The most prominent topic across government and ministerial posts was the announcement of a record-breaking offshore wind renewables auction.
The post with the highest engagement was from Ed Miliband, announcing that the auction secured a record-breaking 8.4GW of offshore wind, enough to power the equivalent of over 12 million homes.
Three Major Themes
- Energy Policy: The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero announced a record-breaking offshore wind renewables auction. Ed Miliband stated that this auction secured 8.4GW of offshore wind, describing it as the “largest amount” ever procured in Britain or Europe, and a “significant step towards clean power by 2030.”
- Cultural Initiatives: Bridget Phillipson announced that the government has joined forces with the National Literacy Trust to launch the National Year of Reading. Separately, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport announced that applications to become the first UK Town of Culture are now open, an initiative also highlighted by Lisa Nandy MP, who stated that “UK Town of Culture is a chance to celebrate yours.”
- Transport Infrastructure: The Department for Transport announced it is setting a “new growth plan that will boost living standards across the North,” centered on Northern Powerhouse Rail. Heidi Alexander MP stated that the “Labour government is backing Northern Powerhouse Rail,” which the Department for Transport detailed will “reduce journey times, increase frequency and reliability,” “connect people with better jobs,” and “improve access to new homes.”
Wes Streeting stated his party is “reducing competition for training posts” and “backing homegrown talent.” Separately, David Lammy shared details from his visit to Washington and Toronto last week. Jo Stevens noted that Cardiff is gearing up for a landmark year in 2028, with UEFA EURO 2028 kicking off at Principality Stadium, a new arena opening in the Bay, and major transport and regeneration projects reshaping the city.
Bridget Phillipson announced that the government has joined forces with the National Literacy Trust to launch the National Year of Reading. Later, Yvette Cooper stated she had updated Parliament on the “deeply disturbing situation in Iran,” condemning “the killing of protesters and urg[ing] Iran to respect the fundamental rights of its people.” The Department for Transport announced it is setting a “new growth plan that will boost living standards across the North.” This plan, “at the heart” of which is Northern Powerhouse Rail, “will reduce journey times, increase frequency and reliability, connect people with better jobs, and improve access to new homes.”
Ed Miliband announced that a renewables auction has “secured a record-breaking 8.4GW of offshore wind, enough to power the equivalent of over 12 million homes.” He described this as the “largest amount of offshore wind procured in any auction ever in Britain or indeed Europe.” He added that the “price secured in this auction is 40% lower than the alternative cost of building and operating a new gas plant” and that it is a “significant step towards clean power by 2030.” Ed Miliband further stated, “With these results, we are taking back control of our energy sovereignty.” The Department for Culture, Media and Sport announced that “Applications to become the first UK Town of Culture are now open.” Jo Stevens described the news for Wales’ clean energy industry as a “massive vote of confidence” delivering “well-paid, highly-skilled jobs of the future.” Bridget Phillipson posted about the launch of the National Year of Reading, taking “reading material for the Prime Minister.” The House of Lords listed its agenda, noting that “from 3pm includes: COP climate negotiations, early years education, waste crime, US boarding of sanctioned vessels, [and the] #ChildrensWellbeingBill.” The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero also announced the “record-breaking offshore wind renewables auction,” specifying the price for offshore wind has been agreed at “40% lower than the cost of building and operating a new gas power plant.” Yvette Cooper extended “warmest congratulations to D-Day hero Don Butt on the award of his Légion d’honneur.” The Home Office stated that “Immigration Enforcement raids are at the highest level in British history.” Lisa Nandy MP highlighted that “UK Town of Culture is a chance to celebrate yours.” The Department for Business and Trade reported on “Investments secured. Jobs supported. Three months of impact delivered,” mentioning the Modern Industrial Strategy Quarterly Update. The Cabinet Office announced that Minister @NickTorfaen met with Portuguese minister @idomingues2 to discuss deepening our 🇬🇧 🇵🇹 relationship. Heidi Alexander MP stated that the “Labour government is backing Northern Powerhouse Rail.”
Outlook / Emerging Trends
Bridget Phillipson stated, “we’ll make 2026 the year that Britain rediscovers its love of reading.” Jo Stevens noted that in 2028, “a new arena opens in the Bay, and major transport and regeneration projects will reshape our city.” Ed Miliband stated that the record-breaking offshore wind auction is a “significant step towards clean power by 2030.” The House of Lords announced its schedule for the afternoon, stating that “from 3pm includes: COP climate negotiations, early years education, waste crime, US boarding of sanctioned vessels, [and the] #ChildrensWellbeingBill.”
