Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

He recognised the strength of feeling around Jodrell Bank and emphasised the importance of making science-based decisions on the prioritisation of funding. He highlighted the significant R&D budget in the UK and the importance of ensuring that decisions are based on scientific criteria.

She called for backbench MPs to adhere to the rules of order and allowed the shadow Minister to speak.

He questioned the Secretary of State about the decision-making process regarding the funding of the STFC, highlighting the closure of Jodrell Bank and the tension between research projects and subscription projects.

He welcomed the new Minister and questioned the steps taken to support investment in science and research, particularly in relation to the financial position of the STFC and its ability to maintain a sustainable future.

She suggested a standard national framework for spin-out IP and quintupling proof-of-concept funding to ensure that British discoveries scale domestically rather than abroad.

She welcomed the Minister to his new role and questioned the progress on the dashboard mentioned in her committee's report on regional growth and innovation.

She highlighted the case of Universal Quantum, a home-grown company based in her constituency that has struggled to secure funding from the UK Government despite attracting significant foreign investment.

He questioned the steps being taken under the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025 to hold online marketplaces accountable for the safety of products sold on their platforms.

She raised concerns about the proliferation of high-powered e-bikes and e-scooters bought online and questioned the Government's ability to limit their sales under the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025.

Emphasised the importance of private investment and private capital for sustained economic growth. Noted the positive business investment figures and the Government's efforts to attract private investment through the industrial strategy.

Welcomed the question on reindustrialisation, emphasising the need for policy intervention to scale up innovation in the UK. Announced the upcoming launch of the British industrial competitiveness scheme to lower energy and electricity prices for manufacturers.

Supported the Golden Valley development in west Cheltenham, which aims to generate 12,000 jobs and £1 billion of investment, and requested support for designated area status to facilitate local reinvestment.

Acknowledged the attractiveness of the Golden Valley development and promised to follow up on the request for support from the Government.

Criticised the current GDP growth rate as complacent and suggested the need for ambitious targets and a focus on deregulation and lowering costs for businesses.

Acknowledged the resilience of the UK economy despite challenging global conditions, and highlighted the Government's efforts to reduce industrial electricity prices and support businesses through trade deals and regulatory reform.

Asked about steps to help tackle late payments to small businesses, citing the impact on local manufacturers and fabricators.

Noted the Government's determination to tackle late payments and highlighted the Commercial Payments Bill to introduce maximum payment terms and strengthen the powers of the Small Business Commissioner.

Raised concerns about the impact of late payments on small businesses and inquired about support for firms struggling to recover payments.

Acknowledged the challenges faced by small businesses in chasing late payments and emphasised the Commercial Payments Bill's role in turning the power relationship in favour of small businesses.

Asked about steps to help protect consumers from rogue traders, citing a case involving a constituent who was left with a substandard kitchen installation.

Supported the independent furniture and home improvement ombudsman’s new approved code and payment protection scheme to help identify trusted traders and protect consumers. Announced plans to continue efforts to protect families and support reputable traders.

Sought further measures to combat rogue traders, noting the lack of accountability and the need for robust enforcement mechanisms.

Acknowledged the need for additional measures and the ongoing efforts to support the Competition and Markets Authority and local trading standards in imposing penalties.

Criticised the Government for refusing to provide sufficient funding to National Trading Standards for a national investigation into rogue traders in the park homes sector.

Acknowledged the severe funding cuts faced by trading standards since 2010 and committed to supporting efforts to overhaul the consumer protection landscape and improve trading standards.

Inquired about discussions with Cabinet colleagues regarding the potential impact of data centre developments on resource capacity in the south-west.

We work closely with relevant departments to ensure sustainable development of critical infrastructure. The planning system accounts for long-term implications for water and wider resource supply. AI growth zones are designed to be investments in areas with sufficient energy capacity and infrastructure can be enhanced.

Data centres in England are using about 6.6 million litres of drinking water a day, set to triple by 2030. Households in Devon and Cornwall have been under a hosepipe ban since August. Businesses face water restrictions. The Government should legislate to require new data centres to operate with low water dependency, particularly in the south of England.

There are environmental consequences and overblown claims regarding job creation by data centres. The biggest concern is about whose interests they will operate. The Government should take steps to ensure that AI works for the people, not just for big tech companies.

Asked about the steps taken to support the advanced manufacturing sector. The Government has taken measures to boost investment, productivity and growth in advanced manufacturing with £4.3 billion of funding.

Royal Mail has failed to meet Ofcom delivery targets for first-class mail since 2017. The price of a first-class stamp has increased by 166% since then. Royal Mail’s continual failure affects the most vulnerable groups in society.

85% of people have experienced delays in Tonbridge and Cranbrook delivery offices, 25% have missed a deadline or an appointment, and 20% have experienced a three-week gap between postal deliveries. Royal Mail’s service is totally unacceptable.

Asked about discussions on the development of place-based business cases. The Minister is taking steps with other Departments to ensure that the key investment case for Cornwall will prevent wealth from being shipped abroad and will ensure that Cornish jobs are created.

The Crown post office in York closed after 138 years. We need a solution for the city centre post office before a sustained outcome is achieved. The Minister should take steps to ensure that we have a temporary solution.

Addressed concerns about post office services in York city centre and confirmed the Post Office's commitment to a replacement branch. Also discussed support for the hospitality sector, including business rates relief and a new hospitality grant scheme.

