iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 25/09/2026

Street surgery this week was in Bothwell - thanks to everyone who chatted about local issues on their doorstep. Sorry for mentioning the C word in this video btw. 🎄

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 23/09/2026

The next chapter of the UK’s energy story is taking shape, with nowhere better placed to help deliver it than Aberdeen. It was an honour to visit Great British Energy's HQ with His Majesty the King. Watch for more 👇

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 23/09/2026

Just today in Scotland: 📈 Highest child death rate in the UK 📈11% increase in drug deaths Yet the SNP choose to spend more of the Scottish Parliament’s time debating independence. Distracted and out of touch.

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 22/09/2026

Aberdeen has long been at the heart of Britain’s energy story. It was an honour to attend the opening of ETZ Energy Works, the UK’s first low-carbon energy scale-up hub, with His Majesty the King joining us to celebrate the innovators powering Britain’s future.

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 21/09/2026

At the IAEA General Conference, countries from around the world came together to strengthen cooperation on nuclear energy. I was in Vienna to champion the UK’s nuclear sector and work with international partners to deliver greater energy security, technology and skilled jobs.

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 19/09/2026

Huge congratulations to @michaeljmarra.bsky.social - a fantastic win. As Michael said - Scotland has changed, now Scottish Labour has to change with it.

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 18/09/2026

Beat the Street is back in South Lanarkshire - this time in Bothwell and Uddingston! I had great fun walking round some of the route with Bothwell Primary this afternoon. If you live in the area get a card and start collecting those points!

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 11/09/2026

The UK 🇬🇧 and Canada 🇨🇦 are embracing a nuclear renaissance. Great to meet Canadian partners to discuss how we can work together to strengthen supply chains, support new nuclear projects and deliver good jobs and growth.

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 11/09/2026

A sobering reminder from the National Audit Office today that decades of underinvestment in our national grid has left Britain without the critical infrastructure we need. We are taking decisive action to speed up new infrastructure, and get more homegrown power onto the grid.

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 10/09/2026

Earlier this week I welcomed UK and US industry leaders, investors and advanced nuclear organisations to discuss how we can strengthen collaboration on advanced nuclear technologies. The UK is open for business and ready to lead in advanced nuclear development.

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 08/09/2026

Hopefully a wakeup call for the SNP that gimmicks aren't a substitute for actual education policy and constantly lauding Scotland's historic education record doesn't help today's children. I won't hold my breath though. www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politic...

dailyrecord.co.uk

Scots schools 'significantly below' England in reading, writing and science

The "brutal" report found Scottish education "just isn't what it used to be" after 20 years of SNP Government.

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 05/09/2026

Thanks to Fr Stephen and St Mark’s for throwing open their doors for Lanarkshire Doors Open Day today. Always great to see behind the scenes of interesting places in the constituency!

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 04/09/2026

From harnessing the power of the Sun to advanced robotics, the UK Atomic Energy Authority's Culham campus shows what British science can achieve. I’ll be taking what I’ve seen here to the Global Fusion Policy Summit, as we work with international partners to turn that potential into reality.

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 03/09/2026

From Newcastle to Wales, Britain's nuclear revival is here. Rolls-Royce SMR and Siemens are building the supply chain needed to deliver the next generation of nuclear, investing in more than 550 skilled jobs, strengthening our energy security and helping reindustrialise the UK.

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 02/09/2026

Here's an unusual location for a Q&A on long duration energy storage... Thanks to Ian for our conversation at the top of the dam at Cruachan about the importance of storage for getting the full advantage of clean power, bringing down bills and creating jobs (and a bit on Star Wars too...)

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 02/09/2026

This is what good growth in every postcode looks like. The first blade for Hornsea 3 being supplied by Siemens Gamesa’s factory in Hull, helping deliver homegrown clean electricity for millions of homes. The significance goes far beyond the size of the wind farm...

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 02/09/2026

Tories: ah, interesting data. How can we make this worse please?

