The House of Lords will today debate the report on shale gas and oil which was published by the Economic Affairs Committee in May.
The Committee said in its report that shale gas could play a key role in meeting the UK’s energy needs in the medium term and called on the government to simplify the complex regulatory regime to enable the development of a safe and productive extraction industry.
The report stated that shale gas and oil had the potential to make a significant contribution to the UK economy as well as enhancing energy resilience in a manner compatible with the UK’s commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A number of notable speakers are due to contribute to the debate which will be opened by the former Chairman of the Economic Affairs Committee Lord MacGregor of Pulham Market. Energy Minister Baroness Verma will respond for the government. Members due to speak include:
- Lord Lawson of Blaby, former Chancellor of the Exchequer and noted commentator on energy and climate change.
- Lord Hollick, current chair of the Lords Economic Affairs Committee.
- Viscount Ridley, a critic of the government’s policies on climate change and renewable energy.
- Baroness Worthington, the opposition House of Lords spokesman on Energy and Climate Change.
- Lord Giddens, Director of the Centre for Social Research and former Director of the London School of Economics and member of the Lords EU Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries, Environment and Energy.
- Baroness Blackstone, a member of the Economic Affairs Committee and former Chair of the IPPR.
- Lord Shipley, current member of the Economic Affairs Committee and Vice President of the Local Government Association.
- Lord Smith of Clifton, current member of the Economic Affairs Committee and former Chairman of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
The debate on the report will be held in the Chamber of the House of Lords is expected to start after 4pm. The debate can be followed live at www.parliamentlive.tv
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