Facts

In 2017 the government closed a natural gas storage facility in East Yorkshire - a decision opponents say "decimated" the UK's stocks.

In the time that the Conservative party has been in power, there have been no new nuclear power stations completed. 

In 2015 the Treasury scrapped plans to make new homes carbon neutral from 2016. 

There is a “virtual ban” on wind farms in England. 

The UK business department found 5 years ago that if there was a cut-off of Russian gas the UK could see “significant unmet demand” (energy shortages). 

The British energy security strategy was introduced in April 2022.

Verdict

The government does not enjoy an excellent record in energy security, as this winter’s looming fuel shortages show. 

According to the Ministerial Code,  “It is of paramount importance that Ministers give accurate and truthful information to Parliament, correcting any inadvertent error at the earliest opportunity.  Ministers who knowingly mislead Parliament will be expected to offer their resignation to the Prime Minister.” Greg Hands was misleading Parliament. He has not corrected his false statement, despite being given an opportunity to do so, meaning that his remark is in breach of the Ministerial Code.

We emailed Greg Hands’ office offering him the chance to respond. The email was received, but no reply.