Every parliamentary written question tabled by Charlie Dewhirst this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 21–40 of 43 · Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Pursuant to the answer of 10 September 2025 to Question 74317 on DESNZ: Social Media, which social media influencers have been paid to undertake advertising for his Department since July 2024.
Due to commercial confidentiality, we are unable to release this information.
Pursuant to the answer of 16 December 2025 to Question 98794 on Mission Boards, who the internal and external members are of the Clean Energy Superpower Mission Board.
The Clean Energy Superpower Mission Board is chaired by the DESNZ Secretary of State, the Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP. The board does not have a fixed list of internal or external members, rather we engage with other government departments, external organisations and industry experts depending on the issues for discussion.
Whether (a) he and (b) his Permanent Secretary approved the use of paid facility time for trade union activities outlined in the 2024-25 departmental annual report and accounts.
The departmental Trade Union Facility Time Guidance sets out a provision for paid activity time to be requested and approved, by exception. This is managed/agreed locally by management from a day to day perspective. The overall levels of activity time are monitored by HR and any concerns are dealt with on behalf of the Secretary of State/Permanent Secretary.
With reference to the policy paper entitled Outcome of the exploratory discussions on the possible participation of the United Kingdom in the European Union’s internal electricity market, published on 22 December 2025, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of dynamic alignment on the Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce: interim report of 24 November 2025.
The detail of commitments for a future agreement for the UK’s participation in the EU’s internal electricity market is a matter for negotiations. As the Chancellor set out at Budget, the government will present a full response to the Nuclear Regulatory Review within three months, taking account of our international obligations, national security considerations, and planning, environmental and court processes. The government will complete implementation of the Nuclear Regulatory Review within two years, subject to legislative timelines on elements requiring primary legislation.
With reference to the policy paper entitled Outcome of the exploratory discussions on the possible participation of the United Kingdom in the European Union’s internal electricity market, published on 22 December 2025, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive on (a) consumers, (b) business and (c) the economy.
An electricity agreement with the EU will cut the cost of trading electricity with the EU - this means lower wholesale costs and ultimately lower bills. Any agreement will naturally involve a balance of rights and obligations to ensure a level playing field in the trade of electricity between the Parties.In line with the outcome of exploratory discussions, we will discuss the relevant rules on the promotion of renewables. The detail of commitments in this area, as with other areas, is a matter for negotiations.
Further to the Commissioner for Public Appointment’s annual report 2024-25, published December 2025, Appendix: direct appointments, what the business case was for appointing Climate Change Committee members for three years without open and fair competition; and if he will publish relevant correspondence to and from the Public Appointments Commissioner.
Professor Swenja Surminski was appointed to the CCC's Adaptation Committee in 2022 following a fair and open competition. She was subsequently appointed as a member of the Climate Change Committee to enhance collaboration between the two Committees, as allowed for under the Climate Change Act 2008. The Commissioner for Public Appointments was consulted, in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.
Whether staff at the National Energy System Operator are permitted to own shares in National Grid.
New employees at the National Energy System Operator (NESO) are required to divest any holding of energy sector shares, including in National Grid plc. For employees transferring from National Grid Energy System Operator there are legacy arrangements in place. They have been allowed to keep their existing shares in the energy sector to prevent any individuals unfairly losing out in the NESO transaction. Employees are required to disclose shareholdings, seek approval for any share sales, and cannot purchase new shares. The board and Executive team cannot acquire new energy sector shares and have to divest all existing holdings over time.
Further to the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for government’s most important contracts, Data for July to September 2025, published by Cabinet Office on 25 December 2025, for what reason the requirement to reduce dependency on advisory services based in the Global North is a key performance indicator in the contract with DAI Global UK.
This KPI relates to a contract with DAI Global UK for the delivery of an overseas development assistance (ODA) funded programme to strengthen institutional capacity in developing countries. The KPI aims to encourage delivery through downstream partners based in developing countries in order to build local leadership and expertise, reducing long-term reliance on UK aid. The headline contract was competitively tendered and awarded to a UK-based supplier.
With reference to paragraph 9 of the document entitled Outcome of the exploratory discussions on the possible participation of the United Kingdom in the European Union’s internal electricity market, published on 22 December 2025, what assessment he has made of the potential of the environmental protection clause on costs for consumers.
An electricity agreement with the EU will cut the cost of trading electricity with the EU - this means lower wholesale costs and ultimately lower bills. Any agreement will naturally involve a balance of rights and obligations to ensure a level playing field in the trade of electricity between the Parties. The detail of environmental commitments in this agreement, as with other areas, is a matter for negotiations.
Which pension provider maintains the staff pension scheme for the National Energy System Operator; and whether staff are offered (a) defined benefit and (b) defined contribution pensions.
The employees of the National Energy System Operator (NESO) are not civil servants and are not part of civil service pension schemes. As noted in NESO’s latest annual report and accounts, Legal & General administer the company’s defined contribution pension scheme. There is a legacy defined benefit scheme, transferred as part of the acquisition by government, however this scheme is closed to new members/employees.
What the (a) name, (b) job title, (c) annual remuneration, (d) time commitment and (e) expected end date is for each direct ministerial appointment in his Department.
The information requested is attached.
Whether Sizewell C will be classified as (a) public or (b) private expenditure and borrowing for the purposes of the national accounts.
