Every parliamentary written question tabled by Llinos Medi this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 141–160 of 168 · this parliament
What recent discussions he has with the Welsh Government on developing a new nuclear site at Wylfa.
Ministers, and officials within the Department, regularly meet Welsh Government counterparts. As a site which has previously hosted a nuclear power station and is now owned by Great British Nuclear (GBN), we will work with GBN to assess options for new nuclear at the Wylfa site.
What assessment he has made of the suitability of Wylfa to be designated as a preferred site for a new nuclear energy generation project.
On 6 February 2025, we published the draft of a new nuclear National Policy Statement (EN-7) for consultation. EN-7 proposes to employ a criteria-based approach, rather than listing potentially suitable sites, to empower nuclear developers to identify suitable sites for their projects. The Government wants previously listed sites, such as Wylfa, which was acquired by Great British Nuclear in 2024, to meet their potential and EN-7 acknowledges the advantages they can offer for nuclear infrastructure deployment.
What assessment he has made of the potential merits of designating Wylfa as a preferred site for a new nuclear energy generation project.
On 6 February 2025, we published the draft of a new nuclear National Policy Statement (EN-7) for consultation. EN-7 proposes to employ a criteria-based approach, rather than listing potentially suitable sites, to empower nuclear developers to identify suitable sites for their projects. The Government wants previously listed sites, such as Wylfa, which was acquired by Great British Nuclear in 2024, to meet their potential and EN-7 acknowledges the advantages they can offer for nuclear infrastructure deployment.
Communities and Local Government, what recent progress she has made on developing a future funding framework to replace the Shared Prosperity Fund.
The government is progressing with the development of a future funding framework to replace the Shared Prosperity Fund. We will set out our long-term vision for local growth at the multi-year spending review.
Communities and Local Government, when she plans to publish the funding framework that will replace the shared prosperity fund.
The government is progressing with the development of a future funding framework to replace the Shared Prosperity Fund. We will set out our long-term vision for local growth at the multi-year spending review.I have discussed this issue with my Ministerial counterparts in each of the devolved governments, including a very constructive meeting with the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning. I look forward to building on this engagement as we approach the spending review.
Communities and Local Government, whether she has had recent discussions with the Cabinet Secretary for Finance in the Welsh Government on the funding framework that will replace the shared prosperity fund.
The government is progressing with the development of a future funding framework to replace the Shared Prosperity Fund. We will set out our long-term vision for local growth at the multi-year spending review.I have discussed this issue with my Ministerial counterparts in each of the devolved governments, including a very constructive meeting with the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning. I look forward to building on this engagement as we approach the spending review.
Pursuant to the Answer of 24 January 2025 to Question 25389 on Crown Estate: Wales, if she will list all ministerial level meetings with the Welsh Government where the devolution of the Crown Estate in Wales has been discussed.
The UK Government has regular discussions with the Welsh Government at official and ministerial level on a range of issues. This has included a request from the Welsh Government that the UK Government considers devolution of the management of The Crown Estate in Wales.In the last three months, there has been one ministerial meeting within the Treasury with the Welsh Government which included The Crown Estate and Wales. This was held on the 25 November 2024 between the Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language. The meeting covered growth, resetting our relationship with the EU, Great British Energy and The Crown Estate.
Pursuant to the Answer of 13 January 2025 to Question 22766 on Crown Estates: Wales and with reference to the Answer by the First Minister of Wales to the Question from Rhun ap Iorwerth MS of 21 January 2025, for what reason the First Minister said that there had been discussions on devolving the Crown Estate to Wales.
The UK Government has regular discussions with the Welsh Government at official and ministerial level on a range of issues. This has included a request from the Welsh Government that the UK Government considers devolution of the management of The Crown Estate in Wales.As set out in the answer of 13 January 2025 to Question 22766: Crown Estates: Wales, the UK Government and Welsh Government have not entered discussions to take forward the devolution of The Crown Estate in Wales. However, the matter has been discussed at Ministerial level.Whilst we acknowledge the policy position of the Welsh Government put forward during discussions, as previously set out, the UK Government does not believe devolution of the Crown Estate is currently in the best interests of Wales as it could fragment the energy market, complicate existing processes, and potentially delay grid connectivity reform as well as the further development of offshore energy. Together this gives rise to concerns it would delay progress towards net zero and undermine investment in Welsh waters.We will continue to engage constructively with the Welsh Government on a wide range of topics relevant to the operation of the devolution settlement, including how to ensure that The Crown Estate works in the interests of Wales.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of Ofgem's decision to allow a pause in new grid connections on the ability of the (a) Alaw Môn and (b) Maen Hir energy projects to connect to the grid.
Grid connections for individual projects are a matter for the National Energy System Operator (NESO) and the network companies. The short pause on connection applications for generation customers is a necessary transitional step in delivering fundamental connections reforms that, if approved by Ofgem, could reduce the connections queue by up to half and will enable accelerated connections for many generation and demand projects. The pause does not apply to demand projects or to projects connecting to the distribution network which do not require Transmission Impact Assessment.
Whether she has made a recent assessment of the potential merits of increasing the rate of Statutory Sick Pay.
