Speeches by Sullivan.

“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?”

“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?”

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

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

“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?”

“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?”

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

“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…”

“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…”

“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…”

“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…”

“It does, in identifying the very specific group that it is aimed at. My follow-on from that—and you have just touched upon it in the last part you mentioned—is to ask if that is still the correct focus, given the change in the drugs environment. We know that there is not an inhalation room, and that opens up a whole ot…”

“I would like to come back to my earlier point about the impactful use of public funding. It is an important point to remember, because behind every drug-related death is a family that is in mourning, who have been devastated. We need to make sure that our resources are targeted in the right way. Professor Matheson has …”

“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?”

“My main point was where the funding will have the biggest impact. Everybody knows that public services are under the cosh when it comes to finances at the moment. It is about where the impact is likely to be. I am happy with the answer you have given.”

“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 …”

“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 …”

“What engagement has the Minister had with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities council leaders on local power plans? Does he agree that a partnership approach by Government, councils and community organisations, such as the West Lothian Climate Action Network, is key to the success of local power plans?”

“I also thank my hon. Friend the Member for Luton North (Sarah Owen) for her work in raising the serious health inequalities that women across the UK face every single day. Does the Minister agree that we need more expertise in women’s health issues in primary care settings to ensure early diagnosis and that women get t…”

“Kinneil Estate, which is home to a UNESCO world heritage landmark and where James Watt tested his steam engine prototype, attracts thousands of visitors to Bo’ness. Kinneil Museum, which is operated by Falkirk council and supported by the fantastic Friends of Kinneil, provides space to learn about local history dating …”