Every parliamentary written question tabled by Stephen Flynn this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 1–20 of 20 · this parliament
Pursuant to the Answer of 3 December 2025 to Question 94407 on Electric Vehicles: Charging Points, for what policy reason cross-pavement solutions were selected.
Government supports the roll-out of cross-pavement solutions to ensure more drivers without off-street parking can benefit from cheaper and more convenient domestic electric vehicle charging, which concurrently reduces the risk of trailing cables on the public highway.
Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to ensure that multi-dwelling units can be accessed for the purpose of broadband installation in Scotland under schedule 3A of the Communications Act 2003.
The consultation on legislative proposals to address broadband rollout in leasehold flats has been published on 15th December and closes on 16th February 2026. The proposals are based on leasehold law applicable in England and Wales. Whilst the consultation does not extend to Scotland, we continue to engage with the Devolved Nations on issues relating to the deployment of digital infrastructure, including deployments to blocks of flats.Schedule 3A of the Communications Act 2003 (the Electronic Communications Code) provides operators rights to install, maintain and upgrade electronic communications apparatus to properties and applies across the UK. Part 4A of the code contains specific measures to address access issues in multi-dwelling units, including blocks of flats, when a landlord is repeatedly unresponsive.
Innovation and Technology, with reference to Written Statement of 21 July 2025 entitled Boosting growth by removing barriers to digital infrastructure deployment, HCWS867, whether he has had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology on extending the consultation on accessing blocks of flats to Scotland.
The consultation on legislative proposals to address broadband rollout in leasehold flats has been published on 15th December and closes on 16th February 2026. The proposals are based on leasehold law applicable in England and Wales. Whilst the consultation does not extend to Scotland, we continue to engage with the Devolved Nations on issues relating to the deployment of digital infrastructure, including deployments to blocks of flats.Schedule 3A of the Communications Act 2003 (the Electronic Communications Code) provides operators rights to install, maintain and upgrade electronic communications apparatus to properties and applies across the UK. Part 4A of the code contains specific measures to address access issues in multi-dwelling units, including blocks of flats, when a landlord is repeatedly unresponsive.
With reference to Written Statement HCWS867, whether the devolution settlement would prevent the Scottish Government from taking any of the same actions in Scotland.
We are working closely with the Devolved Governments on a range of issues related to the deployment of digital infrastructure. This includes improving access and collaborating to deliver Project Gigabit - the UK Government’s nationwide programme to deliver gigabit-capable broadband to UK premises that are not included in suppliers' commercial plans. In addition, the UK Government is supporting the Scottish Government’s Reaching 100% programme, which aims to ensure homes and businesses across Scotland have access to faster broadband.
Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the requirement to amend the Electronic Communications Code (2017), a reserved matter, to enable access to multi-dwelling units (MDUs) for broadband installation in Scotland; and what assessment she has made of the potential impact of not including Scotland in the scope of any forthcoming consultation on the rollout of this digital infrastructure in Scotland compared to England and Wales.
We recognise the importance of gigabit-capable broadband connectivity for residents of multi-dwelling units (MDUs) across the UK. We continue to engage with the Scottish Government to understand if any measures are required to aid deployment in these property types in Scotland.
Pursuant to the Answer of 27 October 2025 to Question 83372 on Electric Vehicles: Charging Points, if she will publish the evidential basis behind the conclusion that the electric vehicle pavement channels grant is not a subsidy.
We have assessed the grant under the Subsidy Control Act 2022 and determined that it is not a subsidy. A subsidy is financial assistance that conforms with the four tests set out in paragraphs (a) to (d) of section 2(1) of the Subsidy Control Act 2022. In this case, funding will be issued to local authorities who will pay for the installation of cross-pavement solutions at the appropriate market rate for this service. Payments for such installations will not ‘confer an economic advantage on one or more enterprises’ as set out in section 2(1)(b) of the Act, because installers will be paid at the market rate for such services. To the extent that residents who receive pavement channels are the indirect beneficiaries of the fund, they are not ‘Enterprises’ according to the Act.
