Energy UK open letter on closer UK-EU cooperation

The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP
The Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP
The Rt Hon Nick Thomas-Symonds MP

Via email

Dear Prime Minister, Secretary of State and Paymaster General,

Energy sector calls for greater EU alignment to boost growth

Congratulations on the success of the International Energy Security Summit in London last month.

The Government has shown bold leadership on the global stage to ensure the benefits of the energy transition are felt in the UK and beyond. I am writing to highlight the importance of a functioning trading relationship with the EU when it comes to energy and ensuring a successful outcome at the upcoming EU-UK summit on 19th May.

Changes introduced following the UK’s exit from the EU have already created barriers to trade for UK businesses, increasing costs for energy developers, businesses and, ultimately, households. As time goes by, these impacts will only increase.

The North Seas are shared resources, and cooperation with our European neighbours on several matters relating to energy trading remains essential for businesses and citizens in the UK and across the continent. In an era of global economic instability, the UK has an important role in continuing to provide stable leadership on the world stage.

Ahead of the EU-UK summit, Energy UK is calling on the UK Government to work with our European neighbours and:

1. commit to negotiating a link between the UK and EU emissions trading schemes and prevent UK businesses from facing barriers to trade created by the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism;

2. ensure much closer cooperation in the North Seas and neighbouring countries through the North Seas Energy Cooperation (NSEC) on issues such as security of supply and development of clean technologies; and,

3. make progress on delivering more efficient electricity trading arrangements to attract investment in the next generation of cross-border infrastructure and North Sea renewables.

Industry stands ready to do its part and ensure both the UK and EU benefit from closer collaboration on energy. We hope the summit is a success and look forward to working with your departments over the coming months.

Yours sincerely

Dhara Vyas
Chief Executive

CC

• The Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer
• The Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business
• Kerry McCarthy MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary, DESNZ