Claim 1f80bcb8Checked 21 Jul 2026
TrueOn the truth scale
“The Energy Minister is in touch with MSPs.”
—Keir StarmerLabourThe Prime Minister·Engagements·03 Jun 2026Factual · historical current chronological
Reasoning & Evidence21 Jul 2026
The claim that "the Energy Minister is in touch with MSPs" is supported by publicly available evidence. Keith Brown MSP (SNP, Clackmannanshire and Dunblane), the constituency MSP for the affected area, corresponded directly with Energy Minister Michael Shanks and received a written response before the June 3 speech. Shanks responded: "My thoughts are with all those affected by the recent ground movement in Coalsnaughton at this difficult time." Brown acknowledged Shanks's response, noting he appreciated "the minister's recognition of the distress residents are experiencing and his assurance that the investigation must be objective and evidence-led." Additionally, Neil Gray MSP (Scottish Justice Secretary, responsible for resilience) wrote to UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband urging faster investigation, showing engagement at a slightly different level of government. Post-speech, on June 9, Michael Shanks met with Clackmannanshire Council leader Ellen Forson and chief executive Nikki Bridle, with Scottish Government representatives present — described as the first time the UK Government joined crisis talks. While Keith Brown was critical of Shanks not visiting in person, Brown acknowledged receiving a written response from Shanks, confirming the fact of communication between the Energy Minister and MSPs. The claim is a general statement about communication happening, not about its depth or quality, and the evidence corroborates it.
Sources:
- Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser: "Keith Brown criticises Michael Shanks over Coalsnaughton" — https://www.alloaadvertiser.com/news/26259117.keith-brown-criticises-michael-shanks-coalsnaughton/
- Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser: "Keith Brown MSP urges minister to visit Coalsnaughton" — https://www.alloaadvertiser.com/news/26231266.keith-brown-msp-urges-minister-visit-coalsnaughton/
- BBC News: "Coalsnaughton ground movement probe to take another two months" — https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cze27lpjnr6o
- Deadline News: "UK Government joins Coalsnaughton crisis talks as council leader pushes for faster answers" — https://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2026/06/10/uk-government-joins-coalsnaughton-crisis-talks-as-council-leader-pushes-for-faster-answers/
- Hansard, UK Parliament, June 3, 2026 — https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2026-06-03/debates/051DBB77-8D86-47FD-91B3-95DD68A17CC0/Engagements
From speech
I know how difficult it is for residents who are not in their homes. I can reassure my hon. Friend and his constituents that the MRA is carrying out daily investigations to get answers as swiftly as possible, and we are working with the council to provide support for residents. I can confirm that the Energy Minister is in touch with MSPs and will ensure that both my hon. Friend and his constituents are kept updated on the next steps.
Sources opened