Every parliamentary written question tabled by Andrew Bowie this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 401–420 of 494 · this parliament
What her planned timetable is for increasing the rate at which the Energy Profits Levy is charged.
Changes to the Energy Profits Levy (EPL), including increasing the levy by 3 per cent to 38 per cent and removing the levy’s 29% investment allowance, will be implemented from 1 November 2024. This was announced by the Chancellor on 29th July and the Government will legislate for these changes in the Autumn Finance Bill.
What her planned timetable is for ending the investment allowance within the Energy Profits Levy.
Changes to the Energy Profits Levy (EPL), including increasing the levy by 3 per cent to 38 per cent and removing the levy’s 29% investment allowance, will be implemented from 1 November 2024. This was announced by the Chancellor on 29th July and the Government will legislate for these changes in the Autumn Finance Bill.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed repeal and replacement of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 on veterans.
The Government recognises the dedicated service of veterans and serving personnel who did so much to keep people in Northern Ireland safe during the Troubles. We will engage closely with the veterans community on the way forwards in the Government’s approach to legacy. We recognise the impact that historical investigations can have on serving and retired Service personnel, including on their mental health. This Government is committed to supporting our veterans by providing welfare and appropriate legal support, at public expense, to those involved in ongoing legal processes. Veterans are offered a range of welfare support, for their individual needs and circumstances.
If he will make an assessment of the potential (a) impact of the proposed repeal and replacement of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 on veterans and (b) need for support for veterans in the context of potential civil action.
The Government recognises the dedicated service of veterans and serving personnel who did so much to keep people in Northern Ireland safe during the Troubles. We will engage closely with the veterans community on the way forwards in the Government’s approach to legacy. We recognise the impact that historical investigations can have on serving and retired Service personnel, including on their mental health. This Government is committed to supporting our veterans by providing welfare and appropriate legal support, at public expense, to those involved in ongoing legal processes. Veterans are offered a range of welfare support, for their individual needs and circumstances.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Beijing Declaration on the potential for reform of the Palestinian Authority.
The UK supports a two-state solution that guarantees security and stability for both the Israeli and Palestinian people. Hamas cannot remain in charge of Gaza. The Foreign Secretary has spoken with the new Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority Mohammad Mustafa and offered the UK's support as his government implements much-needed reforms. A reformed and empowered Palestinian Authority is vital for lasting peace and progress towards a two-state solution.
What his planned timetable is for responding to the Alternative routes to market for new nuclear projects consultation, which closed on 12 April 2024.
The Alternative Routes to Market for New Nuclear Projects consultation was published on 11th January 2024 and closed on 12th April 2024. Consultation responses have been analysed and the Department intends to publish a factual response in due course.
If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of removing the VAT exemption on independent school fees on deployed armed forces personnel and their families.
The Government is committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity, ensuring every child has access to high-quality education, which is why we have made the tough decision to end tax breaks for private schools. This will raise revenue for essential public services, including investing in the education system. Recognising the enormous sacrifices our military families make, the Ministry of Defence provide the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) to eligible Service Personnel. The government will monitor closely the impact of these policy changes on affected military families and the upcoming Spending Review is the right time to consider any changes to this scheme. The Government has published a technical Note and draft VAT legislation outlining the changes; a technical consultation will be open until 15 September.
What his planned timetable is for responding to the Approach to siting new nuclear power stations beyond 2025 consultation, which closed on 10 March 2024.
The Government is grateful for the views submitted as part of the consultation on the approach to siting new nuclear power stations beyond 2025. This consultation was run to inform drafting of a new nuclear National Policy Statement (EN-7) which we will bring forward in due course. EN-7 will be subject to the usual public consultation and Parliamentary scrutiny.
When he will make a final investment decision on Sizewell C.
The Government is committed to the development of Sizewell C, and is working to secure a Final Investment Decision (FID). Subject to receiving the relevant approvals we aim to reach FID before the end of this year.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the strength of links between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas.
