecedented 94MW of tidal stream capacity has been secured through the Contracts for Difference scheme so far, including 11 contracts in the latest round.

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, if her Department will set a £30m tidal stream ringfence for Allocation Round 6.

The Government is undertaking analysis of the technology pipeline available for Contracts for Difference Auction Round 6 against our legal obligation to ensure the auction round is competitive. We are considering the appropriate parameters for all technologies, including tidal stream. Final parameters will be published in the Budget Notice in March 2024, ahead of the round opening.

Andrew Bowie
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
29th Jan 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps she is taking to encourage green investment in the production of renewable liquid gases for decarbonising off-grid (a) homes and (b) businesses unsuitable for a heat pump.

On 5 September 2023, during Parliamentary debates on the Energy Act, the Government committed to exploring the potential of renewable liquid fuels – including renewable liquid gases - for heat by issuing a consultation within 12 months.

The Government has also taken powers in the Energy Act to impose obligations on heating fuel suppliers to increase the supply of renewable liquid heating fuels, should that be necessary.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
29th Jan 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether the Green Taxonomy will recognise (a) advanced biofuels, (b) renewable fuels of non-biological origin and (c) recycled carbon fuels as compliant.

The Government recognises that renewable, low carbon fuels have potential to play an important role in decarbonising sectors such as heat.

The UK Green Taxonomy will be an important tool to increase transparency in the market, helping to both mobilise private investment into green activities and tackle greenwashing. Developing a usable and useful taxonomy is a complex and technical exercise. The Government continues to work at pace, and expects to publish the Taxonomy consultation shortly. The Government would welcome stakeholder input on criteria for key Net Zero sectors in the upcoming consultation.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
5th Jan 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether she has had recent discussions with Ofgem on reducing standing charges.

Minsters and Officials have regular meetings with Ofgem to discuss a wide range of issues, including standing charges.

Ofgem is currently seeking views on standing charges as the first stage of engaging in a debate on whether changes are required. Further information is available at https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/standing-charges-call-input.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
16th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if she will take steps to decouple the price of gas and electricity.

As part of the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA) programme, the Government is considering a range of potential options to shield consumers from the impacts of potential future commodity price spikes and to ensure they benefit from lower-cost renewables.

The Contracts for Difference scheme already insulates consumers against electricity price spikes. Over time, this scheme will significantly reduce dependence on fossil fuelled power generation, lowering consumer exposure to gas prices.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
16th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether she plans to introduce the Alternative Fuel Payments scheme this winter to support consumers not connected to the gas grid who rely on alternative fuels to heat their homes.

Oil prices have fallen from their 2022 peak and there are currently no plans for the Alternative Fuel Payment scheme to be renewed for Winter 2023/24. However, the Government will continue to monitor the situation and will keep our options under review.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
16th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether she is taking steps to support the (a) development and (b) use of High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium.

The UK is a world leader in the nuclear fuel cycle, and this is testament to the highly skilled workforce currently employed within the UK supply chain. The Government recognises the importance of establishing a secure, commercial supply of High-Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU) to support future reactors and deliver our net zero and energy security ambitions.

As such, we have launched the Nuclear Fuel Fund (NFF) to be used to alongside private sector co-investment, to preserve and develop the UK’s nuclear fuel production capability. Through the NFF, the Government is proud to have invested £10.5m towards the development and use of a supply chain for HALEU in the UK. The Government is considering any further steps that might be necessary to support the development of HALEU fuel.

Andrew Bowie
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
16th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps she is taking to support the development of (a) advanced nuclear technology and (b) routes to market for that technology.

In 2020, the Government committed up to £385m to an Advanced Nuclear Fund to provide funding for a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) design and to progress plans for an Advanced Modular Reactor demonstration by the early 2030s. In July 2023, the Government shortlisted potential grants from the Future Nuclear Enabling Fund, releasing up to £77.1m of targeted support for new nuclear development.

Great British Nuclear, the arms-length body responsible for helping to deliver new nuclear projects, has launched a Technology Selection Process (TSP) to select the SMR technologies best able to deliver projects by the mid-2030s. Six companies have been down-selected for the next stage of the process. The Government is also consulting in the autumn on alternative routes to markets for new nuclear projects, in addition to the TSP.

