A briefing on North Sea oil and gas in the UK and its impact on energy security, the economy and jobs, and the climate and the environment.

A briefing on North Sea oil and gas in the UK and its impact on energy security, the economy and jobs, and the climate and the environment.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment his Department has made of the total fiscal yield generated by the Energy Profits Levy.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment his Department has made of the total fiscal yield generated by the Energy Profits Levy.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of profits from the Crown Estate in Wales being paid directly into the Welsh Consolidated Fund.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of profits from the Crown Estate in Wales being paid directly into the Welsh Consolidated Fund.

Motion that this House has considered e-petition 762640 relating to a referendum on public ownership of the water sector. Agreed to on question. Sitting adjourned without Question put.

Motion that this House has considered e-petition 762640 relating to a referendum on public ownership of the water sector. Agreed to on question. Sitting adjourned without Question put.

I beg to move,

That this House has considered e-petition 762640 relating to a referendum on public ownership of the water sector.

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mrs Barker. I begin by thanking Ashley Paul Smith, who is sitting in the Public Gallery, for pulling together this petition....

I beg to move,

That this House has considered e-petition 762640 relating to a referendum on public ownership of the water sector.

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mrs Barker. I begin by thanking Ashley Paul Smith, who is sitting in the Public Gallery, for pulling together this petition....

That brilliant documentary was based on an example relating to South West Water and Devon. Many people in my area would like South West Water to become a company for the public benefit and mutualised. Does the hon. Gentleman agree that that would be a good model for South West...

That brilliant documentary was based on an example relating to South West Water and Devon. Many people in my area would like South West Water to become a company for the public benefit and mutualised. Does the hon. Gentleman agree that that would be a good model for South West...

As I run through my speech, the hon. Gentleman will find a theme of strong support for public ownership of the water sector throughout. We absolutely must look at that option.

Ash’s petition calls for

“a binding national referendum on whether the water industry should be returned to public ownership…A referendum would...

As I run through my speech, the hon. Gentleman will find a theme of strong support for public ownership of the water sector throughout. We absolutely must look at that option.

Ash’s petition calls for

“a binding national referendum on whether the water industry should be returned to public ownership…A referendum would...

rose—

rose—

rose—

rose—

Go on.

Go on.

My constituents in Morecambe and Lunesdale are really cross about the level of their water bills, and they get more cross when they see the profits being taken out of the water industry. Does my hon. Friend agree that that anger is fair and justified, and that some change needs...

My constituents in Morecambe and Lunesdale are really cross about the level of their water bills, and they get more cross when they see the profits being taken out of the water industry. Does my hon. Friend agree that that anger is fair and justified, and that some change needs...

I absolutely agree that there is huge frustration out there, which I will refer to later in my speech. I give way to my other hon. Friend.

I absolutely agree that there is huge frustration out there, which I will refer to later in my speech. I give way to my other hon. Friend.

My constituents in Putney are angry about Thames Water. They can see that they are paying more but getting less because of the model that we have. Does my hon. Friend agree that Thames Water needs to go into special administration and that all our water companies need to be...

My constituents in Putney are angry about Thames Water. They can see that they are paying more but getting less because of the model that we have. Does my hon. Friend agree that Thames Water needs to go into special administration and that all our water companies need to be...

I will certainly come to that subject later in my speech. My view is absolutely that there needs to be fundamental change in how we ensure that people have access to affordable, safe and secure water supplies.

I will certainly come to that subject later in my speech. My view is absolutely that there needs to be fundamental change in how we ensure that people have access to affordable, safe and secure water supplies.

I will make a little progress; otherwise, I am not going to get past the next few paragraphs.

In 1989, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher sold off our then publicly owned water and sewerage industry for £5.2 billion, arguing that privatisation would bring desperately needed investment to the sector. She told the...

I will make a little progress; otherwise, I am not going to get past the next few paragraphs.

In 1989, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher sold off our then publicly owned water and sewerage industry for £5.2 billion, arguing that privatisation would bring desperately needed investment to the sector. She told the...

My constituents in Manchester Rusholme have seen a £57 increase this year, yet it is safe to say that there has been very little to show for it. Just last week, United Utilities had to pay a further £900,000 in fines for dumping raw sewage. Does my hon. Friend agree...

My constituents in Manchester Rusholme have seen a £57 increase this year, yet it is safe to say that there has been very little to show for it. Just last week, United Utilities had to pay a further £900,000 in fines for dumping raw sewage. Does my hon. Friend agree...

The short answer is yes—I absolutely agree.

The short answer is yes—I absolutely agree.

Will my hon. Friend give way?

Will my hon. Friend give way?

I will make some progress, and then I will.

The current model is absolutely an economic failure. Private companies have paid out, in 2024 prices, around £83 billion—an average of £2.4 billion a year—as dividends, while loading the companies in debt. Often, those loans were taken out simply to increase the...

I will make some progress, and then I will.

The current model is absolutely an economic failure. Private companies have paid out, in 2024 prices, around £83 billion—an average of £2.4 billion a year—as dividends, while loading the companies in debt. Often, those loans were taken out simply to increase the...