Question
I welcome the Government’s announcement in last week’s Budget of the intention to expand the scope of the CBAM to include refinery products. That is critical to preventing carbon leakage by ensuring that British refineries are on a level playing field when compared with imported refined products. It will protect thousands of jobs in Pembrokeshire and strengthen our energy national security. Will the Minister set out a clear timetable for implementation? What assurances will he provide on protecting the competitiveness of the export sector for refineries in this country?
Answer
My hon. Friend has been a strong representative of the workers at the Pembroke refinery. He has been campaigning on this issue for a long time and I thank him for his continued engagement. His constituents should know that he definitely has their back. The Government have launched a consultation and are seeking views from a range of stakeholders on the practical, technical and economic considerations of any potential expansion. This is, as my hon. Friend will know, a complex area and it is important that we take the time to get the detail right.38% vibes
Verdict: RED (20/100)
The reply mentions a consultation on extending the mechanism and says the Government is taking time to get the detail right, but it gives no timetable, date, or implementation window, so the timing part of the question is only partly answered and in hedged terms. It does not address the question about protecting the competitiveness of refinery exports; the only related content is a passing reference to 'economic considerations' within the consultation, which is not an assurance. The person who asked would most likely need to follow up for specific dates and a clear commitment on exports.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is the timetable for implementing the extension of the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) to refinery products? | Partially Addressed | Hedged | The reply names the consultation on extending the mechanism and says the Government is taking time to get the detail right, but gives no timetable, date, or implementation window, so the core of the question goes unanswered. |
| What assurances can the Government give on protecting the competitiveness of the refinery export sector? | Not Addressed | Generic | The only nearby content is the consultation's mention of 'economic considerations' and the MP-praise statements, which do not give any assurance or commitment about protecting the competitiveness of refinery exports. |