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Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
12 July 2022
Lead MP
Anthony Mangnall
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Culture, Media & SportEnergyBusiness & Trade
Other Contributors: 55
At a Glance
Anthony Mangnall raised concerns about business, energy and industrial strategy in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Response
Responded to concerns about photonics undervaluation, the energy price cap's impact on living standards, the semiconductor strategy's ownership by another department, and the importance of managing the transition while supporting vulnerable constituents off the gas grid. The Minister answered questions on investment in R&D, science funding programme Horizon Europe, fuel market review, impact of energy price rise, transmission charges for Scottish renewables producers, social tariff considerations, expansion of renewable offshore energy, and decoupling electricity prices from gas. Discussed Government's investment in low-carbon technologies, satellite launches from Cornwall and Scotland, critical minerals strategy, tariffs for small suppliers, and regulatory actions against unsafe products sold online. We have an energy price cap that protects vulnerable people and looks at market reform to decouple marginal cost from generation costs. Discussed introducing annual contract for difference auctions, committed to ensuring National Grid engages with East Anglia MPs on infrastructure projects, and announced a plan B to retain Horizon Europe funding in the UK. Responds positively to the questions from Whittingdale and Graham, acknowledging the importance of protecting creative industries and celebrating the marine energy auction. Expresses willingness to ensure that the mineworkers’ pension issue is put forward to Treasury.
Acknowledges the undervaluation of photonics in the UK and invites the Secretary of State or his successor to attend a conference on 18 October.
Expresses concern about the need for a semiconductor strategy to support the thriving UK photonics sector, urging the Government to update on its status.
Asks about recent discussions regarding the potential impact of increases in energy price caps and queries how the Government will avoid rising costs highlighted by MoneySavingExpert’s Martin Lewis.
Christopher Chope
Conservative Party
Christchurch
Questions how those living in park homes can benefit from a £400 donation from the energy price cap.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
Outlines严峻的经济形势，包括能源账单、食品和服装价格上涨以及工资停滞，并质疑政府将采取什么措施来解决这些问题。
Concerned about oil deliveries in winter for constituents off the gas grid and asks if the Government has its eye on their needs.
Caroline Lucas
Green
Critiques the new investment allowance as incentivising more fossil fuel exploration, urging the exclusion of fracking from such allowances.
Questions about specific R&D investments in pharmaceuticals and health sectors, particularly mentioning Elekta oncology's expansion.
Inquires about steps being taken to ensure British innovation leads the green energy revolution, focusing on hydrogen, modular nuclear, and fusion.
Urges greater investment in hydrogen research for various energy uses, highlighting its potential as seen in heavy goods vehicles and filling stations.
Dan Jarvis
Lab
Barnsley North
We need to increase investment in R&D and consider carefully where we spend it. South Yorkshire has some outstanding translational research institutions and universities, which should be supported by the Secretary of State.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Britain’s participation in Horizon Europe is in peril despite being critical to our world-beating research. The situation regarding funding for science is chaotic, and the Government needs to provide a better deal.
The fuel market review by the Competition and Markets Authority has shown discrepancies between crude oil prices and pump prices. My constituents in West Berkshire are experiencing very high petrol prices due to their reliance on cars, especially in rural areas.
Scottish renewables producers pay significantly higher transmission costs compared to EU countries, which affects the production of hydrogen as an important fuel. There needs to be fairness in TNUoS charges for Scottish renewables producers.
Rachel Hopkins
Lab
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
The rise in energy prices has a significant impact on households and businesses, leading to increased hardship as seen by the 119% increase in local people saying they cannot afford their energy bills.
The Minister should consider introducing a social tariff to augment measures to help cope with rising energy prices, particularly in view of the bleak winter ahead.
Tim Farron
Lib Dem
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Rural communities reliant on heating oil are seeing their prices more than double over the past 12 months. There needs to be specific measures to ensure these off-mains households are not hit harder by rising energy prices.
Penwortham can play a key role in onshoring renewable offshore energy, and it is important that environmental protection measures are adhered to as part of the expansion plans.
All retail electricity supplies should be decoupled from gas prices to reflect cheaper renewables. This would yield considerable reductions in domestic and business energy bills.
Asked about steps to support the creation of new low-carbon technologies, and inquired about investment opportunities for carbon capture and storage technology. She also questioned if the UK Government's commitment to net zero is at risk due to recent political statements.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Expressed concerns about lack of grid capacity in Wales, which hinders low-carbon development projects, and requested the Government to commit to ensuring adequate capacity.
Kerry McCarthy
Lab
Bristol East
Questioned the consistency and reliability of the UK government's commitment towards net zero given recent political statements from leadership candidates, raising concerns about investor confidence.
Inquired about progress in increasing satellite launches and space-related exports, focusing on establishing launch capacity for partners in south-east Asia.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
Asked about steps to increase the supply of rare earth metals while maintaining high environmental standards, emphasising their importance for UK industries like Nissan in Sunderland.
Bill Esterson
Lab
Sefton Central
Challenged the Government's late focus on developing a critical minerals strategy, questioning if they can build effective resilience given other countries' longer-term initiatives.
