Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Emphasised the importance of life sciences in defending against future pandemics, questioned the Secretary's plans to locate more manufacturing facilities domestically.

Asked about the Prime Minister’s intentions to split up Kwasi Kwarteng’s Department. Highlighted the lack of action in doubling dementia research funding despite promises made during the Conservative manifesto.

Asked about the timeline for doubling dementia research funding as promised by the Conservative party. Criticised the Government's policies on dementia research, describing them as 'all talk and no action'.

Inquired about steps being taken to support offshore wind energy generation.

Asked about the Secretary of State's plans for floating offshore wind power, emphasising Great Grimsby’s role in the industry.

Welcomed support for wind power but contrasted it with the Government's indecision on a new coalmine. Suggested that COP26 was disappointing regarding coal mining.

Inquired about contract for difference levels matching interconnector requirements for Scotland’s offshore islands, particularly the Hebrides.

Complimented the comprehensive spending review and Budget announcement on R&D investment. Mentioned NETPark in Sedgefield as an example of successful Government support.

Asked about steps being taken to promote manufacturing jobs and production, criticising Melrose’s decision to move a factory to Poland with taxpayers’ money.

Supported the Government's commitment to a strong, vibrant manufacturing sector. Mentioned initiatives such as Help to Grow and Made Smarter programme.

Asked the Minister about the UK's position in comparison to Canada, France and Japan regarding financial mechanisms for tidal energy and whether the Government would support jobs in Scotland.

Responded that the Department will continue to look at opportunities to decarbonise the electricity grid and ensure long-term energy support through various technologies including tidal.

Asked if the Chancellor’s capital investment tax relief is leading to a sharp increase in manufacturing investment, providing an example from Alpro's Burton Latimer site.

Confirmed that support from the Treasury and Chancellor can ensure long-term investment in plant and machinery improving productivity across the country.

Asked about steps to allocate funding from the Clean Steel Fund before 2023 following developments in Sweden and Germany, highlighting CO2 emissions from primary steel plants.

Replied that the Government is engaging with UK steel companies through various meetings and dialogue to understand their decarbonisation plans and support them on this journey.

Critiqued the lack of urgency in delivering a timetable for implementing the Clean Steel Fund, questioning why British industries are losing out to European competitors.

Defended the Government's support for steel industry including £600 million-worth of support since 2013 and ongoing engagement with UK steel companies through various schemes.

Asked about steps to protect families from increases in global gas prices, highlighting concerns around elderly and vulnerable residents in Tiverton and Honiton.

Responded that the Government’s energy price cap will ensure protection for households and businesses from rising wholesale gas prices, with schemes like warm home discount and winter fuel payments to support vulnerable households throughout the winter.

Questioned whether existing steps are providing immediate relief to people struggling due to rising energy bills, suggesting VAT cuts on energy bills as an alternative measure.

Stated that schemes like warm home discount and winter fuel payments target vulnerable groups effectively, dismissing the idea of a broad-based VAT cut which would be untargeted towards those most in need.

He discussed the Government's support for tidal energy projects, mentioning an allocation round in December and a £175 million innovation funding since 2003.

Asked about the lack of government support for tidal stream despite allocating significant funds to nuclear projects like Sizewell C and called for a £71 million pot for tidal energy.

Requested a meeting with Greg Hands regarding the proposed Colwyn Bay tidal lagoon project, highlighting local support and its potential capacity of over 2 GW.

Emphasised the need for a ringfenced pot for tidal stream energy to reduce costs and pressed for an outcome by the end of the month regarding the contract for difference.

Asked about steps being taken to tackle misuse of non-disclosure agreements, highlighting legislation commitment and ongoing efforts to clarify limitations of NDAs.

Inquired if the minister would ensure that organisations reliant on public money do not use NDAs to silence workplace complaints.

Asked about steps being taken to support decarbonisation in aviation, highlighting sustainable aviation fuel challenges and the need for a global approach.

Critiqued the Transport Secretary's actions against airfield development as contrary to efforts towards transport decarbonisation.

Asked about steps being taken to support renewable energy and expressed concerns over insufficient charging infrastructure in parts of the Midlands.

Argued that pursuit of renewable energy is causing immediate environmental damage, such as deforestation for wind farms and biofuels.

Invited the Secretary of State to visit Teesside to see plans linking renewable energy with green hydrogen production.

Asked the Secretary of State about the contradiction between permitting Cambo oilfield and the shift towards clean energy.

Responded by stating that licences were granted under Labour's government, acknowledged a transition but disagreed with Labour’s approach to shutting down the industry.

Inquired about steps being taken to increase nuclear power generation and welcomed the Government's commitment, praising Peter Brotherhood for its modular steam turbine manufacturing in Peterborough.

Asked what steps were being taken to deliver new nuclear power generation and specifically inquired about ensuring fuel production for future reactors would take place in Lancashire.

Inquired how Northern Ireland could benefit from nuclear power despite not having any current capacity, seeking equal opportunities with the rest of the UK.

Asked about steps being taken to support greener and better-insulated homes and urged a commitment to a zero-carbon standard for new home construction.

Inquired about steps being taken to support energy-intensive businesses, especially those in High Peak affected by rising global energy prices.

Asked about steps being taken to help reduce the cost of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and expressed concern over householders' ability to afford new heating systems.

Criticises the UK Government's approach towards Australia in climate negotiations, highlighting inconsistencies and failures to act on multiple fronts such as overseas aid cuts and green recovery investments.

Praises Exeter airport’s progress in clean aviation technology and seeks further support for innovative green initiatives from the government.

Questions the transparency of financial dealings involving Liverpool Victoria demutualisation, demanding clearer disclosure to protect shareholder interests.

Highlights the potential for new energy-saving technologies in industry and asks the government to support businesses like Powergas with incentives.

Raises concerns about unsafe toys being sold through online marketplaces, urging the minister to meet to discuss tightening safety standards.

Welcomes recent steps by the government to revitalise the UK’s nuclear industry and emphasises its importance for a cleaner and greener energy system.

Questions the Secretary of State's comments on the Aquind project, demanding he correct his record and recuse himself from decision-making to avoid conflicts of interest.

Compliments the BEIS ministerial team for their support during the pandemic and asks for further measures to address workforce shortages in key sectors like hospitality, retail, and leisure.

Critiques the UK Government's handling of green investment opportunities in Scotland, citing examples such as shelved carbon capture projects and issues with renewable energy funding.

Discusses challenges faced by private wire power purchasing agreements (PPAs) in renewables and seeks government facilitation for their growth.

Questions the UK Government's decision to prioritise projects over Scotland’s carbon capture project, advocating for funding guarantees or independence if necessary.

Advocates for the construction of an offshore transmission network in the southern North Sea to save money for consumers, limit damage to local communities and the environment. Asks the Minister to restart a previously planned consultation on a regulated asset base finance model for renewables and low-carbon energy-generating assets.

Critiques the Government's approach to employment rights, noting an increase in gig economy workforce and support for inadequate sick pay. Questions why the Government abandoned their own Employment Bill and blocked a private Member’s Bill.

Highlights the importance of R&D investment in Suffolk and Norfolk, particularly concerning low carbon and life sciences sectors, to tackle deprivation in coastal areas. Expresses concern over plans to divert spending on R&D from these regions and calls for a reassessment.

Praises the development of hydrogen production as an exciting industrial advancement and highlights JCB’s pioneering work with Queen's University Belfast. Seeks support for capitalizing on this engineering excellence to ensure British jobs and technology growth.