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British Products Public Procurement Bill - Proposed amendments to encourage the uptake of British products in UK Government contracts
15 March 2024
Lead MP
Sarah Champion
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
EmploymentAgriculture & Rural AffairsStandards & Ethics
Other Contributors: 12
At a Glance
Sarah Champion raised concerns about british products public procurement bill - proposed amendments to encourage the uptake of british products in uk government contracts in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Ms. Champion moves that the Bill be read a Second time, focusing on minor amendments to both the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 and the Procurement Act 2023 to promote British products in UK Government contracts. She emphasises transparency and raising the importance of product origin, animal welfare standards, environmental impact, and employment conditions in procurement decisions. The Bill aims to increase SME access to public contracts, address issues such as foreign supplier dominance, and encourage better employment practices within procurement.
Steven Baker
NOT provided but implied by the intervention
Offers the opportunity for a meeting with officials to discuss potential amendments or improvements to the Bill. Recognises common ground between Government and proposed policy intent.
Peter Gibson
Lab
Darlington
Commends Sarah Champion's support of his initiative for 'Buy British' buttons on supermarket websites, calls for wider adoption. Acknowledges the role of public institutions in influencing consumer choice when it comes to procurement.
Brighton, Kemptown
Supports the importance of Champion's Bill progressing now, even as measures from a recent Procurement Bill have not yet come into force. Suggests the reporting requirement under the Bill would apply pressure to ensure that choices made on behalf of consumers are in line with British values.
Mark Tami
Lab
Alyn and Deeside
Highlights the high costs involved for smaller companies when tendering for public contracts, which can be detrimental if they do not win. Emphasises the need to address this issue.
Janet Daby
Lab
Lewisham East
Praises Champion's points and inquires about why the Government have allowed many procurements to foreign suppliers over British SMEs. Supports transparency measures.
Peter Gibson
Con
Darlington
Congratulates the hon. Member for Rotherham on her Bill, which supports British business and encourages embracing support for expanding British business. Supports the intention to help small and medium-sized enterprises but calls for progress with measures in the Procurement Act 2023.
Brighton Kemptown
Supports the Bill as a step towards developing measures that evaluate social value in contracts. Criticises current procurement processes and advocates for more focus on British procurement to improve local economies, job standards, and environmental protection.
Janet Daby
Lab
Lewisham East
Supports the Bill as a means to reform the procurement system in favour of British businesses. Points out that small and medium-sized enterprises are being sidelined by foreign suppliers under the current Government.
Lyn Brown
Lab
Newham Westside
Supports community wealth building and increasing local procurement spend to address austerity impacts. Cites Newham's general fund cut by 18% while population increased by 16%. Emphasises the importance of long-term resilience and inclusive economy through locally rooted institutions like councils, schools, police, universities, health boards, and housing associations. Highlights initiatives such as a living wage zone in Royal Docks with over 100 local employers signed up to pay £13.15 an hour. Encourages businesses to take various steps towards community wealth building including buying local and reducing carbon footprints.
Nia Griffith
Lab
Llanelli
Congratulates Sarah Champion on her Bill for small and medium-sized enterprises. Acknowledges shocking facts showing SMEs missing out to foreign suppliers or big multinationals manufacturing abroad across various industries. Emphasises procurement policy can support British businesses by using social, environmental, and labour clauses in contract design. Criticises the Government's Procurement Act 2023 for allowing wasteful emergency contracting rules that favour Tory friends/donors over local skilled businesses.
Richard Fuller
Con
North Bedfordshire
Raised a point of order about Labour Members allegedly preventing discussion of the next Bill, denying Conservative Members' claim of 'talking out'.
Roger Gale
Con
Herne Bay and Sandwich
Disputed Richard Fuller's point of order, stating it is not a valid point for the Chair and noting Nia Griffith was speaking from the Opposition Front Bench.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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