Andrew Bowie
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
13th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps her Department is taking to help ensure that the UK is taking a leading role in the development of nuclear energy.

The British Energy Security Strategy set an ambition of up to 24 GW of nuclear capacity by 2050 to support energy security and net zero objectives. To deliver on this objective, the Government is undertaking a range of activities. We have launched Great British Nuclear, which has an immediate focus on bringing forward small modular reactors, we have invested in Sizewell C to deliver the next large-scale project, and we have provided support for a range of enabling activities through the Low-Cost Nuclear Challenge, Nuclear Fuel Fund and the Future Nuclear Enabling Fund.

In addition, we will publish a Roadmap this autumn setting out the long-term trajectory for the nuclear sector, as well as publish a consultation on alternative routes to market for new nuclear projects.

Andrew Bowie
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
13th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether her Department is taking steps to ensure a resilient supply of ammonia as a future fuel for the maritime sector.

The Hydrogen Production Business Model will provide revenue support to producers to overcome the operating cost gap between low carbon hydrogen and high carbon alternatives. This will provide a contractual, producer-focused business model that could facilitate hydrogen use in a broad range of sectors, including low carbon ammonia production.

The Net Zero Hydrogen Fund will help to stimulate the growth of the hydrogen economy by providing £240m to support the development and construction of new low carbon hydrogen production plants. In addition, the Government is supporting innovation for shipping decarbonisation through funds such as the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
1st Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of implementing a programme to inform the public about the potential contribution of hydrogen to (a) domestic heating, (b) transport and (c) carbon reduction.

The Hydrogen Strategy sets out the important role that low carbon hydrogen could play in decarbonising vital UK industrial sectors, providing flexible deployment across power, transport and potentially heat. The Government is providing significant support for research and development across these sectors.

The Government is supporting industry to deliver a hydrogen heating trial in Fife and the Tees Valley Hydrogen Hub, and discussing a potential village trial in Redcar, to understand hydrogen’s future uses better. The Government is working with industry partners to engage the public, informing them about hydrogen and what to expect. The Government will continue public engagement as hydrogen technology matures.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
7th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to help (a) reduce the ratio of the cost of electricity to gas and (b) people to move to a heat pump.

The Government has committed to outlining an approach to gas and electricity price rebalancing by the end of 2023/24.

The Government aims to make heat pumps as cheap to buy and run as a gas boiler by 2030 at the latest. The Government will do this by growing the heat pump market to support 600,000 installations per year by 2028 and expanding UK manufacturing with the aim of reducing costs by at least 25-50% by 2025.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
3rd Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what guidance he issues to new nuclear developers of Small and Advanced Modular Reactors on the price they will receive for their energy production; and if he will put in place a permission-free price hurdle for the development of new nuclear facilities which could set a Contract for Difference strike price.

Funding models, including the Regulated Asset Base (RAB) and Contract for Difference (CfD) are being considered for SMRs. The appropriate funding model for each new nuclear project will be determined in due course.

Andrew Bowie
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
3rd Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to support applications for development sites from new nuclear developers of (a) small and (b) advanced modular reactors before the Great British Nuclear funding competition opens.

GBN will work across Government to support access to potential sites for new nuclear projects to achieve its long-term ambition. There is growing local and regional interest in a number of sites for further nuclear development. GBN would welcome any conversations with stakeholders who are considering whether their land might be suitable for the deployment of nuclear facilities in future.

Andrew Bowie
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the supply of nuclear power on energy bills.

New nuclear power is central to our plans for ensuring UK energy security and reaching Net Zero. Modelling in the 2020 Energy White Paper indicated that low-cost electricity system solutions at very low carbon intensities are far more likely to be achieved with a combination of new nuclear and gas CCUS.

Andrew Bowie
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
3rd May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 27 March 2023 to Question 171588 on Energy: Prices, what his timetabled is for establishing a mechanism to protect consumers from potential future commodity price spikes and help ensure that they benefit from lower cost renewable energy sources.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave her on 27th March 2023 to Question 171588. The Government aims to publish a second Review of Electricity Markets (REMA) consultation in Autumn 2023 and will take decisions on shorter-term reforms more quickly where it is viable to do so throughout the REMA programme.

