Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Asked about the steps being taken to support UK research and development, and inquired about apprenticeship opportunities for R&D-based businesses.

Announced an investment of £14.6 billion in R&D for 2021-22, confirmed that the Government is continuing cooperation with the EU through Horizon Europe programme, and noted support measures including apprenticeship opportunities.

Questioned about the protection of science's future given the significant reduction in medical charity research funding and university research support due to international student losses. Highlighted that 90% of UK researchers are excluded from support.

Inquired about the assessment made by the Department regarding the effect of post office closures operated by CJ Lang & Son Ltd on Scotland’s post office network.

Reported that 18 out of 25 branches were kept open, and confirmed the Post Office's flexibility in delivering postal services according to demand.

Asked about recent discussions with employers and trade unions on dismiss and re-engage tactics. Also highlighted issues faced by GoNorthWest bus workers due to fire and rehire strategies during the pandemic.

Condemned the use of threats of firing and rehiring as a negotiating tactic, stated that ACAS is looking into this matter by gathering evidence from businesses and employee representatives.

Asked about steps taken to support businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak and requested continued support for hospitality businesses, especially the wedding industry, as they plan reopening.

Inquired about discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on increasing support for Scottish businesses affected by the pandemic and asked for further funding extension beyond July 2021.

Asked about ensuring supply chain companies, which have been open despite significant losses to service NHS and schools, get support when the hospitality sector reopens.

Inquired about discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on increasing support for Scottish businesses affected by the pandemic and requested extending furlough beyond April 2021 to avoid mass unemployment.

Congratulates the Secretary of State on his new position and acknowledges the support provided to businesses during the pandemic. Praises Buckinghamshire Council for its efforts in supporting local businesses.

Questions whether excluding businesses from support packages will lead to higher long-term costs for the Government compared to immediate inclusion.

Points out that businesses face a £50 billion shortfall due to ending of support and lack of clarity regarding future plans. Criticises the Secretary of State's failure to provide certainty on business rates, furlough scheme, and other issues.

Questions the Government’s commitment to supporting Scottish businesses post-Brexit. Requests a grace period from the EU for businesses affected by Brexit chaos. Inquires about the status of the North Sea transition deal.

Raises concerns over cuts to overseas development aid and its potential impact on UK's position as a global science leader, affecting business partnerships globally.

Asks about steps being taken by the Department to support the hospitality industry during the pandemic. Proposes working closely with trade unions for sector recovery.

Inquires about measures to support the luxury textile sector hit by US-EU trade disputes. Requests a meeting to discuss opportunities for supporting affected businesses in his constituency.

Asks what recent steps have been taken to update guidance on covid-secure working practices for employers.

Critiqued the government's approach to workplace safety, citing issues faced by employees at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency in Swansea.

Questioned the classification of COVID-19 as a 'serious' workplace risk and highlighted the ongoing health impacts on workers, urging for re-categorisation to reflect the seriousness of the situation.

Asked about steps being taken towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

Inquired about support for businesses and specifically the aviation sector in contributing to net zero targets.

Discussed recent flooding incidents in Skewen, focusing on the government's responsibility towards addressing the issue and providing financial support to affected residents.

Assessed the capacity of the UK to produce green hydrogen and sought assurance regarding support for carbon capture alongside blue hydrogen production.

Asked about intentions concerning the use of the £240 million net zero hydrogen fund, specifically whether it would be used exclusively for green hydrogen.

Inquired about steps being taken to reduce dismiss and re-engage tactics by employers.

Critiqued the government's response to fire and rehire practices, highlighting examples from Tesco, urging for immediate action rather than further investigation.

Asked the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy about discussions with automotive sector representatives regarding fiscal support. Raised concerns about securing a new vehicle build decision at Vauxhall Motors in Ellesmere Port.

Stated meetings have been held to discuss future opportunities for the UK's automotive sector and emphasised Government commitment to its growth. Acknowledged importance of securing a positive decision for Vauxhall Motors in Ellesmere Port.

Asked about steps taken by the Department to help businesses support victims of domestic abuse.

Inquired about additional steps being taken to assist businesses in supporting victims of domestic abuse, highlighting local efforts in Wakefield.

Reported on initiatives such as the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse and the Bright Sky app by Hestia. Stressed the role employers play in tackling productivity losses linked to domestic abuse and encouraged wider awareness.

Questioned about safety measures for gas and electricity metre readers during national lockdowns.

Responded that safer working guidance has been introduced to allow essential services like utility readings while maintaining safety. Acknowledged the importance of protecting both metre readers and householders, but noted 3.3 million views on the guidance indicating its effectiveness.

Inquired about plans to support renewable energy sector development, especially regarding affordable costs for firms like CF Fertilisers in his area.

Asked what steps the Department is taking to support the renewable energy sector.

Questioned about opportunities for companies in Wales offered by Government funding rounds dedicated to clean technologies.

Asked about steps taken with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to improve enforcement of workplace health and safety laws, expressing concerns over guidance during new covid-19 variants.

Inquired about plans to support start-ups in the Meriden constituency post-covid.

Acknowledged the commitment of his fellow Conservative MP to supporting growth and entrepreneurship, highlighting £90.9 million in covid loan scheme support for Meriden.

Critiqued the Government's approach to economic recovery, citing a £50 billion financial challenge and proposing Labour's plan to extend business rates holidays and furlough support.

Stressed the importance of flexible financial support as businesses face reopening and continuing fixed costs such as business rates, VAT, and rent moratoriums.

Asked about flexibility in the distribution of grants by local authorities to struggling businesses.

Called for action against Centrica's fire and rehire tactics, urging the Secretary of State to intervene and negotiate with GMB union on behalf of British Gas workers.

Discussed a hotel business in difficulty, asking about regulatory requirements related to bank forbearance for businesses facing financial challenges.

Questioned the Secretary of State's response to Melrose Plc's actions regarding GKN Driveline and the loss of 500 jobs in Birmingham, asking for ameliorative measures.

Concerned about local authority landlords being unreasonable with tenants facing eviction or insolvency when the right of forfeiture is restored on 31 March, asking for government guidance to help businesses.

Asked for an update on discussions with the US new Administration regarding tariffs imposed on single malt whisky and their impact on UK exports.

Complimented the vaccination effort's success, citing 400 million doses secured as a strong position to save lives and speed up economic recovery through workplace testing.

Asked for specific guidance on surface disinfection standards (EN standard) and frequency updates from the Health and Safety Executive, urging its radical update.

Expressed concerns about the hospitality sector's recovery, proposing extensions of VAT rate reduction, furlough support, and business rates holiday beyond initial plans.

Asked for cooperation to create 6,000 new jobs and attract £600 million investment over the next two years in South Yorkshire after local growth fund ended.

Proposed including international aviation and shipping emissions in UK's carbon budgets as a way to set an example for COP 26 attendees later this year.

Acknowledges the issue of carbon emissions contributions being asked to be included in budgets and states an intention to hold high standards regarding carbon emissions as COP26 hosts.

Suspends the House for a few minutes to enable necessary arrangements for the next business.