Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

The hon. Seema Malhotra pointed out that investment in solar power acquisitions dropped significantly from £1.6 billion to £0.3 billion, questioned why other European countries are investing more heavily in low-carbon technologies than the UK, and called for the Government to do more to support renewable energy.

The hon. Cherilyn Mackrory asked how the government is supporting new emerging industries such as geothermal energy and lithium extraction in Cornwall that aim at producing green energy for the future.

The hon. Matt Western queried why the Government was opposed to onshore wind energy generation, seeking clarification on the rationale behind such opposition.

Mr Jacob Young inquired about the support provided by the government to advance the hydrogen economy and decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors.

The right hon. Pat McFadden asked about discussions between the Secretary of State and automotive industry representatives to ensure that the UK is best positioned for transitioning from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles.

Mr Julian Sturdy questioned whether increased funding in R&D will favour regions outside southern England, expressing concerns about equitable distribution of research and innovation funds across different parts of the country.

The hon. Bim Afolami discussed his work with Rothamsted Research to build a new venture capital fund for agritech start-ups, seeking government support and inviting officials to visit Rothamsted to see the progress.

The hon. Flick Drummond inquired about further actions on establishing a UK Advanced Research Projects Agency following departmental meetings last year.

The hon. Chi Onwurah welcomed the government's efforts in R&D but questioned the confusing statements from No. 10 on European research programmes, urging for confirmation of full associate membership.

Mr Geraint Davies highlighted the impact of unclean air on premature deaths and economic costs, suggesting further support in grants and research towards electric cars and green industries.

The hon. Jim Shannon requested assistance for universities in Belfast to apply for R&D funding provided by UKRI.

Mr Richard Bacon suggested the importance of supporting research into making zero-heat-cost homes more widespread, beneficial for reducing housing emissions towards net-zero targets.

UK aerospace industry needs more long-term funding to stay ahead in environmental sustainability.

The Prince of Wales and Nadhim Zahawi co-chaired a meeting at the Whittle laboratory on net zero for the aerospace sector. They are creating 500 master’s level postgraduate places to innovate.

Tidal energy could be transformative in Barrow, Morecambe Bay, and across the UK. The Treasury's Green Book must account for social impact and technological leadership when assessing viability of projects.

The Government are investing £3 billion by 2021 in low-carbon innovation to support industrial decarbonisation, aiming to create at least one low-carbon cluster by 2030.

The Net Zero Teesside project aims to capture up to 6 million tonnes of CO2 annually and support over 5,500 direct jobs in the Tees valley. It seeks UK Government prioritisation for carbon capture technology.

The Mersey tidal power project could power a million homes and offer high-quality employment, urging the Government to support this project in the north-west.

Too many UK manufacturing jobs go abroad after contracts for difference. Urges inclusion of quality assessment mechanisms in bid processes to incentivise local firms.

Nuclear fusion and cleantech will create hundreds of thousands of jobs across the UK this decade, urging the Minister to showcase green entrepreneurs at COP26.

Urges reconsideration of the scrapped Swansea bay tidal lagoon project due to its potential for community development and further lagoons.

Asks how the Government will work with ceramics industry on decarbonisation without undermining competitiveness, citing examples like Churchill China and Steelite.

Asks about assistance to Stoke-on-Trent manufacturers for reducing carbon emissions in energy-intensive processes through innovation.

Concerned about high costs and REACH regulations affecting Teesside's high-carbon, energy-intensive industries, urging reassurance on cost issues.

Asks the Minister to arrange meetings with affected MPs regarding coal site stability following recent flooding and landslides in Rhondda.

Launched businesssupport.gov.uk to help businesses start, grow and scale. Mentioned the Rose review board working to break down barriers for female entrepreneurs. Addressed incentives for small business owners like Martin and Deanne Brook to provide Post Office services. Emphasised the importance of repairing relationships with postmasters and supporting innovative technology companies such as Starship Technologies through various government schemes. Highlighted the £1 billion future high streets fund and a commitment to review business rates. Discussed funding available for businesses affected by flooding, including a business recovery grant of up to £2,500 per severely impacted business.

Asked about steps the Government is taking to incentivise small business owners like Martin Brook to provide Post Office services as a means of safeguarding the post office network.

Inquired about support for innovative new technology companies such as Starship Technologies in Milton Keynes.

Questioned what can be done to help traditional town centres thrive and become commercial and community hubs.

Asked about financial support for businesses affected by flooding and requested an increase in capital spend on flood defences as advised by the Environment Agency and National Infrastructure Commission. Criticised the Prime Minister's response to recent floods.

Called for a cut to employers' national insurance to help small businesses cope with potential negative economic impacts from EU trade negotiations and criticised the Government’s attitude towards business concerns.