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 31/08/2026

30 years at the heart of the community - plenty to talk about. 🎙️ It was great to chat with Whitlawburn Community Resource Centre for the latest episode of the A Blether With....Podcast You can listen to the full episode now on Spotify and my website - links below... 👇

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 30/08/2026

In Norway last week I took part in a debate on the energy transition and global climate action. Defeatism will get us nowhere. We underestimate the prize if we get this right - not just climate action but more affordable energy, greater resilience and security and good jobs.

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 28/08/2026

Flags at half mast above Parliament for the passing of King Harald V 🇬🇧 🇳🇴

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 28/08/2026

Parliament is almost back! I’ve had a brilliant summer recess getting all over the constituency, meeting so many people doing incredible work locally. A huge thank you to everyone who works to make our community such a brilliant place to live.

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 27/08/2026

Here's a ray-diculously good solar power stat from today's numbers: more than 19,800 rooftop solar panels were installed in July alone - *equivalent to 1 installation every 2 minutes*! 😎

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 27/08/2026

🇳🇴 🤝🇬🇧 Really good to catch up with Norwegian Energy Minister Terje Aasland while at the ONS conference in Stavanger. Norway is the UK’s closest energy partner and we share a collective view on the long-term energy transition and the need to bolster supply chains in Europe.

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 24/08/2026

A giant battery hidden inside a mountain? ⛰️ Cruachan Power Station shows how long-duration energy storage can store clean, homegrown energy and keep electricity flowing when we need it most. No sunshine or wind required. More of this on the way, soon...

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 23/08/2026

The Telegraph’s reporting today relates to a cyber incident affecting a small-scale energy generator. To be clear: there was no threat to the wider grid and nobody lost power. We have one of the most resilient energy systems in the world. (🧵1/5)

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 21/08/2026

🌞 Today’s approval of Beacon Fen Energy Park unlocks a solar and battery project that could power up to 130,000 homes with clean, homegrown energy.

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 19/08/2026

Have I mentioned Rutherglen is 900 years old this year? 🥳 Tonight we unveiled a tapestry inspired by the return of the Bayeux Tapestry and crafted by local school children depicting the history of our Royal Burgh. It’s a tremendous work of art - well done to all involved!

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 19/08/2026

How did we get here Claire? We learned the lessons from the first fossil fuel spike - you ignored them. Now we’re in a second fossil fuel spike you want to double down on gas. The Tories risked affordability, security and jobs before, now their big plan - do it all again.

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 18/08/2026

Gas will continue to play a key role in our energy system as we transition to clean, homegrown energy. We have published an interim response to our 'Gas System in Transition' consultation. Our aim is to deliver a system that is fit for the future, secure and good value for money for consumers.

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 18/08/2026

The ignorance and arrogance is staggering in equal measure. Tice says climate change is real but we shouldn’t try to stop it. Reform are the surrender party. The public isn’t fooled. Poll after poll shows most back climate action - Reform are the outliers on this.

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 15/08/2026

Delighted to nominate @michaeljmarra.bsky.social to be the next leader of Scottish Labour. Michael is experienced, thoughtful, a listener and a bridge-builder who can bring our party back together again - and he's ready to hold the SNP to account for their decisions. Proud to back him.

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 15/08/2026

It's never too late to have a conversation, and it could save a life. Call the Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123.

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 14/08/2026

Across the north of Scotland 3,000 people now work at SSEN Transmission, up from 400 in 2019. And they’re growing - with plans to create 500 more jobs by March 2027. This is what investing in our clean energy future looks like: good jobs, new skills & critical infrastructure.

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 14/08/2026

Advice surgery in Uddingston today!

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 13/08/2026

Back to school for young people across the constituency today, and good to get out in Blantyre for some volunteering, a street surgery and to see the investment South Lanarkshire Labour has made into local parks. Good luck to everyone on the first day back! 🎒

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 12/08/2026

Pylons are a vital part of our energy system. Now we’re ensuring households near new pylon projects can receive up to £2,500 off their electricity bills over ten years. We’re upgrading the grid for the modern age and making sure the communities helping power Britain benefit.

