Latest news with #GregorPoynton
Daily Record
5 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Continued support from MP with visit to proposed Selms Muir Project site near Livingston
The MP was briefed on plans for a 20-megawatt green hydrogen electrolyser The proposed site of the Selms Muir Green Hydrogen Project near Livingston was recently visited by constituency MP Gregor Poynton as he continued his support for the landmark clean energy development. Accompanied by representatives from Hygen and European Energy, the joint venture behind the project, the MP was briefed on plans for a 20-megawatt green hydrogen electrolyser co-located with the already consented Selms Muir Solar Farm. The innovative development, shortlisted in the UK Government's Second Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR2), would produce up to six tonnes of low-carbon hydrogen a day and play a key role in decarbonising transport and construction across West Lothian and Central Scotland. Gregor Poynton MP said: 'This is exactly the kind of ambitious, job-creating green infrastructure West Lothian and the Livingston constituency needs. The Selms Muir project has the potential to power our buses and construction sites, drive us towards clean energy by 2030, and create skilled local employment in the process. 'I'm pleased to be backing this project in Westminster and in the constituency and will keep pressing Ministers to ensure hydrogen funding decisions are made on time so that this vital development can move forward.' The project team confirmed that work is progressing with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) on final due diligence, and that discussions with potential offtakers including Lothian Buses, JCB and Wrightbus are already under way. By pairing on-site solar power with hydrogen production, Selms Muir aims to demonstrate how locally generated renewable electricity can support the decarbonisation of sectors that are traditionally hard to electrify. The development could reach Final Investment Decision shortly after a successful HAR2 outcome and be operational within two years. The project also aligns with the UK Government's 10GW hydrogen target and the Scottish Government's net zero commitments. The MP for Livingston has previously written to Minister of State for Industry Sarah Jones MP to advocate for the project, and has committed to further pressing DESNZ on timeline commitments and support for transport-sector hydrogen in the forthcoming UK Hydrogen Strategy refresh. Mark Evans, European Energy Vice-President for UK & Ireland, said: 'We were delighted to welcome Mr Poynton to the Selms Muir site last week, to outline how our proposed 20MW green hydrogen project can complement the consented Selms Muir Solar Farm to drive the decarbonisation of key sectors in West Lothian and Central Scotland. 'Having been shortlisted for HAR2 funding earlier this year, we are now working with DESNZ on the next phase of the process, and we look forward to continued engagement with local people and industries as the project progresses'. Kevin Selleslags, Hygen CEO, added: 'The Selms Muir project is a key part of a long-awaited, nationwide hydrogen supply network and the visit from Gregor recognises the importance both of this scheme and of the role hydrogen will play in our journey to net zero. 'This project is unique in its ambition. It will enable deployment of the UK's first fully zero-carbon municipal bus fleet, while simultaneously enabling the business case for the delivery of a fully-consented renewable energy project.'
Scotsman
5 hours ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Gregor Poynton MP backs green hydrogen investment with visit to Selms Muir project site
Gregor Poynton, MP for the Livingston constituency, visited the proposed site of the Selms Muir Green Hydrogen Project near Livingston to show his continued support for the landmark clean energy development. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Accompanied by representatives from Hygen and European Energy, the joint venture behind the project, Mr Poynton was briefed on plans for a 20-megawatt green hydrogen electrolyser co-located with the already consented Selms Muir Solar Farm. The innovative development, shortlisted in the UK Government's Second Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR2), would produce up to six tonnes of low-carbon hydrogen a day and play a key role in decarbonising transport and construction across West Lothian and Central Scotland. Speaking after the site visit, Mr Poynton said: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Gregor Poynton MP visiting the Selms Muir site in the Livingston constituency 'This is exactly the kind of ambitious, job-creating green infrastructure West Lothian and the Livingston constituency needs. The Selms Muir project has the potential to power our buses and construction sites, drive us towards clean energy by 2030, and create skilled local employment in the process. 