While HMG's investments in the project since November 2022 have resulted in the project being consolidated to the government’s balance sheet, a decision on the economic classification of Sizewell C will be made by the Office for National Statistics, independently of HMG.
What steps his Department is taking to improve the resilience of the electricity distribution network in (a) rural areas and (b) Kilham in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
Energy resilience is important, including in rural areas. We work with the energy industry, regulators and other stakeholders to continually improve and maintain the resilience of energy infrastructure. Great Britain has a highly resilient energy network, although disruptions can still occur. Network investments are funded by customers through network charges on their energy bills. Ofgem determine this funding through price controls accounting for a wide variety of factors. We are working with Ofgem to provide funding to Distribution Network Operators to improve the service experienced by those customers who receive the poorest levels of performance.
What steps he is taking to ensure that (a) the fishing sector is consulted and (b) the views of that sector are reflected in the (i) planning and (ii) approval process for offshore wind developments.
The energy National Policy Statements (NPS) set out the consultation requirements for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs). Developers are required by the Planning Act 2008 to conduct consultation with interested parties on their proposals. The NPS for renewable energy infrastructure (EN-3) provides specific guidance regarding offshore wind developments and consultation with the fishing sector, requiring applicants to undertake dialogue with the fishing industry during the planning and design of individual offshore wind farm and associated transmission proposals. Applicants are directed to guidance on best practice for fisheries liaison, which has been jointly agreed by the renewables industry and fishing community.
Whether (a) fish and chip shops and (b) other catering businesses will be required to replace existing gas cooking equipment.
Fuel switching from fossil fuels to electricity has the potential to significantly reduce emissions, making a central contribution to our carbon budget commitments. Clean, homegrown energy is the best way to protect billpayers and boost Britain's energy independence. This will allow the UK to build an energy system that can bring down bills for households and businesses for good. Many electric technologies are more efficient than their gas counterparts, and therefore electrification has the potential to lower energy requirements for sites. The Government remains committed to supporting electrification and addressing the barriers to investment in electric technology. This includes further development of policy options to address the high cost of electricity relative to natural gas, and the implementation of planning reforms to speed up infrastructure development and unblock issues on grid connection delays.
What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of full electrification on (a) fish and chip shops, (b) other businesses and (c) economic growth.
Fuel switching from fossil fuels to electricity has the potential to significantly reduce emissions, making a central contribution to our carbon budget commitments. Clean, homegrown energy is the best way to protect billpayers and boost Britain's energy independence. This will allow the UK to build an energy system that can bring down bills for households and businesses for good. Many electric technologies are more efficient than their gas counterparts, and therefore electrification has the potential to lower energy requirements for sites. The Government remains committed to supporting electrification and addressing the barriers to investment in electric technology. This includes further development of policy options to address the high cost of electricity relative to natural gas, and the implementation of planning reforms to speed up infrastructure development and unblock issues on grid connection delays. Taking the points specified in the hon Member’s question in turn: A) Fish & chip shops: Alongside the electrification of heating and cooling, a key approach for full electrification of a fish & chip shop could be switching from a gas fryer to an electric fryer. An electric fryer is more energy efficient and generally requires less maintenance than a gas fryer, but also tends to require higher upfront costs, and currently results in higher operating costs due to the higher price of electricity compared to gas. B) Businesses: For many businesses based in commercial units or offices, full electrification would require an electric source of heating and cooling, such as heat pumps or electric boilers. Heat pumps are highly efficient, reducing carbon emission significantly, and can provide both heating and cooling. As with the gas fryer, greater energy efficiency from heat pumps and electric boilers would reduce energy consumption, however upfront costs and operating costs are generally higher than gas alternatives. Some businesses with high temperature heat requirements, such as those involved in manufacturing, amy also require more specialised electrification technologies. C) Economic growth Electrification is the future for most UK industries, and brings with it a range of economic benefits. These include boosting the domestic supply chain, and supporting UK businesses to be more productive. Electrification will reduce the UK’s reliance on volatile fossil fuel prices, making the UK a more attractive place to do business leading to increased growth and jobs.At present, government provides grants of up to £7,500 for low carbon heating systems through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which are available to small commercial buildings.
If he will ask the Office for National Statistics to make an assessment of the potential impact of the purchase of the Wylfa power station site by Great British Nuclear on the public sector classification of the borrowing for that nuclear programme.
Great British Nuclear purchased the Wylfa site in 2024, which is recorded as an asset on the Government's balance sheet. As part of its SMR competition, GBN is negotiating with four shortlisted companies, with final decisions to be taken in the spring. No decisions have yet been taken on projects or sites.
What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the development of large-scale solar farms.
As outlined in the clean power action plan last week, solar power will be vital to meeting our mission and bringing down energy bills for good. Solar is one of the cheapest and most-readily available sources of energy we have, and whilst rooftop and other...
Pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2024 to Question 7000 on Department for Energy Security and Net Zero: Official Cars, what proportion of journeys taken in a shared vehicle from the Govern
The Government Car service (GCS) provides vehicles to a number of Government departments. Due to logistical and operational reasons the type of vehicles deployed at each department can vary on a daily or weekly basis. The vehicle fuel type can vary depend...
Pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2024 to Question 7001 on Department for Energy Security and Net Zero: Official Cars, which specific senior officials in his Department have use of the two
The two official cars DESNZ currently contracts with the Government Car Service are and have been for the use of Ministers.