Inquired about steps to support the growth of community-owned energy projects, emphasising their importance in delivering net zero and national security.
Asked for a consultation on product safety sold online, highlighting risks faced by consumers shopping on these platforms due to unsafe goods being sold.
Requested a meeting with the Minister regarding the sale of dangerous substances like DNP, which are falsely marketed as slimming or bodybuilding products online.
Inquired about discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of energy price cap increases on living standards.
We have an energy price cap to protect consumers from wild fluctuations in prices, and it is necessary given wholesale gas prices have risen by 20 times. The Government is committed to nuclear power as a critical component of decarbonised, stable, firm power.
Gavin Newlands
SNP
Paisley and Renfrewshire North
The £400 announced by the previous Chancellor is inadequate given the expected rise in energy prices. The Government must take action to fundamentally change the energy market to ensure no one has to choose between heating and eating.
Greg Hands
Con
Hove
The Climate Change Act 2008 requires a response later this year to the committee’s report. The Government have a record of action on climate change, with net zero targets now covering 90% of global GDP.
John McNally
Lab
Pontypridd
The Climate Change Committee has said progress is lagging behind policy ambition. The Government are rolling back climate policies despite the need for action at this critical time.
Andrew Bridgen
Con
North West Leicestershire
Advanced nuclear power and fracking should be part of a short-term energy security strategy, alongside long-term investment in nuclear technology.
Paul Blomfield
Lab
Sheffield Central
Small and medium-sized enterprises are facing significant challenges due to rising energy bills. Practical support is needed rather than demonstrations of intent to help.
Jane Hunt
Con
Basingstoke
Global issues affect supply chains, but the Government have taken action to ease pressures such as expanding and streamlining tests for HGV drivers during peak demand.
Christchurch
The Government are working on how to deal with park home residents' concerns about missing out on energy bill rebates while second-home owners benefit more. A fair deal is being sought for these households.
Jonathan Reynolds
Lab Co-op
Stalybridge and Hyde
The lack of political stability under the Conservative Party has led to falling business investment in the UK, contrary to what the Secretary of State argues.
Peter Aldous
Con
Waveney
Asked about the Government’s efforts to provide certainty over future contract for difference auctions and support offshore wind developers in meeting the Government’s 2030 target.
Chris Stephens
SNP
Glasgow North East
Inquired about enforcing collectively bargained terms and conditions on P&O to improve crew pay and conditions, and requested steps to prevent P&O from undercutting rival operators.
John Lamont
Con
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Asked the Government about their progress in convincing the SNP Government of Scotland's importance regarding nuclear power for future energy needs.
Steve McCabe
Lab
Birmingham Selly Oak
Requested a response to last week’s West Midlands Combined Authority plan for growth, specifically mentioning support for electric vehicle industry projects such as securing gigafactories and the roll-out of EV infrastructure.
Julian Sturdy
Con
York Outer
Asked the Government about their ongoing commitment to backing science and technology projects in his constituency, highlighting BioYorkshire's contribution to high-skilled job creation.
Alan Brown
SNP
Clydebank and Carrickfergus
Critiqued the Secretary of State’s comments on pumped storage hydro as being dismissive towards Scotland, questioning support for carbon capture and hydrogen village trials.
George Freeman
Con
Mid Norfolk
Acknowledged his role as Science Minister and suggested that science, technology and innovation should be at the heart of the economy with a Cabinet Minister overseeing it.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
Emphasised the importance of an ambitious insulation programme for achieving net zero emissions and requested investment in this area to create jobs, cut bills and reduce household emissions.
Nia Griffith
Lab
Llanelli
Asked about funding for further research and development into grid transmission efficiency and committed support from Wales for onshore wind energy projects.
Jo Churchill
Con
Bury St Edmunds
Questioned the need for large pylons in East Anglia to transport electricity, suggesting alternative underground cabling solutions have been chosen for Scotland and northern England.
Gareth Thomas
Lab Co-op
Harrow West
Inquired about actions taken by the Government to address competition issues causing inflation in key sectors of the economy based on a CMA report.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
Asked why East Anglia was not getting a fairer share of undersea cabling infrastructure for transporting offshore wind energy, compared to Scotland and northern England.
Valerie Vaz
Lab
Walsall North
Expressed concern over the cancellation of 115 Horizon Europe grants and requested a commitment from the Government to ensure that funding remains in the UK for scientists.
Maldon
Endorses remarks about the creative industries and expresses concern over the relaxation of copyright exception for artificial intelligence. Suggests a sympathetic approach from his predecessor who agreed to look into it.
Barnsley South
Discusses the mineworkers’ pension scheme and requests the Minister to follow up on the matter with Her Majesty’s Treasury before the House rises next week.
Congratulates the Secretary of State and Energy Minister for a recent marine energy renewables auction and asks when another ringfenced pot for marine energy will be announced.
Inquires about discussions on rising energy bills' impact on community swimming pools, with concerns over potential closures raised by Swim UK and other organisations.
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