London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Friday, Mar 14, 2025

UK Energy Minister Dismisses Blackout Fears as 'Extremist Scaremongering'

UK Energy Minister Dismisses Blackout Fears as 'Extremist Scaremongering'

Amidst Cold Snap and Gas Supply Concerns, Government Insists Energy Supply Remains Secure
In the wake of concerns about potential energy shortages during a recent cold snap, UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks has vehemently denied claims that the country was on the brink of blackouts.

Accusations of 'extremist scaremongering' were directed at Conservative MPs, who have suggested that the nation was closer than ever in 15 years to such an energy crisis.

This assertion comes amidst troubling reports from Centrica, an energy giant, warning that UK gas supplies had reached 'concerningly low' levels, with less than a week’s supply available.

Addressing an urgent question in the House of Commons, Mr. Shanks emphasized that energy security remains a top priority for the government, and reassured that the UK's energy system has resiliently managed the increased demand caused by the cold weather.

He highlighted that the UK benefits from a diverse and reliable energy system, with the capacity to meet energy needs through a combination of resources, including the UK continental shelf and imports from Norway.

While gas inventory levels have indeed been pressured by the cold weather and the cessation of Russian gas supplies via Ukraine, Shanks maintains that the UK's energy supply remains secure, able to function as intended without risking power outages.

He noted the strategic use of gas storage to alleviate demand peaks during winter, which was evident during the recent cold spell.

The verbal clash in the Commons was marked by Conservative shadow energy minister Andrew Bowie's criticisms, who accused the government of risking energy security by rapidly advancing toward a renewable energy system.

Bowie claimed that last week's gas storage levels were significantly lower compared to the previous year and warned that reliance on renewable sources could leave the UK susceptible to shortages when weather conditions hinder production.

Mr. Shanks refuted these claims, branding them as misinformation, and cited statements from the National Energy System Operator which confirmed that there were no moments when electricity supplies fell short of demand.

He argued that the government's strategy ensures energy supply diversity, minimising dependency on imports.

The discourse in the Commons also saw contributions from Conservative MP Sir Bernard Jenkin, who critiqued the government's response to a narrowly avoided energy shortfall during peak hours, and queried the minister's commitment to resign should blackouts occur.

Meanwhile, Lord Hunt of Kings Heath, a fellow energy security minister, supported Shanks' stance in the House of Lords, dismissing the notion of an energy crisis and criticizing Centrica for allegedly leveraging the situation for governmental concessions.

As temperatures plummet and energy debates heat up, the government's assurances aim to quell public concern while highlighting the broader initiatives aimed at securing Britain's energy future.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Meta Set to Introduce Community Notes Feature in March as Part of New Content Moderation Approach
Trump Family in Discussions for Investment in Binance
UK Prime Minister Suggests Significant Changes to the Governance of the National Health Service.
France Takes Strong Stance Against Potential US Tariffs on Alcoholic Drinks
Donatella Versace to Resign as Creative Director Following Almost 30 Years.
Trump's Ambassador Nominee Confirmed Canada’s Autonomy in the Face of Trade Strains
Netanyahu Rejects UN Conclusions on Gaza as 'Untrue'
Trump Speaks on the Possibility of a Ukraine Ceasefire Amid Continued Tensions
Trump Reaffirms Interest in Greenland Acquisition Amid Geopolitical Issues
French Prime Minister Bayrou Declares Position Against US Tariff Menaces
These are currently increasing in the UK.
Trump's Encounter with the Irish Prime Minister Takes an Unforeseen Twist Regarding Fashion and Economic Matters.
Isabel, a Russian native, wed Zahid Ali Khan, describing it as "love at first sight." She adores him for his character, not his $740 million fortune.
Chair Refers to Transgender Representative as 'Mr. McBride' During Congressional Meeting
The ICC's Revenge on Behalf of Drug Dealers, Against Philippine President Duterte, Who Fought Them and Saved 100 Million Filipinos from the Drugs-Death Industry—ignoring the fact that every victory comes at a cost
Canada Expresses Concerns Regarding U.S. Trade Policies Before G7 Meeting
FBI Alerts of Increasing Smishing Scams Aiming at Mobile Users
World Bank Officials Facing Examination for Travel-Related Carbon Emissions
EU and Canada Declare Countermeasures in Response to U.S. Steel and Aluminum Tariffs
Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren: An In-Depth Exploration of Their Marital Struggles and Current Co-Parenting Efforts
Ex-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Detained in Manila Under ICC Warrant
Mark Carney Chosen as Head of Canada's Liberal Party, Poised to Assume Role of Prime Minister
Russia Kicks Out British Diplomats in Escalated Tensions
Significant Rescue Effort in Progress Following Collision Between Tanker and Cargo Ship in the North Sea
Pope Francis Exhibits Signs of Recovery, Yet Remains Hospitalized
Report of Radioactive Coolant Leak at Europe’s Largest Nuclear Reactor
Trump Administration Launches Self-Deportation App for Undocumented Immigrants
Syria Wraps Up Military Campaign Amid Extensive Violence and Large-Scale Executions
Trump Remarks on the Arrest of a Pro-Palestinian Student at Columbia University
Former Labour MP Mike Amesbury to Resign Following Assault Conviction
Chancellor Rachel Reeves Prepares for Spring Statement Amid Economic Challenges
Home Secretary Denies Public Inquiry into Sir David Amess's Murder
UK Energy Bills to Increase by 80 Pence to Support Discounts for Households Near Pylons
Russian Teacher Under Investigation After Explicit Content Incident in Classroom
Poland Plans Comprehensive Military Training for All Adult Males Amid Enhanced Defense Initiatives
Lithuania Withdraws from Cluster Munitions Convention Amid Security Concerns
Escalating Vandalism Targets Tesla Amid Political Controversies
Former Security Adviser Cautions That UK Troop Presence in Ukraine May Last for Years
Demonstrations Break Out as Individual Ascends Big Ben Carrying Palestinian Flag
Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe Suspended Amid Allegations of Violence and Bullying
Private spacecraft Athena has successfully landed close to the Moon's south pole.
Trump Administration Unveils Gold Card Visa Program Exempting Foreign Assets from U.S. Taxation
Trump Holds White House Summit for Cryptocurrency Leaders Amid Financial Scandals
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Highlights the Importance of the US in Attaining Peace
Trump Discovers Negotiating with Russia More Manageable than with Ukraine During Ongoing Conflict
Google Eliminates Women's History Month and Various Cultural Celebrations from Calendar App
Pope Francis Offers Thanks Despite Continuing Health Issues
King Charles III Reveals Curated Playlist on Apple Music in Anticipation of Commonwealth Day.
Disney's Biggest Cruise Ship Set to Debut in Singapore
Pamela Bach-Hasselhoff, the former 'Baywatch' star, tragically took her own life at the age of 62.
×