Read Hitchin MP Bim Afolami's November Nub News column on energy security

Bim Afolami on being an effective Parliamentary voice on energy security 

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine earlier this year, much of public debate has centred around one central issue: energy security, and the consequences for domestic policy when you cannot rely on it, writes Hitchin MP Bim Afolami for Nub News

For too long, we have allowed hostile powers like Russia to hold our energy security in their hands by failing to deliver a clean, homegrown alternative energy supply. 

While for previous Governments, this was mainly an issue seen through a lens of international supply and diplomatic relations, right now it is an issue reflected in the bills of people, businesses, schools, charities and others throughout Hitchin & Harpenden. 

As the issue of energy security ceases to be an abstract one, it is more important than ever that Parliament steps up to deliver solutions for those most in need. As your Member of Parliament, I will work tirelessly to make sure that these solutions work for our community. 

I am proud to serve as Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Renewable and Sustainable Energy, working closely on energy policy with Parliamentarians from across the House, industry, experts and Government Ministers. This work isn't always flashy and headline-grabbing, but it is this work, happening behind closed doors, which has enabled us to begin to build the case in Parliament for a clean, homegrown energy system which can insulate Britain against the kind of international shocks on supply and domestic prices we have seen this year. 

There are important debates to be had. Topics like fracking, solar farms, onshore wind, the role of nuclear energy – these will now dominate policy debates in the coming months and years as we look to find ways to permanently protect Hitchin & Harpenden residents against future increases in the cost of living. 

This week, I joined the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Select Committee – the Parliamentary body which scrutinises in detail the work of the Department. This work is now more important than ever. At the height of the Covid pandemic, I worked closely with the Treasury and BEIS to create a discretionary grant for small businesses. During the difficult winter ahead, I will seek to build on work like this to ensure that appropriate support is available. 

Energy security and the cost of living must now be our priority; inside and outside of Parliament, I will work to protect families and business across Hitchin & Harpenden.