Prime minister Rishi Sunak has created four new departments, including one focused on energy and net zero.
The Government announced today the changes to ensure 'the right skills and teams are focused on the Prime Minister’s five promises: to halve inflation, grow the economy, reduce debt, cut waiting lists and stop the boats'.
The prime minister effectively split the Department of Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) into three, with a new emphasis on securing the low-carbon mixed portfolio of energy generation the UK needs.
Whitehall changes
- A new Department for Energy Security and Net Zero under Grant Shapps has been tasked with securing our long-term energy supply, bringing down bills and halving inflation
- A dedicated Department for Science, Innovation and Technology led by Michelle Donelan will drive the innovation that will deliver improved public services, create new and better-paid jobs and grow the economy
- A combined Department for Business and Trade with Kemi Badenoch as secretary of state will support growth by backing British businesses at home and abroad, promoting investment and championing free trade
- A 're-focused' Department for Culture, Media and Sport under former transport minister Lucy Frazer will 'recognise the importance of these industries to our economy and build on the UK’s position as a global leader in the creative arts'.
Director of operations for the Civil Engineering Contractors Association, Marie-Claude Hemming, said in response: 'The Prime Minister’s creation of a dedicated department for energy will, if accompanied by sufficient levels of investment, drive the UK’s mission to deliver a clean energy future.
'This reorganisation in no way reflects on the work of BEIS, which has led a truly world-leading response to the generational challenge of COVID-19 in recent years.
'Instead, it offers the opportunity to turbo-charge the UK’s dash for green growth in light of the changing face of the energy sector, not least due to recent spikes in energy costs caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
'We look forward to working with the new Department and our members to deliver the infrastructure to power the UK’s secure energy future, creating jobs, driving economic growth, and rising to the Net Zero challenge.'