Hamas is a proscribed terrorist organisation responsible for an act of barbarism on October 7 that sought to kill countless Israelis and provoke wider conflict with Palestinians. Hamas cannot remain in charge of Gaza. The UK supports a two-state solution that guarantees security and stability for both the Israeli and Palestinian people. The Foreign Secretary has spoken with the new Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority (PA) Mohammad Mustafa and offered the UK's support as his government implements much-needed reforms. An effective PA is vital for lasting peace and progress towards a two-state solution.
What his planned timetable is for approving Small Modular Reactors.
Great British Nuclear, the Department’s arm’s-length body responsible for helping deliver the government’s nuclear programme. is currently running a small modular reactor technology selection process for UK deployment. The window for submitting tenders has closed and Great British Nuclear is evaluating bids. This is a complex procurement, and it is important Great British Nuclear ensures a fair and robust process that delivers sustainable outcomes. Further updates will be made in due course.
When the next meeting of the Fiscal Forum between representatives of the oil and gas industry and HMT officials will go ahead.
The Oil and Gas Fiscal Forum was held on 12 August 2024, chaired by the Exchequer Secretary and attended by senior representatives from the oil and gas industry.
When the next meeting of the Fiscal Forum between representatives of the oil and gas industry and HMT officials will go ahead.
The Oil and Gas Fiscal Forum was held on 12 August 2024, chaired by the Exchequer Secretary and attended by senior representatives from the oil and gas industry.
What steps his Department plans to take to help workers in the oil and gas industry transition away from the industry following the ban on new oil and gas licences.
We do not intend to issue new licences to explore new fields because they will not reduce bills and cannot make us energy secure. We will ensure a phased and responsible North Sea transition, with no community left behind. We recently set up the Office for Clean Energy Jobs, which will seek to maximise the opportunities of the transition for workers. This will be critical to meeting our mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower.
What role Great British Energy will have in the (a) governance and (b) duties of Great British Nuclear.
Government is exploring how Great British Energy and Great British Nuclear will work together, including considering how Great British Nuclear functions can be aligned with Great British Energy.
What his planned timetable is for the delivery of a new nuclear power plant at Wylfa.
Nuclear can play an important role in helping to achieve energy security and clean power while securing thousands of skilled jobs. As a site which has previously hosted a nuclear power station, and is now owned by Great British Nuclear, Wylfa can play an important role in new nuclear in the UK, and we will set out our plans for the site in due course.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of not issuing new oil and gas licences on levels of public investment from oil and gas companies.
We do not intend to issue new licences to explore new fields and will not revoke existing licences. We will ensure a phased and responsible transition in the North Sea, ensuring no community is left behind as we move towards net zero. We will share more details on our plans for oil and gas in due course.
What steps he is taking to support exports of small modular reactor technologies to Czechia.
The UK has established strong civil nuclear relationships with Czechia, Sweden and Poland, and is working closely to coordinate and drive collaboration, including on critical enabling policy such as regulation, financing, operator capabilities, fuels, supply chains, and waste management. We want the UK to be a clean energy superpower, delivering net zero and industrial decarbonisation at home and overseas, so we are pleased to support the nuclear supply chain, including UK Small Modular Reactor (SMR) vendors, seeking to export to responsible nuclear nations, including across Europe.
What steps he is taking to support exports of small modular reactor technologies to Sweden.
The UK has established strong civil nuclear relationships with Czechia, Sweden and Poland, and is working closely to coordinate and drive collaboration, including on critical enabling policy such as regulation, financing, operator capabilities, fuels, supply chains, and waste management. We want the UK to be a clean energy superpower, delivering net zero and industrial decarbonisation at home and overseas, so we are pleased to support the nuclear supply chain, including UK Small Modular Reactor (SMR) vendors, seeking to export to responsible nuclear nations, including across Europe.
What his Department's policy is on the deployment of new nuclear technologies in Scotland.
The UK Government recognises Scotland's significant contributions to British nuclear power and values the expertise and skills within the nuclear industry there. We are aware of the Scottish Government’s approach to nuclear energy, we work productively with them on a range of energy issues and remain open to discussions on deploying new nuclear technologies in Scotland.