Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Prioritising the development of human-relevant new approach methodologies in R&D is crucial to maintain UK's position as a global leader. This requires government support, funding allocation, education improvement, and collaboration between universities and industries.

The Government has invested £67 million into developing techniques that reduce the need for animal research, aiming to maintain the UK's position as a science superpower. They have also delivered an extensive package of measures including grants and loan guarantees worth over £11 billion and £57 billion respectively.

The UK needs to build back better from the current crisis by ensuring that businesses are on track with net zero targets. This includes supporting carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects which will help create high-value jobs across the UK.

Support for Airbus and its highly skilled staff is essential during this uncertain time, especially considering their significant contribution to the UK aerospace industry. The Government's support includes over £8.5 billion in assistance through various schemes.

The Government needs to provide targeted support for businesses currently shut down, such as weddings, events and nightclubs, which are facing significant challenges despite following public health guidelines. These businesses need help to survive the crisis.

Businesses should have a voice in the drafting of the new industrial strategy this autumn. There is concern that the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is more focused on being the Government's voice to business rather than advocating for businesses.

The exhibition sector needs urgent support, including an extension of business rate relief and a new grant scheme. They are calling for a commitment on when conferences and exhibition events can reopen safely in line with European practices.

The Department for International Trade must take urgent measures to resolve the ongoing aerospace dispute which affects industries such as Scotch whisky. Resolution is needed within the current presidential term.

Businesses need support to reduce emissions, particularly in transport sectors where reductions have been minimal compared to other areas. The UK has an opportunity to lead in green transport solutions, such as electric vehicles and hydrogen lorries.

The Minister emphasised the Government's plans for decarbonising freight and their role in carbon emissions. He acknowledged discussions about a national infrastructure bank, referencing the success of the Green Investment Bank.

He questioned whether the Government would address barriers to private investment for reducing emissions through a national investment bank. He emphasised the need for a clear mandate to channel public and private capital towards green projects.

She asked about steps being taken to support manufacturing, specifically mentioning steel manufacture in her constituency of Stocksbridge, which she sees as crucial for future infrastructure investments.

He raised concerns regarding the furniture industry's downturn due to covid and requested support for a 'Buy the Best, Buy British, Save Jobs' campaign aimed at protecting jobs in his constituency.

He questioned how Chancellor’s recent economic measures would assist manufacturing companies in his constituency through the coronavirus crisis.

She detailed ongoing support provided to manufacturing sectors during and post-pandemic, including financial relief for the steel industry. She supported the 'Buy British' initiative in the furniture sector.

She expressed concern about the impact of withdrawing support from manufacturing sectors like aerospace and aviation once the furlough scheme ends, questioning what was being done to protect these jobs.

She sought updates on progress in developing wind and wave technology off Britain's coast, particularly near her constituency of Hastings and Rye.

Inquiring about steps to support an environmentally sustainable recovery for the automotive sector, she specifically mentioned Gridserve Sustainable Energy as a company working on decarbonisation technologies.

He raised concerns over electric vehicle safety regulations and training requirements for technicians. He questioned how the government is ensuring proper qualifications for staff working with electric vehicles.

He inquired about the potential to attract investment from Tesla Motors to build a gigafactory in Don Valley, expressing interest in securing battery manufacturing capability in the UK.

Questioning the Minister on electric vehicle production and national charging infrastructure development, he highlighted concerns over future demands for chargers not currently installed.

Asked about recent discussions with business sectors affected by the pandemic and criticised the Government's curfew policy.

Questioned the Minister on the financial support for workers in creative industries, including permanent, freelance, self-employed individuals previously excluded from schemes.

Expressed concern about nightlife businesses struggling with rent and overhead costs during shutdowns, questioning if loans are an adequate solution.

Critiqued the Government's lack of support for viable businesses and workers impacted by closures, particularly those not eligible for furlough or grants.

Called for immediate action rather than engagement, highlighting business losses due to Government restrictions and the need to reallocate cash grants.

Inquired about discussions on the economic impact of the UK Internal Market Bill on businesses in Scotland and potential funding risks.

Asked for support for the Mersey tidal project and other environmentally sustainable energy production initiatives to boost local jobs.

Inquired about steps taken by the Department to prevent unfair and discriminatory practices in redundancy selection.

Asked the Minister to provide additional emergency resources to enforcement bodies to ensure fair, equal and safe treatment during redundancies.

Inquired about the potential effect on employment levels of closing the coronavirus job retention scheme and questioned the lack of response from the Culture Secretary regarding the music industry's problems.

Asked for an assessment of the merits of UK locations for small and advanced nuclear reactors, as well as a timeline for publishing the energy White Paper.

Inquired about recent discussions with manufacturers on job effects due to the covid-19 outbreak and the steps taken to ensure certainty and support for businesses amidst potential EU exit without a deal.

Asked about the effectiveness of state aid use by the Government, questioned the borrowing cap on Welsh Governments and its impact on Welsh infrastructure investment.

Inquired about support provided for high-tech industry, specifically the photonics industry in his constituency and its role in quantum technology growth.

Asked about the assessment of nuclear power's role in decarbonising the UK economy and the impact of Hitachi's withdrawal from a nuclear project in her constituency.

Inquired about steps being taken to support research and development, particularly drawing international companies' R&D centres into the UK.

Asked if he would make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.

Expressed concern about the impact of zero-hours contracts and furlough on pub staff, questioning how the job support scheme can prevent mass job losses.

Welcomed the Secretary of State for International Trade to Truro and Falmouth, asking the Minister to ensure part funding continues for the United Downs project for lithium production in Cornwall.

Questioned the Government's strategy regarding the British sat-nav system, highlighting costs and concerns over its abandonment.

Called for a review of the black country industrial strategy to leverage manufacturing capacity and support an industrial revolution in the region.

Asked why businesses like restaurants and cafes are not supported despite other sectors receiving aid, questioning the Government's priorities during the pandemic.

Inquired about advice for people struggling to pay essential bills due to the pandemic.

Sought support from the Minister for a housing masterplan in Easington that aligns with government goals of levelling up and building back better.

Asked the Government to ensure the Vaccine Taskforce distributes manufacturing capacity across the UK to utilise regional strengths in vaccine development.

Critiqued government nuclear energy plans, suggesting reliance on outdated technology and private sector movement away from it.

Inquired about specific challenges faced by the conference and events industry in Harrogate and Knaresborough and requested a meeting to discuss these issues.

Asked for details on green jobs created since the Minister took office, requesting information on planned investments in green technologies and industries.

Discussed support received by a constituent's live entertainment business during the pandemic and asked what further assistance could be provided to help them recover.

Questions the Secretary of State about the UK's national contribution for COP26 and asks if it will be aligned with a 1.5° C target.

Praises Heywood Magic Market in his constituency for supporting local entrepreneurs during the pandemic and seeks confirmation of the Department's support for small traders and entrepreneurs.