Rural Related Politics - An RSN weekly review

TUESDAY 6 JANUARY 2026

Oral Questions: Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero

Questions focus on the Government’s approach to delivering a secure, affordable and decarbonised energy system. MPs are expected to probe progress on expanding National Grid capacity and resilience (including impacts on rural areas and power outages), the transition away from fossil fuels, and the balance between new gas-fired generation and renewable alternatives such as solar and geothermal energy.

Questions will also cover action to tackle fuel poverty and reduce household and business energy bills (including Warm Homes Discount and non-commodity costs), support for businesses with energy costs, and the evidence base underpinning climate policy. Wider issues include job creation in the energy and renewables sectors, decarbonising transport, the security implications of imported energy technologies, and the compatibility of major infrastructure decisions such as Heathrow expansion with net zero targets, alongside a challenge to the Government’s commitment to net zero itself.

Westminster Hall Debate: The matter of poverty and Government welfare policies - Neil Duncan-Jordan MP

WEDNESDAY 7 JANUARY 2026

Westminster Hall Debate: Rural Fuel Duty Relief scheme - Ian Roome MP

THURSDAY 8 JANUARY 2026

Oral Questions: Secretary of State for Transport

Questions will centre on the Government’s priorities for improving the affordability, reliability and reach of the transport network. MPs are expected to raise concerns about rail fares and passenger experience, alongside repeated calls for improvements to local rail services in specific constituencies. A significant focus will be on the state of bus services, including progress on long-term funding settlements for local transport authorities, service quality in both urban and rural areas, and the role of buses in supporting local economies and access to essential services.

Wider themes include support for economic growth through transport investment, funding for medium-sized road schemes, and the impact of rising fuel duty on motorists. Questions will also address active travel, transport safety and regulation, such as the illegal use of e-scooters and modified e-bikes, alongside operational issues including civilian search and rescue capability and governance of commuter services, including discussions with Transport for London.

MONDAY 12 JANUARY 2026

Oral Questions: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

(Oral Questions for this event are yet to be published)

Legislation: Finance (No. 2) Bill (Day One)

THURSDAY 8 JANUARY 2026

Oral Questions: Ensuring the safety and security of buses - Baroness Pidgeon

Oral Questions: Progress towards target of building 1.5 million new homes in England within this Parliament - Lord Young of Cookham

Debate: Broadcasting in the United Kingdom - Lord Fowler

TUESDAY 6 JANUARY 2026

Oral Evidence: Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee - Affordability of Home Ownership

Oral Evidence: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee - Reforming the water sector