Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

As a fellow rugby league fan, I am deeply moved by Rob Burrow's tireless advocacy for motor neurone disease research. We need to act now to increase funding and support the groundbreaking work of medical research charities.

Lucy Lintott from Moray was diagnosed with MND at 19 years old and has since become a symbol of resilience, living life fully despite her diagnosis. Her case underscores the urgent need for increased research funding to support those battling this debilitating disease.

The proposed £50 million investment must be targeted exclusively towards motor neurone disease, not diluted across other research areas. This focused approach is essential to drive significant progress in understanding and treating MND.

Innovation can drive economic growth and level up regions that have traditionally lagged behind. The east midlands freeport and development corporation represent a unique opportunity to attract private investment into the region, supporting local businesses and workers alike.

The practice of fire and rehire by companies like Post Holdings at Weetabix is unacceptable. Workers should not face threats to their livelihoods simply because employers want to change terms and conditions.

Changing redundancy laws could have unintended consequences. Instead, we need a nuanced approach that discourages fire and rehire tactics without stifling business flexibility. I urge the Government to continue reviewing this issue carefully.

Legislation is needed to address fire and rehire practices effectively. The private Member’s Bill introduced by Barry Gardiner could provide a framework for improving workers' rights and preventing such abusive tactics in the future.

Labcorp's potential expansion into Harrogate represents an opportunity to strengthen the UK's position as a world leader in science, research, and innovation. I urge my hon. Friend to meet me to discuss how we can overcome any obstacles to this growth.

Welcomes the opportunity to discuss Labcorp's investment in research and development with his hon. Friend.

Urges the Government to invest in BioYorkshire, a project that will create 4,000 jobs and deliver £5 billion in gross value added. Criticises lack of action on climate change.

Confirms the Government's commitment to securing gigafactories in the UK through the automotive transformation fund, highlighting the planned production of 100,000 battery-electric cars annually by Nissan and Envision AESC from 2024.

Questions whether a dedicated Minister should lead large-scale projects like gigafactories to handle both devolved and reserved functions effectively, ensuring support from the Welsh Government.

Raises concerns about the UK's falling share of European electric vehicle production and insufficient charging infrastructure, questioning if targets will be met by 2025 and comparing German grants to buy electric cars.

Demands legislative proposals for statutory leave and pay for parents with babies in neonatal care, criticising the Government's slow progress on this commitment.

Reiterates the Government’s commitment to introducing statutory leave and pay for parents of babies requiring neonatal care as soon as parliamentary time allows, responding to concerns about employment Bill delays.

Questions why all workers do not have full rights from day one instead of after two years in the job, linking this to the Government's broken promise on an employment Bill.

Asks about steps being taken towards net zero emissions by 2050 and specifically whether heat pumps will be more affordable for working households.

Outlines the Government's plans for a net zero strategy, including ambitious targets like installing 600,000 heat pumps annually by 2028, and addresses concerns about new oil fields and coal mines.

Asked about the energy trilemma and if lessons can be drawn from an Australia to ASEAN power link project for UK's own challenges.

Expressed concern over the closure of the GKN plant in Erdington, its impact on local workers, automotive industry transition, and national interests. Called for continued government involvement in talks with GKN to find a resolution.

Welcomed the issuance of the UK's first sovereign green gilt and suggested that more corporations should issue corporate green debt.

Criticised the government for not adequately preparing for the energy crisis, arguing that countries prioritising low-carbon energy are better insulated against price shocks. Demanded a more efficient and diverse green energy sector in Budget 2021.

Asked the Minister to meet him and representatives of the ceramics industry to discuss how they can achieve net zero.

Inquired about backing for the Acorn project as a track 1 cluster and criticised high grid charges in Scotland compared to Europe, questioning the sustainability of renewables projects there.

Asked for continued support for zero emissions targets projects in Northern Lincolnshire and urged a visit to the Humber region.

Questioned the effectiveness of the green homes grant voucher scheme, calling for longer-term planning that benefits both industry and net zero targets.

Welcomed new BEIS Ministers and asked about concrete plans to deliver net zero in Scotland through the North Sea transition deal.

Asked what steps are being taken in response to the Climate Change Committee’s 2021 annual progress report.