The Government reviews the rate of Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) annually as part of the uprating process. We are committed to building our understanding of how our plans to strengthen SSP, announced in our Plan to Make Work Pay, will impact employers and employees alike. Through the Employment Rights Bill we are removing the Waiting Period so that SSP is payable from the first day of sickness absence, and we are also removing the Lower Earnings Limit which will widen eligibility to the up to 1.3 million employees who are currently not entitled to SSP. Many employers choose to go further than paying the statutory minimum and provide more financial support to their employees during a sickness absence. Around 60% of all employees eligible to receive such contractual sick pay. Those who need additional financial support while off sick may be able to receive more help through the welfare system such as Universal Credit, depending on their individual circumstances.
What recent discussions she has had with the Welsh Government on devolving management of the Crown Estate to Wales.
The UK Government has had no discussions with the Welsh Government on devolving the Crown Estate. The Crown Estate has played a significant role in attracting international investment into Wales to support the UK’s net zero target and will continue to do so through future leasing rounds for offshore wind developments, including floating wind projects in the Celtic Sea. They work closely with the Welsh Government and Natural Resources Wales in support of shared priorities, ensuring that these resources are sustainably managed for the long term. Introducing a new entity would fragment the market, complicate existing processes, and likely delay further development offshore, undermining investment in Welsh waters.
If he will publish details of any plans held by his Department for the development of a nuclear power station at Wylfa.
Great British Nuclear (GBN) completed its purchase of the sites at Wylfa (in Ynys Mon / Anglesey) and Oldbury-on-Severn (Gloucestershire) in June 2024. As a site which has previously hosted a nuclear power station, and is now owned by GBN , we want Wylfa to play an important role in new nuclear in the UK. The Government is examining the legacy left to us by the previous government and decisions have yet to be taken on projects and technologies to be deployed at specific sites. As GBN progress the Small Modular Reactor competition toward final decisions in the spring, we will set out our plans in due course.
What recent assessment has he made of the potential impact of the UK-Colombia bilateral agreement for the promotion and protection of investments, published in June 2014, on (a) climate change and (b) human rights.
I refer the Hon. Member for Ynys Môn to my response to Question 12968 on 12th November 2024.
What discussions she has had with the Welsh Government on funding improvements to Holyhead train station.
No such discussions have taken place recently. Holyhead Station is managed by Transport for Wales who are answerable to Welsh Ministers. Regular discussions between the UK and Welsh Governments on rail improvements take place via the Wales Rail Board.
Whether he has made an estimate of the cost of nationalising the British Steel plant in Scunthorpe.
As part of the Government's responsible approach to policy and decision-making, we have considered the merits of nationalising British Steel and made an estimate of the cost. That estimate is confidential for commercial reasons. However, the Government has no plans to nationalise British Steel.We are developing a steel strategy, working in partnership with trade unions and industry to grow the steel sector in the UK. This government has identified up to £2.5bn (on top of the £500mn secured for Port Talbot) to support the steel industry.
Whether his Department has assessed the potential merits of nationalising the British Steel plant in Scunthorpe during its negotiations on that matter.
As part of the Government's responsible approach to policy and decision-making, we have considered the merits of nationalising British Steel and made an estimate of the cost. That estimate is confidential for commercial reasons. However, the Government has no plans to nationalise British Steel.We are developing a steel strategy, working in partnership with trade unions and industry to grow the steel sector in the UK. This government has identified up to £2.5bn (on top of the £500mn secured for Port Talbot) to support the steel industry.
Communities and Local Government, what recent progress her Department has made on reviewing the outline business case for Anglesey Freeport; and whether she plans to make a decision on this in 2024.
Officials have been working with the Freeport and with the Welsh Government to take forward the Freeport’s business case and we will be in a position to provide further updates shortly.
Pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2024 to Question 7928 on Electricity: Wales, what estimate he has made of the level of investment needed between 2028 and 2033 in the (a) transmission and (b) distribution grids to help meet net zero targets.
As the independent regulator, Ofgem assesses network owners’ investment plans with regard to their duties, including to support net zero. Government supports Ofgem’s ambition for acceleration of network build and strategic investment in the next electricity transmission price control, covering the period 2026-31. Ofgem’s current consultation on the framework for the next electricity distribution price control (starting in 2028) identifies the need for significant investment ahead of need, strategic planning, and regulatory changes to prepare the GB distribution networks for net zero.
What steps is he taking to increase battery storage capacity in the (a) distribution and (b) transmission grid.
Batteries have a vital role to play in the energy sector, as set out in the National Energy System Operator’s recent advice on achieving clean power by 2030. The Government is working closely with the National Energy System Operator, Ofgem and industry to facilitate the deployment of battery storage. The Clean Power 2030 Action Plan will provide details on the steps we are taking to increase battery storage capacity connected to the distribution and transmission networks.
What discussions he has had with relevant stakeholders on rewiring existing (a) distribution and (b) transmission grid infrastructure.
The reinforcement of our electricity network is critical to deliver clean, secure power to homes and businesses across the country. This reinforcement includes both new infrastructure, on and offshore, and upgrades to existing lines which are always considered first. Transmission and distribution companies are carrying out significant upgrades to increase the capacity of existing lines on their networks. However, upgrading will not eliminate the need for new lines as it will not be sufficient to provide the necessary network capacity in all areas.