Speeches by Sullivan.

“Thank you, Secretary of State, and I am glad that you mentioned the reserve because I was just coming on to that. There have been some suggestions—including from the Fraser of Allander Institute and one of its representatives, who gave evidence to this Committee recently—that the limit on the cap of the reserve should …”

“Thank you, but I would just like a bit more clarity on whether you have had those discussions about the removal of the cap.”

“And that next moment is?”

“For 14 long years, growth in the United Kingdom stagnated with houses that were not built, roads that were not constructed, train lines promised and not delivered, energy and digital infrastructure not fit for current demands and a plodding planning system that has not kept pace with the needs of local communities. I w…”

“I thank the Secretary of State for his statement, and for his relentless efforts to bring all parties back to the negotiating table. I think we have all been horrified by the scenes we have seen on TV, the resumption of the violence that has seen the loss of hundreds of innocent lives, and the blockade of lifesaving ai…”

“On the point that was made about it looking piecemeal or patchy at the moment, do you think that Great British Energy has a role to play in community-owned energy and benefits, and what should that role be?”

“Thank you. How important do you think the affordability of energy bills is in delivering a just transition?”

“What actions can the UK Government take to support local communities that we have heard about today that are heavily reliant on oil and gas?”

“It is not just about money—it is also about regulatory issues.”

“I appreciate the major impact on the local community, particularly as an MP who represents a neighbouring constituency. It has been of great concern. With regard to the job losses—I appreciate the aspect around jobs and skills, not just for the people at present but for people in the future—how many people at the momen…”

“I appreciate that; I do appreciate the impact to the supply chain, but my specific question is how many people now have not secured any other jobs, have not decided that they are going to retire and are fearful that they are going to be unemployed? There have been reports in the media that a lot of people have moved to…”

“You have mentioned community a few times, particularly Ian. I would like to ask all of you: how might community-owned energy and community benefits play a role in a just transition for workers and communities?”

“You have touched on some of the points, but I would like to ask you all what key elements you would like to see included in the UK Government’s plan for the future of the North sea.”

“Before anyone else answers, can I just pick up on one of your points, Ian? I understand the point you are making around the need for clarity and certainty to allow people to plan for the future for themselves, their families, and their communities. Do you think, to have that long-term view, there needs to be more conse…”

“Derek, you spoke earlier about Unite having a plan to create 35,000 new energy transition jobs by 2030. Can I ask what that plan involves? I think all Members of the Committee would be quite interested in seeing that plan—having a copy—to better understand. Could that be supplied?”

“Is it your view that GB Energy should have a role?”

“I recently held a child poverty roundtable in my constituency, and one of the issues raised repeatedly was that many people who want to work find themselves worse off when they lose benefits and find themselves pushed into hardship. What assurances can my right hon. Friend provide for my constituents that under these c…”

“Thank you for that. I appreciate the point that you are making. However, I think, such is the concern around this, that people need to know that public money is being spent in the area that will have the biggest impact. I think it is a valid question to ask. I am not sure we can be looking to networks when we are only …”

“You have answered my question on that point because I was going to ask about mobile units. To what extent is the cost of running a gold standard facility sustainable beyond the current three-year pilot, given the state of local government funding at the moment?”

“Thanks for coming along today. I was very sorry to miss the visit, but I hope I will get there very soon. My question is for Saket. The Scottish Government’s Health and Social Care Minister has said that the facility aims to reduce drug-related deaths. However, I am aware that you have also said that you do not expect …”