Asked about working with the Home Office to ensure small businesses can continue doing business next year in light of proposed immigration changes.

Requested additional funding for Welsh small businesses impacted by recent flooding and emphasised the importance of community support.

Urged the Treasury to scrap changes to IR35 which are punishing small businesses, with large companies implementing blanket bans contrary to government statements.

Asked about steps taken to prepare for COP26 and criticised the Government's leadership on climate change issues.

Thanked the former COP President for her work. Emphasised the Prime Minister's leadership in doubling International Climate Finance commitment and launching the Year of Climate Action, aiming to make COP26 a success.

Asked why the UK’s contribution statement for COP26 is based on an 80% reduction target instead of net zero by 2050, despite the House's determination for a net zero goal.

Congratulated the Department’s announcement allowing onshore wind and solar projects to bid for funding and proposed looking closely at an innovative tax credit proposal to support less developed technologies.

Welcomed the new ministerial team, questioned whether they would update carbon budgets from 80% reduction to net zero by 2050 as the House determined.

Agreed with Alok Sharma’s points and suggested demonstrating that going green can reduce taxpayers' bills, which should be a key part of COP26.

Expressed delight at the Government's decision on contracts for difference auctions but asked how to maximise growth and opportunities for Scottish supply chains.

Asked for reassurance that constituents would not be overwhelmed by continuing wind farms due to ineffective planning by the Scottish Government.

Questioned discussions with Secretary of State for International Trade on ending UK Export Finance for coal-mining and power station projects, seeking a transition period prior to full cessation.

Welcomed the move from coal generation but questioned if it was better for manufacturing processes requiring coal to use domestic sources rather than imported ones.

Asked about departmental responsibilities and whether CCUS plants would be extended to Scotland to support a clean growth structure.

Expressed concern over the future of independent sports shops like Jim Hall Sports due to Nike’s decision to terminate supply agreements with smaller retailers.

Stressed the responsibility of large suppliers to treat retailers fairly and mentioned support for high streets through funds and taskforces.

Expressed concerns over coronavirus impacts on work, raised issues regarding statutory sick pay and insecure workers.

Addressed various questions related to financial protections for workers, lithium extraction in Cornwall, protecting access to cash, gigafactory support, inclusion of entrepreneurs with disabilities, small business regulation, online harms White Paper, women's entrepreneurship, tidal’s business rates issues, and satellite launch facility proposals.

Discussed the opportunity for Cornwall to secure a domestic lithium supply, stressing its importance in levelling up the economy and supporting net zero objectives.

Confirmed that discussions are ongoing regarding Cornish Lithium's extraction of lithium and welcomed an invitation to visit Cornwall.

Raised concerns over the closure of cash machines in Scotland, asking for legislation to protect access to essential services on high streets.

Proposed a gigafactory in the West Midlands and asked for government support to ensure further investment in green technology.

Called on the Secretary of State to address challenges faced by entrepreneurs with disabilities accessing business loans.

Questioned if current Ministers are committed to reducing taxation and regulation for small businesses, highlighting that entrepreneurship is key to creating wealth.

Inquired about discussions with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport regarding financial harm in the online harms White Paper.

Asked what steps are being taken to enable more women to start and grow their own businesses.

Asked for assistance in reforming business rates for small businesses such as Tidal’s Store in his constituency.

Inquired about measures to ensure large businesses pay smaller businesses quickly and on time.

Supported the proposal for a vertical space launch facility in Sutherland and asked if this would be good for the local economy and UK's position globally.

Asked about the distribution of R&D funding across different cities, suggesting that more needs to be done to level up regions beyond London, Oxford, and Cambridge.

Welcomed the Secretary of State to his role and expressed concerns over manufacturing businesses' supply chain issues caused by China's closure due to coronavirus.

The Government have reviewed the issue of extending the hours of the Malvern tourist information centre several times. The current rules represent a fair compromise between those seeking reduced opening hours and those supporting greater liberalisation.

The Minister is asked about subsidies for onshore wind farms in Scotland, where 13.9 million trees have been cut down by Scottish Forestry. The right hon. Gentleman questions whether it is economically and environmentally sound to tear down trees and disturb peatland for renewable energy.

The Secretary of State emphasises the importance of offshore wind deployment, noting that prices have come down by two thirds. Renewable energy is central to reaching net zero carbon emissions according to government strategy.

In 2016, the US became a net exporter of liquefied natural gas and in 2019, it also exported oil products. The hon. Gentleman suggests diversifying UK's energy risk by importing both gas and oil from the United States.

The Minister acknowledges his hon. Friend's point, mentioning a recent meeting with the US Energy Secretary to discuss trade relations and the publication of negotiation terms for a free trade agreement between both countries.