Innovation and Technology, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of holding a consultation on reforming the Electronic Communications Code 2017 to help increase the way it reflects Scotland’s freehold property structure in multi-dwelling units.
There are no plans to consult on reforms to the Electronic Communications Code. As set out in the Written Ministerial Statement on 21 July we will consult on policy measures later in the autumn to create a new right for leaseholders in England and Wales to request a gigabit broadband connection and a duty for freeholders to not unreasonably refuse the request. We are working closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) on the policy proposals and we will seek to legislate for these measures when parliamentary time allows.We are engaging with the Devolved Nations on a range of issues relating to the deployment of digital infrastructure, including issues relating to access.
If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of including fish processing in the Energy Intensive Industries scheme.
While fish processing is not an eligible sector under the British Industry Supercharger or Energy Intensive Industries (EIIs) Compensation Scheme, the Government will undertake a review of eligibility criteria in 2026. We would welcome views from a wide range of stakeholders, and the Government would encourage businesses in the fish processing sector to engage with this consultation when the opportunity arises. The Government wants to ensure our support is proportionate, effective and targeted to the most impacted EIIs to aid the net-zero transition.
What interim support is available to energy intensive industries not covered by the Energy Intensive Industries scheme before the next review of that scheme.
The Government recognises that Energy Intensive Industries (EIIs) are facing uncompetitively high energy costs. While some sectors are not currently eligible for EII schemes support, we would welcome all views from impacted EIIs when the Government consults on the future eligibility criteria of these schemes in 2026. The Government wants to ensure that we are supporting as many impacted sectors as possible during the UK’s transition to a net-zero economy, while mitigating carbon leakage and protecting British jobs.
Why (a) fish processing was excluded and (b) poultry processing was included in the Energy Intensive Industries scheme.
The eligibility criteria for both the Energy Intensive Industries (EIIs) Compensation Scheme and British Industry Supercharger are based on electricity usage and trade intensity levels. Some EIIs therefore do not meet the thresholds necessary to qualify for support under either scheme. The Government will review the eligibility criteria for both schemes in 2026 to ensure our support for EIIs is effective, proportionate and targeted. We would encourage views from a wide range of stakeholders during consultations.
Innovation and Technology, whether she has made an assessment with her counterpart in the Scottish government on the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to allow broadband providers to access communal areas in multi dwelling units with majority owner consent.
As set out in the Written Ministerial Statement on 21 July we will consult on policy measures later in the autumn to create a new right for leaseholders in England and Wales to request a gigabit broadband connection and a duty for freeholders to not unreasonably refuse the request. We are working closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) on the policy proposals and we will seek to legislate for these measures when parliamentary time allows.Scottish Tenements are a devolved matter and governed by Scotland. We're engaging with the Devolved Nations on a range of issues relating to the deployment of digital infrastructure, including issues relating to access.Multiple Dwelling Units (MDUs) that remain not covered by commercial plans will be in scope for support for full fibre rollout through Project Gigabit.
How much and what proportion of the £25 million funding for Youth Hubs will be allocated to Scotland; and what estimate he has made of the number of youth hubs that will be supported.
We are expanding our network of Youth Hubs to over 200 within the next three years, including in Scotland, to provide more accessible and joined-up employment support for young people. This investment ensures that young claimants, particularly those on Universal Credit, can access tailored employment and skills services in their local communities. While employment and skills support remain central to the Youth Hubs offer, the expansion will also ensure a core minimum blueprint across all locations. This will connect young people to a wider range of services such as health, housing, and wellbeing support, based on local needs and partnerships.This expansion will build on the strong foundations of existing Youth Hubs operating in Scotland, which will continue to evolve and align with the Youth Hub blueprint, ensuring young people benefit from high-quality, locally tailored services
Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to ensure tenants in (a) flats and (b) tenements in Scotland are included in the full fibre rollout; and whether she plans to publish a consultation on bringing forward legislative proposals to update access rules for full fibre.