'I'm pleased to be backing this project in Westminster and in the constituency and will keep pressing Ministers to ensure hydrogen funding decisions are made on time so that this vital development can move forward.' The project team confirmed that work is progressing with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) on final due diligence, and that discussions with potential offtakers including Lothian Buses, JCB and Wrightbus are already under way. By pairing on-site solar power with hydrogen production, Selms Muir aims to demonstrate how locally generated renewable electricity can support the decarbonisation of sectors that are traditionally hard to electrify. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Selms Muir site has consent for the solar farm and is awaiting confirmation of HAR2 funding for the hydrogen site from the UK Government The development could reach Final Investment Decision shortly after a successful HAR2 outcome and be operational within two years. The project also aligns with the UK Government's 10GW hydrogen target and the Scottish Government's net zero commitments. Mark Evans, European Energy Vice-President for UK & Ireland, said: 'We were delighted to welcome Mr Poynton to the Selms Muir site last week, to outline how our proposed 20MW green hydrogen project can complement the consented Selms Muir Solar Farm to drive the decarbonisation of key sectors in West Lothian and Central Scotland. 'Having been shortlisted for HAR2 funding earlier this year, we are now working with DESNZ on the next phase of the process, and we look forward to continued engagement with local people and industries as the project progresses'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Gregor Poynton MP met with representatives from Hygen and European Energy who are jointly working on the project. Kevin Selleslags, Hygen CEO, said it was good to get support from Gregor Poynton MP. 'The Selms Muir project is a key part of a long-awaited, nationwide hydrogen supply network and the visit from Gregor recognises the importance both of this scheme and of the role hydrogen will play in our journey to net zero,' he said. 'This project is unique in its ambition. It will enable deployment of the UK's first fully zero-carbon municipal bus fleet, while simultaneously enabling the business case for the delivery of a fully-consented renewable energy project.' Mr Poynton has previously written to Minister of State for Industry Sarah Jones MP to advocate for the project, and has committed to further pressing DESNZ on timeline commitments and support for transport-sector hydrogen in the forthcoming UK Hydrogen Strategy refresh.
Scotsman
a day ago
- Politics
- Scotsman
Political opinion: Gregor Poynton MP presses Foreign Secretary on long-term peace efforts in Israel and Palestine
The Livingston constituency MP Gregor Poynton has urged the UK Government to do more to support peacebuilding efforts in the Middle East, during a statement to Parliament by Foreign Secretary David Lammy on the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The intervention came hours after the UK joined more than 20 countries in issuing a joint call for an immediate ceasefire, condemning the scale of civilian suffering and demanding full access for humanitarian aid agencies. Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Poynton said: 'The situation facing Gazans is truly catastrophic and we must secure a ceasefire as soon as possible, with all hostages being freed and unhindered access to aid. Our experience in Northern Ireland shows that to build long-term peace, we need to invest in civil society and peacebuilders. I asked the Foreign Secretary what this UK Government is doing to support the International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In response, Mr Lammy confirmed that the UK Government is supporting NGOs working across communities in both Gaza and the West Bank, and is contributing to efforts that support accountability and civil society peacebuilding, including through the international humanitarian funds. Gregor Poynton MP raised the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza with the UK Government's Foreign Secretary.
