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Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
07 June 2022
Lead MP
Wera Hobhouse
Bath
Lib Dem
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
EconomyClimateNorthern IrelandEnergyBusiness & TradeBenefits & Welfare
Other Contributors: 62
At a Glance
Wera Hobhouse 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
EconomyClimateNorthern IrelandEnergyBusiness & TradeBenefits & Welfare
Government Response
Discussed the Government's strategy for renewable energy deployment and announced an upcoming energy Bill that will redefine Ofgem’s remit. Also discussed Scotland's support for renewables, provided figures on financial support for businesses during the cost of living crisis, and emphasised steps being taken to help consumers with reducing their own energy costs. Responded to questions on hydrogen exports, tidal energy projects, and consumer support for green technologies. Also provided details on the Government's commitment to £175 million in tidal energy investments over two decades. Responded positively to reducing unnecessary regulation, supporting financial services sector competitiveness, passing along concerns regarding Northern Ireland businesses fees, noting the Government's desire to support businesses through difficult times. Also highlighted progress in securing business investment and continued work on EU funding programmes. [Responses from Lee Rowley, Paul Scully, Greg Hands, Kwasi Kwarteng] Announced £210 million investment in Rolls-Royce SMRs, committed £37 billion for vulnerable households' cost of living support, and addressed concerns about nuclear reactor projects. Also provided updates on the National Security and Investment Act regarding Newport Wafer Fab acquisition.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Asked about plans to support the renewable energy sector and questioned why Ofgem's remit has not been reformed despite it being a barrier to increasing grid capacity.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
Discussed Scotland’s offshore wind and tidal capacity, questioning the Government about matching funding for a just transition fund. Also criticised the lack of support for renewable projects in Scotland.
Asked for an assessment on the potential effects of raising energy price caps on standards of living.
Inquired about assessments made by the Government regarding the impact of increasing energy price caps on living standards and criticised the lack of support for businesses during the cost of living crisis.
Congratulated Kwasi Kwarteng on the package of support provided to consumers and businesses, asking him to update the House on more steps that can be taken to reduce energy costs.
Pressed for an ambitious retrofit and insulation programme and asked about delays in legislation for ECO4, questioning if it will definitely be laid before Parliament.
Inquired about the timing of the ECO4 legislation and criticised the Department's contribution to high price caps through new customer levies.
Asked about steps being taken to support low-carbon technologies, specifically inquiring about measures to reduce heat pump costs for more people.
Chris Clarkson
Con
Heywood and Middleton
Emphasised the potential for green hydrogen to create new jobs in his constituency, citing Scout Moor wind farm.
Suggested a meeting with a firm proposing continuous power from tidal basins as a path towards net zero emissions.
Darren Jones
Lab
Bristol North West
Asked the Minister to clarify if climate compatibility checkpoints would apply to existing oil and gas investment decisions.
Meg Hillier
Lab Co-op
Hackney South and Shoreditch
Inquired about measures for ensuring low-income consumers can afford green energy technologies.
Proposed meeting with Professor Andrew Barron to discuss blending hydrogen into the gas grid to reduce carbon emissions.
Luke Evans
Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
Asked for a meeting to discuss issues around the apprenticeship levy and its impact on industries struggling with recruitment.
Questioned the Secretary of State's role in industrial strategy and expressed concerns about the apprenticeship levy and kickstart scheme.
Asked about steps being taken to promote fusion energy, particularly the location decision for the spherical tokamak plant.
Jamie Stone
Lib Dem
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Suggested Dounreay as a potential site for nuclear fusion research given its history and local support.
Asked about steps being taken to ensure UK businesses benefit from leaving the EU.
Inquired about measures for ensuring UK businesses can take advantage of post-Brexit opportunities.
Julie Marson
Con
Hertford and Stortford
Asked the Government to outline steps they are taking to reduce unnecessary regulation following EU departure, allowing businesses to compete effectively.
Craig Tracey
Con
North Warwickshire
Emphasised the importance of supporting the insurance and financial services sector outside London, advocating for a strong competitiveness duty on the regulator to maximise post-EU opportunities.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Called for refunding Northern Ireland businesses fees paid to mainland suppliers under the Northern Ireland protocol, citing difficulties in finding suppliers due to red tape and confusion.
Asked when businesses in his constituency would start to see benefits from leaving the EU, noting that they currently face staffing shortages, supply chain disruptions, and export delays.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Highlighted British business reliance on science for long-term growth, stressing the need to secure continued participation in the EU's Horizon programme despite Brexit challenges.
Ben Spencer
Con
Runnymede and Weybridge
Inquired about progress made in securing business investment in the UK, particularly noting the constituency's role as a location for building on relationships with northern European countries like Finland and Sweden.
Seema Malhotra
Lab Co-op
Feltham and Heston
Criticised the Government's approach to business investment, citing red tape, rising taxes, and ministerial complacency as factors making Britain less attractive for investment.
Judith Cummins
Lab
Bradford South
Questioned whether the government could ensure affordable energy provision during winter 2022-23, raising concerns over gas storage and potential power cuts due to shortages.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Asked about steps taken by the government to support business incubators and accelerators, highlighting York’s reliance on releasing entrepreneurial talent for economic growth.
