Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Asked about the discussions on proposed TV advertising restrictions to reduce obesity rates and requested the Government to narrow the scope of products covered by this proposal.

Acknowledged regular meetings with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on policy issues, stating that the Department is working proportionately to achieve public health outcomes. Committed to work closely with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on narrowing the scope of products covered by proposed TV advertising restrictions.

Asked about the timeframe for legislative proposals on employment announced in the December 2019 Queen’s Speech, highlighting that one worker in nine was in insecure work before the coronavirus outbreak, leaving them vulnerable.

Inquired about the Government's stance on enforcing workers' rights and fire-and-rehire tactics as seen with Go North West, questioning whether these practices are acceptable.

Stressed the need for legislation to ensure gig economy workers receive basic employment rights following a Supreme Court ruling that Uber drivers are entitled to minimum wage, holiday pay, and sick pay.

Inquired about discussions with the Chancellor on increasing support to businesses affected by the covid-19 outbreak, expressing concern for those excluded from existing measures.

Questioned whether there is a culture of 'covid cronyism' within the Government and asked for an independent investigation into lobbying by David Cameron.

Asked about steps taken to support women in business, specifically enquiring about assurances for women in the wedding industry following lockdown restrictions.

Emphasised the importance of gender-diversity in the workforce and asked about steps to encourage more women into business areas such as engineering and science.

Asked what lessons have been learned from the operation of the vaccine taskforce.

Acknowledged the vaccine taskforce's success in procuring and deploying vaccines, highlighting over 30 million individuals receiving their first dose.

Expressed concerns about dependency on overseas supply chains for vaccines and questioned the Secretary of State to ensure British industry is prioritised in government contracts.

Asked about the assessment made regarding the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on the wedding industry, questioning lack of financial help and clarity in guidelines.

Responded to concerns raised by Yasmin Qureshi about the wedding industry, explaining published guidance for ceremonies and receptions, and mentioned plans to support businesses through Chancellor's budget.

Asked what steps are being taken to support the wedding industry, pointing out anomalies in phase 3 guidelines regarding venue capacity for music events and weddings.

Discussed concerns about grid capacity in rural areas due to transition to electric vehicles, questioning future-proofing measures and potential cyber-attack risks on the grid.

Responded to Jonathan Edwards' concerns about investment in electricity grids for EV transition, mentioning ongoing discussions with Ofgem to ensure adequate investment and future-proofing measures.

Asked about recent discussions on the use of dismiss and re-engage tactics in negotiations with employees, urging transparency regarding ACAS report findings.

Asked for clarity on number of employers using fire and rehire tactics after receiving government support during the pandemic and called for a complete ban on this practice.

Reiterated that 'fire and rehire' is unacceptable, stating ACAS report findings are being considered with confidentiality in mind and will be published in due course.

Asked about plans to improve energy efficiency in homes, specifically questioning the future of the green homes grant scheme for older rural properties.

Asked about long-term plans to make homes more energy-efficient, highlighting potential savings and support for low-income households in Wolverhampton.

Asked questions about the green homes grant scheme's performance, highlighting figures of vouchers issued and measures installed, questioning the Government's responsibility for its failure.

Inquired about the commitment to a clear timetable in the heat and building strategy to encourage owners of all tenures of homes to install affordable energy upgrades towards net zero targets.

Asked about plans to support supply chain businesses affected by the pandemic, expressing concern for businesses like taxi drivers and plumbers with no Government support.

Inquired about discussions on bringing forward legislative proposals for paid neonatal leave as promised in the March 2020 Budget, urging the Minister to confirm a timeline.

Asked about long-term policy support for British steel production and requested assurances from the Secretary of State regarding safeguarding this strategic industry in light of recent events.

Emphasised the importance of UK steelmaking capacity to future competitiveness and resilience, questioned the Government's commitment to Liberty Steel and requested a plan B including public ownership if necessary.

Asked about discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on funding for UK associating to Horizon Europe.

Responded that her department regularly speaks with HM Treasury on issues including the Horizon Europe programme. She noted plans to be a science superpower by 2024-25 with £22 billion investment.

Critiqued the government's apparent cut of £1 billion to the science budget and a £120 million reduction in overseas development science funding. She questioned how specific programmes will be affected by this 'new settlement.'

Asked about new support for energy transition projects in Scotland.

Announced significant investment for Scottish energy transition projects including £5 million for the global underwater hub, £2 million for the North sea transition deal and £27 million for Aberdeen's energy transition zone.

Asked about unequal access to electricity grids in Scotland compared to other parts of the UK which hinders renewables projects.

Inquired about steps being taken by his department to support businesses during the covid-19 outbreak and requested regular updates on reopening guidelines for hospitality and retail sectors.

Asked about local authorities retaining millions of pounds in additional restrictions grant moneys and urged to distribute this support to businesses urgently.

Inquired about the UK furniture industry's challenges including a potential global shortage of steel and foam, and rules of origin issues. Requested a meeting with British Furniture Confederation.

Asked about the clean fuels metrology centre proposal in her constituency which has cross-party support for the UK's transition to a decarbonised economy. Requested a meeting with industry representatives.

Inquired about future plans for Wylfa Newydd nuclear power station on Anglesey and expressed interest in securing highly skilled jobs in north Wales. Asked for a meeting to discuss the matter.

Called on the Business Secretary to protect jobs of 5,000 people and those in the supply chain at Liberty Steel. Criticised the Secretary for not supporting industrial strategy.

Asked about targeted support for travel sector if summer holidays abroad are banned due to public health concerns.

Sought commitment from the Secretary of State to review Government policy and ensure UK remains a leader in green hydrogen production.

Called for BEIS to work with MHCLG to expand eligibility criteria for business rates relief for English language schools.

Urged the Secretary of State to tackle fire and rehire practices swiftly, likening it to vaccine taskforce methodology.

Sought meeting with the Secretary of State regarding high street recovery fund issues in her constituency.

Raised concerns about modern-day slavery-like conditions for seasonal workers and requested investigation by Minister.

Asked the Minister to reassure that promised further funding will be transferred to local councils promptly, without delay.

Called for all victims of Post Office Horizon IT scandal to have their claims validated under historical shortfall scheme terms.

Welcomed the industrial decarbonisation strategy, backed by £1 billion, and sought commitment that it will lead to green job opportunities.

Asked about ensuring no hydrogen projects are held back in future funding rounds based on priority levels.

Announced plans for hydrogen production and a coming forward of a hydrogen strategy, consulted on business models. Hints at the potential role Ellesmere Port and HyNet cluster will play in hydrogen production.

Expressed concerns about the Beddington incinerator being a major carbon polluter. Asked for estimates of recyclable materials sent to energy-from-waste operations by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Responded that data on waste arisings do not structure material composition of waste streams. Provided information on national emissions estimates based on an emission factor derived using the 1996 IPCC default factor for biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.

Inquired about conversations with DWP Ministers regarding support for women back into work, noting that they are disproportionately affected by job losses during the pandemic.

Acknowledged frequent discussions with DWP ministers on creating jobs for women and all individuals. Highlighted record job creation after the last recession and plans to grow further post-pandemic recovery.

Called for reconsideration of wedding restrictions, arguing that safe social distancing can accommodate weddings without posing public health risks.