An energy crisis, a climate crisis, and a cost of living crisis.

These are challenges that will overwhelm our country and economy if we do not take control. All the talk about climate change and net zero too often involves punishing the public with new levies, charges and taxes.

The ULEZ by-election in Uxbridge demonstrated that the public are fed up of being punished, for issues and problems they did not cause. If so called ‘green’ policies are going to continue to punish the poorest, ramping up costs for those who cannot afford the latest electric vehicle, we will fail in the challenge to decarbonising our economy.

I have recently spoken out against a Solar Farm in my constituency. This is the latest example of green policies being imposed upon the public against their wishes. I support the installation of more renewables and expanding solar power generation. From the site, you can look over Murton, and see hundreds of homes with empty roof space. Why are we building over green spaces, against the wishes of the community, instead of offering people the opportunity to benefit from solar energy, lowering their bills, reducing their dependency on grid energy, and allowing any excess power generation to go back into the national grid. Instead of creating new and innovative policies to benefit the public, private companies, with the support of the government and public bodies like the Planning Inspectorate, impose development on our communities. This is abusive and anti-democratic, and understandably turns people against green policies.

A real green agenda would empower and benefit communities, rather than destroying our landscape and running up profits for private companies like Aura Power. A socially responsible company would listen to the views of the community, and a democratic government would not overturn the decisions of elected councillors representing our community.

I want to deliver green energy policy that empowers our communities, strengthens our economy, and gives the public control over the services and utilities we all depend upon. I, therefore, welcome the new analysis by the TUC that makes a compelling case for the power of public ownership of energy.

The TUC ground-breaking analysis demonstrates that for every pound invested by a publicly owned energy company, it would return a yield a return of £3 to the taxpayer. This could generate a mammoth £140bn for the economy by 2040. These profits, rather than being siphoned off in excessive corporate pay-outs and shareholder dividends, can be reinvested, in the infrastructure required to meet our net zero ambitions and to lower consumer bills.

Through empowering people through democratic and public ownership we are not only enhancing economic prosperity but also ensuring that the benefits are shared among us all.

The energy crisis has exposed the public to rising bills, despite the government paying £69 billion through an energy support scheme that propped up energy company profits and super charged inflation. While we felt the weight of rising costs, with British households seeing a staggering 54% increase in energy expenses over the past year, across the channel in France, that increase was a mere 4%. The difference? Public ownership. The French government wisely instructed publicly-owned EDF to prioritise fair pricing over excessive profits. This isn’t just a French success story; it’s a blueprint for a future where our energy bills become more manageable and predictable.

Looking around the world, we find shining examples of countries that have harnessed the power of public ownership. Take Norway, for instance. Through strategic investments in the publicly-owned Statoil and involvement in other oil projects, the Norwegian government has reaped a staggering $392 billion from North Sea oil in just 40 years. In contrast, the UK privatised our oil fields, prioritising corporate profits over the public interest.

It’s a stark reminder that we, too, have the potential to seize control of our energy destiny and bolster our national prosperity, if we choose to do so.

The recent Russian invasion of Ukraine has underscored the vulnerability of relying on energy resources from authoritarian regimes. As a resilient island nation in the North Atlantic, the UK is perfectly poised to become an energy powerhouse, driving not only our own self-sufficiency but also playing a pivotal role on the global stage. It’s time for us to regain control, harness our geological advantages, and lead the charge toward a more sustainable future.

Brexit was delivered on a promise to take back control and forge a new Global Britain. One way we can deliver on that promise is by embracing the potential of a publicly-owned energy sector. By tapping into our immense skills and expertise, we can become a net zero energy-generating superpower, setting an example for the world and securing our energy independence.

The recent energy crisis has revealed the pitfalls of leaving vital services and infrastructure in the hands of profit-driven entities. We must reclaim our economy and public services, ensuring that the benefits of our collective efforts are reinvested in cutting-edge technology, infrastructure, and the well-being of our citizens.

The TUC’s insightful analysis only strengthens our resolve. Let’s unite in the pursuit of a greener, more equitable future. One which is delivered in the interest of and with the support of our communities, rather than being something imposed upon us by businesses and governments that have abused and abandoned our communities.

Together, we can champion a public energy revolution that sets us on the path to decarbonisation and prosperity.