Great British Energy Bill: Second Reading

What happened: The House of Commons voted on 5 September 2024 to approve the Great British Energy Bill at Second Reading, the stage at which MPs debate and vote on the broad principles of a proposed law. The bill passed by 348 votes to 95. Second Reading approval means the bill can proceed to further parliamentary scrutiny, but does not yet make it law.

Why it matters: The bill proposes to create Great British Energy, a new publicly-owned company intended to invest in and develop clean energy projects across the United Kingdom. The government argues the company will accelerate the transition to renewable energy, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and ultimately lower household energy bills. If enacted, it would represent a significant expansion of direct state involvement in the energy sector, with public funds directed into wind, solar, and other low-carbon technologies.

The politics: The vote divided almost entirely along party lines. All 333 Labour and Labour and Co-operative MPs who voted supported the bill, while 94 of the 95 No votes came from Conservatives, with one each from Reform UK and the Democratic Unionist Party. The Green Party, one Ulster Unionist, and several independents also voted in favour. There were no notable cross-party rebellions in either direction. The bill sits at the centre of Labour's flagship energy and climate agenda, and its passage at this stage was expected given the government's substantial Commons majority.