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
Livingston MP welcomes change in voting age for Westminster elections
The changes, published today in a new government strategy paper, will bring Westminster elections into line with Holyrood and local elections in Scotland, where 16 and 17-year-olds have had the vote since 2014. Livingston constituency MP Gregor Poynton has welcomed the announcement that 16 and 17-year-olds across the UK will be given the right to vote in UK general elections, as part of sweeping new reforms to modernise British democracy. The changes, published today in a new government strategy paper, will bring Westminster elections into line with Holyrood and local elections in Scotland, where young people have had the vote since 2014. The reforms are being hailed as the most significant democratic update in a generation. Gregor said: 'It's absolutely right that 16 and 17 year olds will now have a voice in UK elections. 'In Scotland, young people have been voting in Holyrood and council elections for over a decade and they've brought energy and ideas to our democracy. Young people already contribute to society by working, paying taxes and serving in the military. 'They've got a stake in the future, so it's only right they should have a say in it.' Sixteen-year-olds were first allowed to vote in Scotland in the 2014 independence referendum. The normal voting age had been reduced from 18 just for the referendum. It had been a long-held policy from the SNP to reduce the voting age for all Scottish elections and was supported by Labour, the Lib Dems and the Greens In 2015, the voting age in Scottish Parliament and council elections was permanently lowered to 16. The bill passed unanimously in the Scottish Parliament. This meant that 16 and 17-year-olds could vote in the 2016 Holyrood election. The lower voting age has stayed in place for all Scottish elections since. The Welsh Assembly then followed suit in 2020 and reduced the voting age to 16 in Wales. The changes are part of a wider Elections Bill, which will also introduce an expansion of accepted forms of voter ID to include UK bank cards and digital ID formats; tougher rules to block foreign interference in UK politics and close loopholes around political donations from 'shell companies' and stronger protections for candidates and campaigners, including action against harassment and abuse. UK Government minister and Rutherglen MP Michael Shanks said: 'This is great to see and absolutely right that 16 and 17 year olds have a chance to take part in our democratic processes. 'They've been able to vote in Scotland for more than a decade and it's only been a positive thing.' SNP Deputy Westminster Leader Pete Wishart added: 'We welcome this long-overdue change to the UK voting age, which comes more than a decade after the SNP lowered the voting age to 16 in Scotland - and follows years of campaigning by SNP MPs, activists and younger people. 'Thousands of 16 and 17-year-olds have voted in Scottish elections since the SNP changed the law in 2015. It is good to see the UK government finally following the SNP government's lead - so that younger people can have their say at the next UK election. 'Polling shows younger people agree with many of the SNP's key policies - including securing real change with Scottish independence, re-joining the EU, eradicating poverty, tackling the climate crisis, opposing Westminster austerity cuts - and helping young people with free tuition and bus travel. 'Regardless of how 16 and 17-year-olds vote at the next UK election - it can only be a good thing that they will finally have their voice heard.'
Scotsman
6 days ago
- Politics
- Scotsman
Broxburn Academy student awarded Westminster internship in memory of Robin Cook
A Broxburn Academy pupil has been selected as the first ever recipient of a prestigious new internship in memory of the late Foreign Secretary and former Livingston MP, Robin Cook. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Lena Zielinska, a senior pupil at Broxburn Academy, was chosen following a highly competitive selection process to take part in the Robin Cook Internship, a paid summer placement established by current Livingston MP Gregor Poynton to mark the 20th anniversary of Cook's passing. The internship, which runs over two weeks this summer, will see Lena gain first-hand experience of the work of an MP both in Westminster and at Gregor Poynton's constituency office in Craigshill. During her time in Parliament, Lena will attend meetings with senior politicians and officials, observe committee work, and support research, casework and campaigning activity. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Lena secured the internship after submitting a written essay on 'Livingston's Place in the World' and attending a formal interview. She was selected from a pool of over a dozen strong applicants from schools across the constituency. Gregor Poynton MP with Broxburn Academy pupil Lena Zielinska who has been awarded the first Robin Cook internship. As well as academic excellence, Lena is a champion debater and has represented Broxburn Academy in the Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament, Scotland's national debating competition for schools. She is also an active member of the school's STEM Committee, helps lead wellbeing and fundraising initiatives, and has volunteered with the NSPCC. She is a Girl Guide, a Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award holder, and a fluent Polish speaker currently studying for Highers in English, History, Modern Studies, RMPS and Maths. Speaking after the announcement, Gregor Poynton MP said: 'Robin Cook was a towering figure in British politics and a hugely respected local MP. This internship honours his commitment to internationalism and public service and Lena reflects all of those values. She's thoughtful, articulate, passionate about her community, and I'm thrilled to have her join the team this summer.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Lena Zielinska added: 'I'm absolutely delighted to have been selected for the Robin Cook Internship. It's a tremendous opportunity for young people like me to learn more about politics and the work of an MP, both here in Livingston and at Westminster. I can't wait to get started and to gain experience that I know will stay with me for years to come.' Unsuccessful applicants were also invited to attend a special Q&A session with Gregor Poynton MP on Friday 11 July at his constituency office in Craigshill, where they had the opportunity to learn more about the workings of Parliament and meet the wider constituency team. The Robin Cook Internship pays the Real Living Wage and is open annually to S5 and S6 pupils across the Livingston constituency. It is expected to run again in summer 2026.
