Responding to some of the comments raised during the debate, Ms Archibald said even if the LCM is not approved by the Assembly, GB Energy will still operate in Northern Ireland, but Stormont will have no ability to engage.
Opposition leader Matthew O’Toole said he did not intend to force a division but wanted to put on the record his concern around a lack of information around how the firm will operate in Northern Ireland.
Alliance MLA David Honeyford voiced support for the LCM, but also expressed concern at a lack of detail, while UUP MLA Steve Aiken said his party will also support it.
The Northern Ireland Assembly has endorsed the extension of the Great British Energy Bill to the region despite some MLAs expressing concern over a “lack of detail” around how it will work.
“It would be bad form if they (UK Government) ploughed on regardless, but if the LCM isn’t passed it does not preclude GB Energy as a company from operating here in the North, and we would have absolutely no ability to shape what is being developed or taken forward,” she said.