The Environmental Audit Committee recently made recommendations to support community energy projects such as Greater Manchester Community Renewables. He asks the Minister to emphasise the importance of community energy in the upcoming net zero strategy and implement practical measures for community energy, including investment for transition projects.

He questions whether scrapping insulation policies has left customers vulnerable during recent price rises. He challenges the Minister to take responsibility for the failure of home insulation policies and asks what actions will be taken now.

He inquires about the progress towards increasing offshore wind power capacity from 30 GW to 40 GW by 2030 to meet net zero targets.

He congratulates local businesses on keeping the country supplied but expresses concern about a shortage of HGV drivers. He asks for support to help companies innovate in solving this issue.

She criticises the Government's lack of foresight regarding supply chain issues, leading to warnings being ignored and resulting in food shortages and job losses. She urges universal credit not to be cut.

He questions steps taken by his Department for supporting hydrogen production in the UK and asks the Minister to visit Warrington and support the HyNet scheme for decarbonisation of local businesses.

He welcomes the new Minister and questions about benefits from a deal between BP, ADNOC, and Masdar in Tees Valley. He highlights local efforts to revolutionise the green energy sector.

He welcomes the Secretary of State’s hydrogen strategy launch but questions if there is enough commitment from the Government towards developing and installing green hydrogen boilers across the country to replace fossil fuel boilers by 2030.

Asked the Secretary of State to reassure on grid strengthening for electric vehicles in rural areas.

Acknowledged the importance of economic success in the green transition and committed to discussing electric vehicle charge roll-out plans. Admitted delay in publishing heat and buildings strategy but defended progress made under his leadership. Stressed that universal credit is a matter for the Chancellor.

Critiqued the Government's failure on home insulation, citing higher emissions from buildings than in 2015 and criticising cuts to spending. Pressured the Secretary of State to admit that families will be paying for the Government’s failure this winter.

Asked about plans for the implementation, ownership, governance, and funding of key elements of the national space strategy.

Pressed the Secretary of State to commit to supporting a £50 million spending review bid for motor neurone disease research after meeting Doddie Weir.

Asked the Minister or the Secretary of State to visit Cornish Lithium and Geothermal Engineering Ltd with her in the near future.

Questioned steps being taken by the Minister to ensure large online retailers do not undercut high street stores, highlighting the loss of shops like BHS and Debenhams.

Pressed for accelerated plans for home insulation schemes to help bring down household bills and make homes greener.

Challenged the Government's decision to proceed with Cambo oilfield development, arguing it contradicts international commitments towards climate change mitigation.

Inquired about a fundamental review of business rates and its progress since retail accounts for 5% of the economy but pays 25% of all business rates.

Asked Ministers to sit down with job application platforms such as LinkedIn to require minimum salary levels in adverts, as many applicants face uncertainty about salaries during recruitment processes.

Inquired about steps being taken to ensure that nuclear power forms an important part of the future energy mix.

Pressed the Secretary of State on blue hydrogen investment, questioning its alignment with net zero targets given it relies on natural gas.

Emphasised the importance of carbon capture in the net zero strategy, mentioned that blue hydrogen is less carbon-intensive but requires specific infrastructure such as Germany's lack thereof.

Asked about steps being taken to increase grid capacity for renewable energy deployment.

Responded that there are robust processes in place for upgrading the grid and mentioned smart technologies such as electric vehicle charging, which can help reduce infrastructure needs.

Questioned about how UK steel producers can attract investment to decarbonise despite high electricity costs compared to European competitors.

Discussed ongoing issues with energy prices for the steel industry and mentioned reviving the Steel Council to develop ideas for a sustainable, decarbonised sector.

Welcomed the Minister back to his position and on Gloucestershire Day, asked about supporting nuclear fusion technology in Gloucestershire.

Answered affirmatively that the Department would look closely at the bid for supporting nuclear fusion in Gloucestershire.

Expressed concerns about grid access for renewables and suggested energy storage solutions, asking what could be done to facilitate this.

Responded positively to meeting with the hon. Member to discuss energy storage solutions in Northern Ireland.

Asked about legislation for compensation for postmasters affected by the Horizon scandal, highlighting the need for timely justice and compensation.

Responded positively to considering all options required to ensure sub-postmasters can seek justice and request compensation following the Horizon scandal.