Government responds to Brexit energy and climate change report

• Read Government response: Leaving the EU: negotiation priorities for energy and climate change policy (HTML)
• Read Government response: Leaving the EU: negotiation priorities for energy and climate change policy (PDF)
• Read the full report: Leaving the EU: negotiation priorities for energy and climate change policy

The Committee's original report covered a range of issues relating to the UK's future energy and climate change policy as the UK leaves the European Union, including Euratom, the European Internal Energy Market, the EU Emissions Trading System, and energy efficiency and consumer protection.

'Greater clarity on energy and climate change policy needed'

Rachel Reeves MP, Chair of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee, said:

"The previous Committee report highlighted a number of areas on energy and climate change policy which the Government should address as we leave the European Union. 

Their response does include some encouraging signs, such as a commitment to working to ensure the continuation of a Single Energy Market for Northern Ireland and Ireland, but the Government needs to provide far greater clarity on energy and climate change policy to ensure that industry can plan for the future.
 
There is precious little from the Government on two vital areas for our energy and climate change future - the EU Internal Energy Market (IEM) and the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS).

The response has scant detail on the UK's future relationship with the EU IEM or how we may participate in the EU ETS. 
 
This response, and the words we heard from the Minister last week as part of our Brexit and nuclear inquiry, suggest a welcome commitment to seeking as close a relationship as possible with Euratom.

However, as a Committee we will want to continue to press the Government to ensure they are doing all they can to get a deal which ensures our nuclear regulations, safeguards, and research facilities are protected."

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

Image: iStockphoto