Discussed the regulatory framework for artificial intelligence, mentioning areas such as data protection, competition policy, equality legislation, and online safety. Also expressed support for the Government’s role in advocating for an international agreement to regulate AI during the 2027 G20 presidency.

Asked about steps the Department is taking to regulate artificial intelligence and about supporting the call for an international agreement to regulate AI development.

Inquired about steps being taken to support businesses in the hospitality sector, specifically urging for a lower NICs rate to enable hiring more young people.

Expressed concern about the closure of Marston’s brewery and asked whether brewing would now be included in industrial strategy and energy schemes.

Critiqued the high tax rate imposed on the hospitality sector and questioned what steps the Government is taking to lower business costs for the sector.

Asked the Minister to confirm that the Diamond Light Source and ISIS Neutron and Muon Source facilities will remain open and operational.

Discussed the inadequate Royal Mail services in his constituency and questioned how to ensure Ofcom effectively enforces the universal service obligation.

Stated that questions should be on point.

Discussed the success of a trade mission to India, highlighting new deals worth over £1 billion and the potential boost to bilateral trade.

Dockerill questions the Prime Minister's clarity on the preferred relationship with the EU and raises concerns about the potential impact of UK-EU trade talks on non-EU trade deals.

Ward expresses concern about the strain on the hospitality sector in Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, specifically mentioning the closure of two LGBTQ+ bars, and invites the Secretary of State to meet local businesses to discuss support measures.

Olney criticises the Government's refusal to cross their red lines in UK-EU trade talks despite the ongoing damage caused to businesses by Brexit, suggesting it is a dereliction of duty.

Anderson seeks a meeting with the Minister to discuss how to attract new businesses and jobs to Bletchley through the Bletchley investment taskforce's investment prospectus.

Vickers requests positive news about the British Steel development board to be shared in Scunthorpe.

Francis asks the Minister to outline the assessment of postal delivery services adequacy in Bexleyheath and Crayford and seek improvements.

Jenrick raises the cases of workers sacked for confronting shoplifters and asks the Secretary of State to agree that those workers deserve their jobs back and better protection.

Newbury asks how the Department is helping British manufacturers remain competitive, attract investment, and mitigate rising food production costs due to energy costs.

Law questions the Government's approval of Rosebank, arguing it contributes to climate disaster and facilitates illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine, and asks for sanctions against Delek Group.

Tufnell welcomes Government support for British industry but asks for the scope of the British industrial competitiveness scheme to be expanded to include the oil refinery sector.

Thanked his hon. Friend for support towards the refining industry and acknowledged ongoing work on the UK carbon border adjustment mechanism and engagement with the industry.

Asked about the impact of high business rates on a local camping business and requested a meeting to discuss possible solutions.

Acknowledged the dramatic increase in business rates and suggested the Treasury be contacted for assistance.

Asked for Government amendments on the Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill to ensure statutory AI protections.

Acknowledged the importance of AI security protections and mentioned working with parliamentarians on ideas for the Bill.

Inquired about Government support for space technology and satellite research and development.

Acknowledged the importance of space technology and mentioned the launch of the UK's space strategy and SaxaVord launch capacity investment.

Asked about support for businesses such as Hill Helicopters in growing, thriving and exporting.

Praised the Aerospace Technology Institute and the investment in the sector, and emphasised the importance of advanced manufacturing.

Asked about steps being taken to ensure McLaren and other businesses can expand.

Praised the automotive sector investment and mentioned the need to talk to the company about local issues.

Congratulated Malcolm Wilson and M-Sport on securing the Ford world rally car championship and asked about support for apprenticeships.

Endorsed the achievement and highlighted the industrial heritage of Cumbria.

Asked the Secretary of State to open talks on a customs union with the EU.

Acknowledged the challenges faced by Scottish food and drink exporters and mentioned the reduction of tariffs on products such as whisky and salmon.

Asked for the Minister to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to securing the XLZD dark matter experiment for the UK.

Acknowledged the importance of the Boulby underground laboratory and mentioned the need for additional funding if the UK is successful in securing the experiment.

Asked about the potential of UK sites for heavy-lift rocket testing, specifically RAF Spadeadam.

Acknowledged the potential of Spadeadam and mentioned the need for a full assessment of the potential alongside other launch facilities.

Asked about interventions to secure new industry and jobs for the Grangemouth site.

Acknowledged the importance of the Grangemouth site and mentioned the taskforce meeting to push for faster action to prepare the groundwork for investment.

Asked the Minister to consider consulting with the Post Office on alternatives when post offices close in main cities and to look again at the franchise model.

Acknowledged the matter and offered to meet the hon. Friend to discuss it further.

Asked about plans to invest in domestic refinement of tin and tungsten.

Acknowledged the request and mentioned the £50 million investment for the development work.

Asked about the Royal Mail sorting offices in his area and the lack of service, expressing concern about the situation worsening.

I share my hon. Friend’s frustrations and concerns. Whether it is the biggest issue in my inbox and my constituency or from what I have heard from colleagues across the House, it is clear that Royal Mail has to do better, and I have been frank in my discussions with Royal Mail’s chief executive officer that it must deliver improvements at a much quicker pace. I will continue working with my hon. Friend to ensure that we can deliver for his constituents and those across the country who need a reliable postal service.