REMA’s overall timescale will depend on the extent of reform found to be necessary and could range from those that could be taken relatively quickly, to reforms that could take a number of years to implement – depending on the nature and complexity of the reform.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
14th Apr 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the report by the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales entitled Homes fit for the future: the retrofit challenge, published in July 2021, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his Department's policies of that report's recommendation that the UK Government should provide £3.6 billion of funding over 10 years to help decarbonise and improve the quality of Welsh homes.

The promotion of energy efficiency is devolved to Wales. The Welsh Government provides funding for home energy efficiency improvements.

The UK Government works with the Welsh Government in respect of regulatory measures providing funding for energy efficiency, including the Energy Company Obligation which covers Wales, and the forthcoming £1 billion Great British Insulation Scheme, which could save around 300,000 of the least energy efficient homes £300-£400 each year.

The UK Government recently announced the extension of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme until 2028, to support the installation of heat pumps in domestic and small non-domestic buildings in England and Wales.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
29th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to facilitate grid connections to allow the deployment of (a) renewables and (b) battery storage projects.

The Government works with Ofgem and network companies to accelerate connections by releasing network capacity and improving the connections process. As part of this work, the Electricity System Operator is seeking expressions of interest, by 30 April 2023, from developers who are willing and able to connect earlier than their allocated connection date. The Government will publish a Connections Action Plan in the summer, which will articulate actions by government, Ofgem and network companies to accelerate network connections, including for renewable energy and battery storage projects.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
29th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what (a) recent discussions he has had with and (b) steps he is taking with the Welsh Government on upgrading the national grid transmission network to ensure that it has the necessary capacity to transmit electricity from (i) offshore wind and other (ii) small scale community generation and large scale renewable generation projects.

The Government recently published the “Powering Up Britain” publications which reaffirm the Government's commitment to accelerating delivery of electricity network infrastructure across Great Britain, as a critical enabler for energy security and net zero. The Government will publish an action plan to accelerate network connections in the summer and will respond to networks commissioner Nick Winser’s recommendations later this year.

The Government’s January 2023 response to the Welsh Affairs Committee’s inquiry also highlights work to upgrade grid capacity in Wales, including measures specific to offshore wind such as the Holistic Network Design, where Welsh Government officials are invited to attend relevant governance forums.

Graham Stuart
Minister 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 steps he is taking to help (a) decouple the cost of gas and electricity, (b) encourage consumers to choose renewable alternatives to fossil fuels and (c) consumers who choose renewable energy sources to benefit from lower energy prices.

As part of the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA) programme, the Government is considering a range of potential options to shield consumers from the impacts of potential future commodity price spikes and to ensure they benefit from lower cost renewables.

The CfD scheme already insulates consumers against electricity price spikes. Over time this scheme will significantly reduce dependence on fossil fuelled power generation, lowering consumer exposure to gas prices.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
14th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the document entitled Pathway to 2030 Holistic Network Design, whether he has had discussions with the National Grid on the proposal for a new network in Wales; and for what reason the proposed network route has changed from offshore route to onshore.

The Holistic Network Design was produced independently by National Grid ESO as a key output of the government led Offshore Transmission Network Review. This process has identified a new network need between North and South Wales (PNSC). Detailed design work by the relevant Transmission Owner is ongoing and will consider the potential for both onshore and offshore options.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he expects the budget for ringfenced support for tidal stream energy in Allocation Round 5 for Contracts for Difference will be at least as large as that provided in Allocation Round 4.

Final parameters for Allocation Round 5 (AR5) are currently under development. This involves a careful analysis of all technologies available in AR5, including tidal stream energy, against the Government's legal obligations. The Government is considering the appropriate parameters to ensure a competitive auction and the sufficient deployment of all technologies. Budgets set will reflect parameter decisions. A Budget Notice for AR5 with the full auction and budgetary details will be published in March 2023.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
9th Feb 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 proposed 2026 oil and LPG boiler ban on properties on Ynys Môn.

The Government consulted on phasing out the installation of heating systems using high carbon fossil fuels in homes, businesses and public buildings in England off the gas grid during the 2020s. The Government published impact assessments alongside these consultations. The Government will set out further details on these proposals when it responds to these consultations in due course. As this relates to a devolved matter it is for the Welsh Government to consider steps to decarbonise heat off the gas grid in Wales.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
8th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether it is his Department's policy to continue with the proposed 2026 boiler ban for off-grid properties.

