Energy Security — Commends the Government's effort — 30 Jun 2008 at 18:51

The majority of MPs voted against the motion:^[1]

• This House
• acknowledges that the security of the UK's energy supply has become of increasing importance over the last five years;
• understands that with over eight GW of coal and a further seven GW of nuclear generating capacity coming offline in the next decade the UK faces a potentially serious energy gap by 2016;
• regrets that with only 2 per cent. of the UK's energy needs coming from renewable sources, the UK is one of the worst performers in Europe;
• notes that the Government's own Renewables Advisory Board has established that the UK is set to miss its EU renewables target for 2020 even with significant policy changes;
• further notes that, as an island nation, the UK has major potential as a source of wave and tidal energy;
• deplores the fact that the Marine Renewables Deployment Fund has not delivered monies to a single project since its creation in 2005;
• regrets that the Government's latest Energy Bill contains insufficient provisions for feed-in tariffs for microgeneration,^[2] the fast roll-out of smart meters or any serious help for the fuel poor; and
• urgently presses the Government to act now to secure the UK's energy supplies for the future.

In its place a new motion was proposed:^[3]

• This House
• acknowledges that the Government is addressing the recent sharp increases in fossil fuel prices, which reflect an imbalance between supply and demand in global markets, through international engagement;
• recognises that the UK has the most competitive energy markets among the G7 nations, as recognised by independent analysts;
• acknowledges the Government's success in establishing a market framework which encourages sharp increases in gas import and storage capacity;
• further acknowledges the Government's success in establishing a clear framework for investment in new nuclear generation capacity through the Nuclear White Paper, and in setting out a blueprint for a historic expansion of renewable generation through the Renewable Energy Strategy consultation;
• recognises the Government's work in promoting energy efficiency as an integral part of its strategy;
• commends the Government's efforts to counter fuel poverty through the Winter Fuel Payment and through securing major financial commitments from energy supply companies;
• notes the Government's support for microgeneration;
• recognises that the Energy, Climate Change and Planning Bills will provide a legislative framework that is fit for purpose in changing market conditions and that supports the Government's policy objectives;
• believes that the Opposition's failure to show clear leadership on energy could put at risk Great Britain's energy security;
• condemns their failure to support the Government's Renewables Obligation; and
• deplores their opposition to the Planning Bill, which will provide greater certainty for major infrastructure building and help secure Great Britain's future energy independence.

which passed without a further vote.

• [1] Alan Duncan MP, House of Commons, 30 June 2008
• [2] Energy Bill - Renewable energy feed-in tariff - rejected, House of Commons Division, 30 April 2008
• [3] John Hutton MP, House of Commons, 30 June 2008

Debate in Parliament | Source |