Great British Energy Bill: Third Reading

Parliament voted on 29 October 2024 to pass the Great British Energy Bill at its Third Reading, the final stage before a bill moves to the House of Lords. The vote passed by 361 ayes to 111 noes. Third Reading is the last opportunity for the House of Commons to approve or reject a bill in its final form, and a successful vote sends the legislation on to the upper chamber for further scrutiny.

The Bill creates Great British Energy, a new publicly owned company focused on clean energy. In practical terms, it establishes a state-backed body that will invest in renewable energy projects, support local and community energy schemes, and contribute to the government's goal of decarbonising the electricity grid. Supporters argue it will improve energy security, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and lower energy bills over time. Critics argue it creates an unnecessary state body, that the private sector is better placed to drive clean energy investment, and that the government's £300 bill reduction promise lacks credibility.

The vote divided almost entirely along party lines. All 314 voting Labour MPs and all 36 voting Labour and Co-operative MPs supported the Bill, as did the three voting Green MPs and most voting independents. All 97 voting Conservative MPs, all six voting Reform UK MPs, and all five voting Democratic Unionist Party MPs opposed it. The Liberal Democrats, represented in the debate by Pippa Heylings, supported the Bill while pressing amendments on community energy and home insulation that the government rejected. Plaid Cymru recorded no votes in either direction. There were no notable rebellions within any party group.