As set out in the Written Ministerial Statement on 21 July we will consult on policy measures later in the autumn to create a new right for leaseholders in England and Wales to request a gigabit broadband connection and a duty for freeholders to not unreasonably refuse the request. We are working closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) on the policy proposals and we will seek to legislate for these measures when parliamentary time allows.Scottish Tenements are a devolved matter and governed by Scotland. We're engaging with the Devolved Nations on a range of issues relating to the deployment of digital infrastructure, including issues relating to access.Multiple Dwelling Units (MDUs) that remain not covered by commercial plans will be in scope for support for full fibre rollout through Project Gigabit.
If she will launch a consultation on the electric vehicle pavement channels grant; and whether that grant will be treated as a subsidy.
A range of stakeholders were engaged during the policy development of the Electric Vehicle Pavement Channels grant, including local government, cross-pavement solution providers, chargepoint operators and disability groups. No further consultation on the grant is planned.We have assessed the grant under the Subsidy Control Act 2022 and determined that it is not a subsidy.
Whether he plans to grant energy network operators dedicated radio spectrum access required for (a) enhanced visibility and (b) control of the energy system.
Ofcom is responsible for the management of spectrum in the UK, including allocating spectrum. The government is considering how it can support the development of telecommunications infrastructure for a decarbonised energy system. As part of this, my officials are in regular discussion with counterparts in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and with Ofcom on potential spectrum requirements.
What assessment he has made of the potential merits of hydrogen blending in the transmission network.
The Government remains committed to assessing the case for hydrogen blending. In December 2024 we set out an intention to consult on transmission-level blending within Great Britain in early 2025, to gather evidence to help inform a strategic policy decision on whether to support transmission blending.
Whether a proportion of the Government's £1.8 billion planned investment in port infrastructure will be allocated to the deployment of shore power schemes in Scottish ports.
This government has announced the creation of a £7.3bn National Wealth Fund, for which investment in ports and supply chains has been identified as a priority. HM Treasury and the UK Infrastructure Bank are leading on the setting up of the NWF and agreeing details of its operation such as funding criteria, process, and allocation. The Fund is intended to be UK wide. Key missions for the UK government and this Department are kickstarting economic growth, creating opportunity for all, and driving forward the UK’s green energy transition.
What steps her Department is taking to help ensure that its proposed £1.8 billion funding for port infrastructure will lead to (a) economic growth and (b) job creation.
This government has announced the creation of a £7.3bn National Wealth Fund, for which investment in ports and supply chains has been identified as a priority. HM Treasury and the UK Infrastructure Bank are leading on the setting up of the NWF and agreeing details of its operation such as funding criteria, process, and allocation. The Fund is intended to be UK wide. Key missions for the UK government and this Department are kickstarting economic growth, creating opportunity for all, and driving forward the UK’s green energy transition.
What discussions she plans to hold with Scottish port operators on the proportion of the planned £1.8 billion funding for port infrastructure that will be provided to Scottish ports to support energy transition.
This government has announced the creation of a £7.3bn National Wealth Fund, for which investment in ports and supply chains has been identified as a priority. HM Treasury and the UK Infrastructure Bank are leading on the setting up of the NWF and agreeing details of its operation such as funding criteria, process, and allocation. The Fund is intended to be UK wide. Key missions for the UK government and this Department are kickstarting economic growth, creating opportunity for all, and driving forward the UK’s green energy transition.
How many times he has met the workforce at Grangemouth oil refinery since his appointment.
It was deeply disappointing that Petroineos confirmed its previous decision to close the oil refining operation at Grangemouth. Since taking office, the Secretary of State and I have taken joint action with the Scottish Government to urgently engage with the company and its shareholders, and to engage with unions to discuss the needs of the workforce. In response to the company’s decision, the UK and Scottish Governments announced a joint £100 million investment package for Falkirk and Grangemouth; immediate career support to help the workforce; and a joint-funded £1.5 million project to find viable long-term options for the site, with potential for future support from the National Wealth Fund. Details of Ministers’ meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.