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 12/08/2026

Upgrading our electricity grid is a vital part of how we deliver secure, homegrown energy & unlock economic growth. And those communities which host pylons should benefit, which is why we're bringing down the energy bills of those hosting this national infrastructure. 👇 www.gov.uk/government/n...

gov.uk

Households living near new pylons to save thousands on bills

Government reveals the communities in over 40 locations eligible for cheaper electricity bills.

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 11/08/2026

Great day working from the UK Government's base in Glasgow! Meetings on Coalsnaughton, renewables and long duration storage, supply chain opportunities from the grid upgrade, ports and rounding it off with a substation and pylon visit on the sunny Gleniffer Braes above Paisley!

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 10/08/2026

Great to join the fantastic volunteer team at the David Livingstone Centre in Blantyre this morning, lending a hand with some gardening!🌿 A massive thank you to the staff & volunteers who work hard all year round to make sure it's a great place for the whole community to enjoy.

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 09/08/2026

Having seen first hand the damage done by Russian drones on Ukraine's energy infrastructure this is such an important moment to redouble our commitment. As Wes rightly says, "our support for Ukraine will not waver. We will stand by them until they win". www.thetimes.com/article/d906...

thetimes.com

Wes Streeting: Allies must step up to help Ukraine weather winter

When the temperature drops Putin tries to break the people’s spirit. Britain and others can bolster their air defence

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Reposted by Michael Shanks MP

Libraries South Lanarkshire @librariessl.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

FREE party for ages 4-11 at Rutherglen Library to celebrate the end of our space themed summer reading challenge 🚀 #NationalYearOfReading2026 #GoAllIn Call 0141 643 1296 to book or scan the QR code. www.slleisureandculture.co.uk/info/92/ruth...

Poster with an image of a spaceman and text saying, Space Science + Craft Summer Reading Challenge Goodbye Party at Rutherglen Library! Games, crafts, fun! Have one last space-themed summer party to celebrate the summer reading challenge! Tuesday 11th August 3-4pm! Ages 3-11. FREE. Call 0141 643 1296 to book or scan QR code.

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 05/08/2026

Escaped to Arran for a few days, and managed to avoid the worst of the weather for a long walk up the Corbetts.⁣ ⁣ Up Goatfell then some scrambling along the ridges to Beinn Tarsuinn and Cìr Mhòr. Weather not good enough to add in Caisteal Abhail as well so one to go back for!

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 05/08/2026

Then why not have a word with your own MPs @zackpolanski.bsky.social who oppose they very clean energy infrastructure which would get us off fossil fuels? It's all well and good to sermonise on the problem but it would be better if Green elected reps actually helped solve it.

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 04/08/2026

Today’s example of the real impact of climate change now, in The Times of all places. “One bad harvest, one warm year, that’s weather. But three of the worst harvests in the last five years? That’s climate change”.

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 04/08/2026

As exam results envelopes and texts land just to say - if you got the results you hoped for - well done - you earned those! If you didn’t, it’s okay to be a wee bit disappointed but just remember one set of exams doesn’t define you. Reach out for support on what comes next.

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 31/07/2026

I have spoken to BP about today's announcement, reiterating that supporting workers is our priority throughout the sale process. I welcome the company’s intention to sell to an owner that recognises the strength of the workforce, protecting good skilled jobs.

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 31/07/2026

Lots of constituents got in touch with me about the issues with school transport to Cathkin High. I've been working with Cllr Walter Brogan and JMB Travel to find a solution and I'm pleased that we've come up with one from next month! (Don't worry, I'm not driving the bus)🚍

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 30/07/2026

There's a lot of energy in Glasgow and not just from the crowd at the Commonwealth Games! The 2026 Games are low-carbon powered - exactly the sort of future we want for the whole country - homegrown, clean energy powering homes and businesses. Come on Team Scotland! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

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