I am very pleased to be part of the greenest government in British history. Last week we announced that we will end our reliance on coal for electricity by October 2024 – one year ahead of our target – helping us drive down emissions as we build Britain back greener. As we emerge from the pandemic and work towards our world-leading net-zero targets – we are determined to end our reliance on carbon-intensive fossil fuels like coal that harm our planet for good. That is why we will phase out coal for electricity generation by October 2024, building on the progress we have already made with coal accounting for only 1.8 per cent of our electricity mix – compared to 40 per cent almost a decade ago. By ending our reliance on coal power, we can drive a green industrial revolution that will help us create green jobs and deliver a net-zero future powered by renewables.
We have also announced our plans for a new UK wide subsidy control system so we can better support businesses across our Union to grow and thrive as we continue to embrace our destiny outside the EU. In embracing the opportunities of being an independent sovereign nation, we will use our freedoms to give viable businesses across the UK access to the financial support they need – without facing burdensome red tape. That is why we are introducing a new UK wide subsidy control system - replacing the old, bureaucratic EU State Aid regime - that will give our public bodies and the devolved administrations the power to financially support businesses through loans, grants and guarantees quickly and effectively; and in strengthening our Union, we will prevent companies from playing the regions and nations against each other for taxpayer subsidy. By maintaining our competitive, free-market economy that has been central to our economic success and national prosperity for decades, we will boost jobs and businesses across the United Kingdom - without returning to the failed 1970s approach of the government ‘picking winners’ or bailing out unsustainable companies.
The successful EU Settlement Scheme closed for applications at the end of last month. During the past couple of years, my team and I have helped a number of constituents secure their status. It was very important for me that after Brexit our European friends, family, colleagues and neighbours living and working in the UK to stay and were awarded the status they deserve. Since we launched our EU Settlement Scheme in 2019, over 5.6 million applications have been received to secure EU citizens’ rights. The success of our scheme demonstrates our continued commitment to safeguard the position of our friends and neighbours.
Please take a look at my website, www.scottmann.org.uk and my social media pages Facebook/TheRightMANNforNorthCornwall and @ScottMann4NC for the latest information and updates on my work as your MP.
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