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In the presence of MPs, peers and other dignitaries in the House of Lords, Queen Elizabeth II today (27 May) set out the government’s legislative plans for the year ahead, marking the official State Opening of Parliament.
The Queen gave just two mentions of energy and the environment in her 10-minute speech, to the disappointment of green groups and sustainability professionals alike.
First, she said “measures will be introduced to increase energy security,” and later she stated that the new Tory Government “will seek effective global collaboration to sustain economic recovery and to combat climate change – including at the climate change conference in Paris later this year.”
Energy Bill
On energy security, the Conservatives have issued a new Energy Bill which aims to “ensure there will be affordable and reliable energy for businesses and families.”
The Energy Bill – just one of a 28-Bill package announced today – proposes to formally establish the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) – an independent regulator “charged with the asset stewardship and regulation of domestic oil and gas recovery”.
The new Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Amber Rudd, would see her existing regulatory powers transfered to this new OGA, but her regulatory functions in relation to the environment would not be transferred.
Renewables
On renewable energy, the Energy Bill also contains a clause handing local authorities “consenting power” for all onshore wind applications.
However, the impact of such a change may be negligible, given that local authorities already have these powers for wind farms below 50MW – there are just two operational wind farms in England with more than 50MW capacity, and the changes are expected to affect only one planning application.
The full Energy Bill document goes on to state that the commitment to end new subsidy for onshore wind farms – as reiterated by Rudd earlier this month – will be delivered separately, and DECC will be announcing measures to deliver this soon.
Climate change
The background notes to the Queen’s speech elaborated: “A global deal is the only way we can deliver the scale of action required.
“The most cost effective and competitive way to achieve this is an international, legally binding, rules based agreement covering every country.”
The Government document argued that a global deal is strongly in the UK’s interest because it will “create new opportunities for our low carbon industries.”
It also claimed that the UK needed to avert the direct threats of climate change – such as floods and heatwaves – as well as the indirect threats such as “rising costs and regional instability”.
The document continued: “There is widespread support from business, NGOs and the wider public both in the UK here and internationally.”
VIDEO: Queen’s Speech 2015
Queen’s Speech: Other key announcements –
– EU referendum: An in/out referendum on Britain’s EU membership willbe held by the end of 2017.
– Devolution: More devolved powers for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and “English votes for English laws” at Westminster.
– Human Rights Act: The Queen announced proposals for a British Bill of Rights to replace the Human Rights Act, with legislation expected following consultation later in the parliament.
– Income tax: Personal allowance is to rise in line with the minimum wage. It means those on 30 hours a week who take him minimum wage will never pay income tax.
Queen’s Speech: Twitter reaction
Energy security…
Queen’s speech refers to energy security. What’s more secure than installing measures to lower demand, or green energy generated in the UK?
— SEA (@SEA_Social) May 27, 2015
“Measures will be introduced to support energy security.” Hmm. Well that generally means two things: build more or use less. #QueensSpeech
— jessica lennard (@JessicaLennard) May 27, 2015
Climate change…
Firm commitment to Climate Change negotiations in UK Queen’s Speech to Parliament> mentioned before defence @UNFCCC @CDP
— Dexter Galvin (@GalvinDex) May 27, 2015
Gov to cooperate on international climate change fight + namecheck of #Paris2015 in #QueensSpeech
— Energydesk (@Energydesk) May 27, 2015
What was missing…
That’s it from the Queen’s speech – nothing on oil, shale gas, onshore wind, etc
— Simon Evans (@DrSimEvans) May 27, 2015
Hey, Liz, where’s the bit about onshore wind?! #QueensSpeech
— Tim Probert (@TimProbert) May 27, 2015
Luke Nicholls & Brad Allen
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