George Freeman
Con
Mid Norfolk
He supports social enterprises being mainstreamed in the business community and mentions a recent report by an all-party parliamentary group for social enterprise. He also highlights the government's announcement of the biggest increase in research and development and innovation funding, totaling £25 billion over three years.
She asks about steps being taken to support manufacturers, particularly focusing on decarbonisation efforts for green steel production and seeks assurance that the government will continue working closely with British Steel in Scunthorpe.
She queries about steps being taken to support the manufacturing sector and specifically asks if a meeting can be arranged between Lee Rowley and her colleagues regarding upgrades to the A50/A500 corridor that runs through Burton and Uttoxeter.
He expresses commitment to supporting the manufacturing sector, emphasising its importance for national resilience. He announces plans to launch a new manufacturing investment prospectus this year and reassures Holly Mumby-Croft about continued support for British Steel in Scunthorpe.
He asks about legislative proposals on neonatal leave and pay, expressing disappointment at the lack of an employment Bill but highlighting cross-party agreement on this issue.
He discusses ongoing efforts to prepare for implementing neonatal leave and pay legislation once parliamentary time allows, emphasising the importance of background measures such as guidance development for businesses and HMRC.
Justin Madders
Lab
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
He criticises the government's lack of action on an employment Bill despite repeated promises, questioning their commitment to delivering policies like neonatal pay, flexible working rights, and worker protection.
He inquires about further steps being taken to improve energy efficiency of domestic buildings, highlighting past issues with the government's approach to such programmes.
She raises concerns regarding the use of confidentiality clauses by employers to cover up workplace mismanagement and discrimination, calling for legislation to outlaw these practices.
She questions the government's plans to bring forward legislative proposals to prohibit fire and rehire practices, emphasising the human cost involved in such situations.
He asks about steps being taken by the Department to deliver new and advanced nuclear power in the UK.
Jack Lopresti
Con
Filton and Bradley Stoke
Asked about the commissioning of small modular reactors by Rolls-Royce, which he believes will provide additional investment in national infrastructure, create jobs and secure energy independence.
Alan Brown
SNP
Clydebank and Copland
Questioned whether the Government's plan to build new nuclear reactors each year is realistic given that Hinkley Point C has exceeded budget and timeline, and Sizewell C lacks investment.
Claire Coutinho
Con
East Surrey
Commended the Secretary of State for calling in Newport Wafer Fab under the National Security and Investment Act to protect national security interests. Asked about next steps.
Jonathan Reynolds
Lab Co-op
Stalybridge and Hyde
Asked if the Business Secretary would support a chair or chief executive who broke rules, ignored laws, and promised to do so again. Also inquired about uncertainty surrounding windfall tax.
Welcomed Royal Mail depot's shift to electric vehicles but expressed concern over demand on the electricity system for industrial estates to accommodate more EVs.
Ian Byrne
Lab
Liverpool West Derby
Expressed concerns about 'fire and rehire' tactics used by employers, such as British Gas and British Airways, during the pandemic. Called for employment legislation outlawing these practices.
Asked if Milton Keynes should receive a fair share of funding from the UK Research and Innovation fund due to its history in science and innovation.
Mary Glindon
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
Inquired about efforts to improve recovery rates for cancer trials and clinical research post-pandemic, suggesting a meeting with Cancer Research UK.
Praised the contribution of local markets and traders to high street diversity and regeneration. Acknowledged support from many Members in the 'Love Your Local Market' campaign.
Sought support for insect protein industry, which faces Brexit-related challenges but could address climate impacts of agri-food sector.
Laura Farris
Con
Newbury
Expressed frustration over petrol stations not passing on Treasury fuel duty cuts to consumers and asked about progress made by the Competition and Markets Authority.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Asked about steps being taken to reduce bureaucracy for scientists accessing MND research funding of £50 million announced last November.
George Freeman
Con
Mid Norfolk
Responded that the Department is looking at reducing administrative bureaucracy through the Professor Adam Tickell review and will talk her through it.
Asked about support for companies like Bolton Gate under new UKCA marking regulations to ensure they can operate for another 100 years.
Responded that the Government is taking a pragmatic approach, working closely with industry to understand and resolve implementation challenges of the UKCA regime.
Asked for a full impact assessment on tax policy for electricity generators and its effects on renewables investment in Scotland for net zero goals.
Responded that details of the fiscal change will be worked out with consultation, ultimately a responsibility for the Treasury.
Helen Morgan
Lib Dem
North Shropshire
Inquired about steps being taken to support haulage businesses affected by record-high fuel prices and labour shortages.
Responded that the Government is engaging constantly with the sector, but found it rich for Liberal Democrats to claim reduction in fuel duty not passed on given they voted against it.
Asked about Secretary of State’s role and mentioned that energy from waste was hardly mentioned despite potential to produce 20% of our energy needs.
Responded by mentioning the net zero strategy including energy from waste in relation to energy needs.
Asked for a timetable on various legislation in Queen’s Speech to hold dodgy company directors accountable immediately, not 10 or 15 years later.
Responded about corporate governance reviews and the Rating (Coronavirus) and Directors Disqualification (Dissolved Companies) Act 2021, stating Lord Callanan will respond accordingly.
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