iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 13h

Street surgery in Blantyre, the difference a new park makes and why local elections in May matter:

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 · 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

Great to catch up with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to discuss the UK's nuclear & fusion programmes and international security and safety. He plays a critical role in ensuring the IAEA remains at the forefront of international dialogue on the safe use of nuclear power.

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

As part of the conference it was great to spend time with our Ambassador to the UN and the UK delegation who were sharing their experiences of regulatory reform, skills, the SMR programme and much more.

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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 · 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 · 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 · 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 · 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 · 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 · 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 · 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 · 05/08/2026

Would recommend the route but my God I’m knackered now!

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

Deer looking absolutely majestic as the mist rose off the hills. Not in the least bit bothered as I sat and got my breath back!

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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 · 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

Find out more here: michaelshanksmp.co.uk/cathkin-bus-...

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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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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 28/07/2026

I saw for myself what nearly 100 families in Coalsnaughton impacted by historic coal mining have been through. I want to reassure those affected that no one will shoulder the burden alone. The UK Government is stepping in alongside the Mining Remediation Authority, Clacks Council + Scottish Govt.

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 27/07/2026

I visited Coalsnaughton today and met with residents who have been evacuated because of ground movement. We stand ready to do everything within our power to support affected households, working side by side with the Scottish Government and Clacks Council.

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 26/07/2026

Saturday night enjoying a gig by one of my constituency team’s band in Glasgow - such a talented team!

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 24/07/2026

Proud MP for Rutherglen and Tunnocks to see the world famous tea cake feature in the opening ceremony last night! Now we need to get the humble caramel wafer the same recognition…

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 23/07/2026

As the Commonwealth Games 2026 open in Glasgow I went a wee run from Rutherglen round some of the lasting signs from 2014 - from the Games Village still great housing in Dalmarnock to Glasgow Green and back.

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 22/07/2026

Plans to re-power Whitelee could ✅power 650,000 homes ✅boost Scotland's economy by £330 million ✅create the jobs that give communities hope and a real stake in Britain's clean energy future

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Michael Shanks MP @michaelshanksmp.co.uk · 22/07/2026

Solar power is right now generating more electricity than any other source! ☀️ We're making it easier for households + businesses to install solar panels on roofs and plug-in solar - helping cut energy costs, reduce pressure on the grid and support Britain’s clean energy future.

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