I’ve just given the annual Sir Denis Rooke Memorial Lecture. It’s such a privilege to be asked to do that. I’m genuinely chuffed. For those who don’t know, Sir

I’ve just given the annual Sir Denis Rooke Memorial Lecture. It’s such a privilege to be asked to do that. I’m genuinely chuffed. For those who don’t know, Sir Denis was a man who played a pivotal role in transitioning the UK from town gas to North Sea natural gas, which was one of the great engineering feats of our time, moving every home, every appliance on to this completely new national transmission system. He was also integral to the formation of British Gas in the 70s. He understood something fundamental: that energy systems do not evolve by accident. They are shaped by deliberate choices - about technology, infrastructure, governance, and the role of the state and industry working together. There are so many parallels to the challenges we face as we evolve the modern energy system. Our energy security shouldn’t rely on forces beyond our control. That is why investing in secure, home grown clean energy has never mattered more. And why resilience - storage, flexible generation, import capacity - is such a strategic necessity. Events in the Middle East have once again exposed the consequence of global gas markets, and we have seen the impact in price movements almost immediately. I think it’s time for a National Conversation on Our Energy Future One that is honest about trade offs, grounded in engineering reality, and inclusive of all those with a stake in the outcome. Because if this transition is to succeed, we must do it with people, not do it to them. IGEM - Institution of Gas Engineers & Managers - thank you very much.