The Government consulted on phasing out the installation of heating systems using high carbon fossil fuels in homes, businesses and public buildings in England off the gas grid during the 2020s. We will set out further details on these proposals when we respond to these consultations in due course.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
5th Jan 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the Answer of 17 October 2023 to Question 200502 on Clinical Trials, whether she is taking steps to support the pharmaceutical industry in the (a) development and (b) use of human-specific technologies.

The government is committed to supporting the growth of technologies that support human-specific research, including stem cell research, cell culture systems, imaging and computer modelling. UK Research & Innovation funds the development of techniques that replace, reduce and refine the use of animals in research (the 3Rs) through the National Centre for 3Rs (NC3Rs). Since it was established the NC3Rs has invested £89.3 million in research and £27 million in contracts through its CRACK IT Challenges scheme, mainly focusing on new approaches for the safety assessment of pharmaceuticals and chemicals that reduce the use of animals.

Andrew Griffith
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
5th Jan 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she is taking steps to support the growth of the human-specific technology sector.

The government is committed to supporting the growth of technologies that support human-specific research, including stem cell research, cell culture systems, imaging and computer modelling. The UK has a world leading reputation for the delivery of techniques that replace, reduce and refine the use of animals in research (3Rs). UK Research & Innovation funds the development of techniques that replace, reduce and refine the use of animals in research (the 3Rs) through the National Centre for 3Rs (NC3Rs) which works to drive the uptake of 3Rs technologies.

Andrew Griffith
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
20th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to encourage (a) innovation and (b) an increase in the use of drug-testing methods that do not involve animals.

Government’s approach is to actively support and fund the development and dissemination of techniques that replace, reduce and refine the use of animals in research (the 3Rs), primarily through funding from UK Research and Innovation for the National Centre for the 3Rs (NC3Rs) - who have committed £31.6 million for research and innovation into these causes in the past 5 years - and to ensure that the UK has a robust regulatory system for licensing animal studies.

The NC3Rs are on track to meet their commitment to invest 75% of their research and innovation budget on replacement technologies by the end of 2024.

6th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions she has had with Ofcom on the affordability of broadband and increased network service prices in 2022-23.

Ofcom, the independent regulator, has a statutory duty to monitor the affordability in the telecoms market. My department engages regularly with them on matters relating to the affordability of broadband and other telecoms services.

With regards to network service prices, DCMS engages regularly with Ofcom on matters associated with the wholesale market. Openreach’s prices are regulated by Ofcom as part of its five-year Wholesale Fixed Telecoms Market Review (WFTMR) process, and have been allowed to increase by CPI in order to reflect the significant additional costs faced when deploying new physical infrastructure.

We recognise that this is clearly a difficult time for families up and down the country who are struggling to pay their bills as a result of the global rise in the cost of living.

On 23 January, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport met with Chief Executives from major broadband and mobile providers at which she asked them to consider carefully the need, at this time, for above inflation price increases and highlighted the impact they may have on those already struggling to pay their bills.

20th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when his Department plans to respond to the consultation entitled Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes, published on 30 September 2020.

The consultation on improving the energy performance of privately rented homes closed on 8th January 2021. The Government has analysed the responses received and is considering how best to ensure the cost relating to energy efficiency improvement is fair and proportionate to landlords and tenants. The Government will publish a response in due course.

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, whether he is taking steps to provide funding to Morlais on Anglesey for research and development into the interaction of marine mammals and tidal stream turbines after the end of 2023; and whether he has made a recent assessment of the potential merits of ringfencing tidal steam energy in the Contracts for Difference Allocation Round Five.

There are no current plans for the Government to provide funding of this kind after the end of 2023. The Morlais project is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government and has received funding from the Welsh Government through the North Wales Growth Deal.

The Morlais project on Anglesey secured a Contract for Difference award in Allocation Round 4. The Government is currently developing Allocation Round 5 auction parameters for all technologies, including for tidal stream, taking into account evidence from stakeholders. Full parameters will be published in the Budget Notice in March 2023.

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