Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of locating hydrogen plans in urban areas on the health of the local population.

The Department recognises that it is imperative that essential health and safety measures are in place to protect people and the environment. Officials are collaborating closely to ensure the planning system is optimised to support the development of a rapidly expanding UK hydrogen economy. This includes through the Department's Hydrogen Regulators Forum and bilateral engagement. The Government works with industry and regulators to identify, prioritise and implement any changes to the existing framework, including addressing any gaps, to support the growth of the hydrogen economy.