← Back to House of Commons Debates
Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
11 January 2022
Lead MP
Damien Moore
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
EconomyClimateEnergyBusiness & Trade
Other Contributors: 57
At a Glance
Damien Moore 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:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Questions about steps being taken to improve productivity levels in the UK, including support for local business and reducing bureaucracy.
Kwasi Kwarteng
Con
Spelthorne
Emphasises government efforts to level up private sector productivity across the UK, praising Damien Moore's work in his constituency.
Bill Esterson
Lab Co-op
Sefton Central
Raises concerns about procurement policies favouring foreign over domestic manufacturers, specifically questioning why UK government is buying covid tests from China despite approval issues and international scrutiny.
Gagan Mohindra
Con
South West Hertfordshire
Asks for further support for small businesses in the hospitality sector during the pandemic, highlighting the importance of pubs to communities.
Brighton Kemptown
Highlights the difficulties faced by nightclubs due to new restrictions and questions eligibility for support grants.
Maria Miller
Conservative/Democrat Unionist Party
Basingstoke
Raises concerns about financial hardships faced by businesses in her constituency and calls for further government assistance, including extending VAT discount measures.
Karl McCartney
Con
Lincoln
Questions how the government is supporting local science and innovation initiatives as part of their levelling-up agenda, citing an example from Lincoln.
Dan Jarvis
Lab Co-op
Barnsley North
Asks about distribution of R&D spending across the UK to ensure fairness in scientific investment between northern and southern regions.
James Grey
Conservative/Democrat Unionist Party
North Wiltshire
Praises the British-built research vessel RRS Sir David Attenborough, which is emblematic of Britain's leadership in science and innovation.
Valerie Vaz
Lab Co-op
Walsall North
Requests transparency regarding the business innovation forum and its role in overseeing the distribution of the shared prosperity fund.
Asked what steps are being taken to deliver new nuclear power and expressed concerns over the Scottish National party's stance on replacing old nuclear stations.
Stated that a £120 million future nuclear enabling fund has been announced to support new nuclear projects. Emphasised that net zero targets cannot be met without nuclear power and highlighted the importance of hydrogen production alongside nuclear energy. Rejected criticism about the RAB model for Sizewell C, insisting it is a necessary investment.
Questioned the viability of EPR plans for new nuclear stations and expressed scepticism over the £63 billion RAB model proposed for Sizewell C, suggesting it could be another white elephant project.
Invited the Minister to visit Wylfa Newydd in her constituency, which she considers a key site for future nuclear development and highlighted its strategic importance.
Called for more emphasis on small modular reactors (SMRs) as part of the UK's nuclear energy strategy and requested that regulators expedite processes to facilitate rapid deployment of SMR technology.
David Mundell
Con
Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Highlighted the Scottish National party’s opposition to new nuclear power stations in Scotland. Cited historical benefits from Chapelcross Power Station but noted that public support for a second such station was being blocked by current policies.
Asked about steps taken with the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to ensure adequacy of business and community flood recovery support funding. Raised concerns over SMEs’ vulnerability in the face of climate-driven flooding and suggested a proactive approach to designing relief measures.
Proposed an holistic solution for managing Britain’s longest river, the River Severn, aiming for significant economic uplift in the west midlands. Requested collaboration with DEFRA on this initiative.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
Inquired about measures to support businesses within the night-time economy and raised concerns over financial losses incurred by these establishments due to pandemic-related challenges.
Newcastle upon Tyne North
Called on the Minister to provide specific, targeted support for the night-time economy in areas that have been hit hardest by uncertainty and financial strain.
Responded positively, stating the government's commitment to supporting businesses as they open up fully to pay down debt and ensure the hospitality sector can thrive.
Laura Trott
Con
Sevenoaks
Asked about steps being taken for transitioning homes not connected to mains gas to net zero carbon emissions, particularly in rural areas.
Provided details on the boiler upgrade scheme and home upgrade grant aimed at supporting non-gas connected homes to transition towards low-carbon heating systems.
Highlighted that off-grid customers will face even higher fuel price increases compared to their on-grid neighbours and questioned if special assistance would be provided for them.
Reassured that a range of measures are in place, such as winter fuel payments, warm home discount, and cold weather payments to support off-grid customers during difficult times.
Inquired about the support being provided for life sciences clusters across the UK, specifically mentioning Ulverston and asking how the strategy will apply there.
Asked what steps are being taken to develop the UK’s life sciences sector in his constituency of Darlington.
George Freeman
Con
Mid Norfolk
Announced significant growth in private investment in the life science sector and outlined plans for future funding under the comprehensive spending review.
Stephen Metcalfe
Con
South Basildon and East Thurrock
Asked about the Department's efforts to promote diversity in life sciences.
George Freeman
Con
Mid Norfolk
Emphasised the importance of a diverse ecosystem in the science sector and noted that the UK Government is committed to making sure every community has access to jobs and opportunities in this field.
Inquired about Scottish businesses' confidence in the UK Government, noting concerns about Brexit's impact on international sales and exports.
Lee Rowley
Con
Rotherham
Stated that while Scotland has chosen to leave the EU, the UK Government is committed to ensuring success for businesses across the UK. He also responded to concerns about Scottish business confidence with a defence of the government's stance.
Andrew Bowie
Con
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Asked about the confidence of Scottish businesses in their local government, pointing out various issues affecting these companies.
Stephen Kinnock
Lab
Aberavon Maesteg
Inquired about discussions with the Welsh Government on securing power supply for Baglan energy park and urged immediate action to prevent catastrophic consequences for local businesses and communities.
Asked what new support would be provided for energy transition projects in Scotland, particularly regarding carbon capture and storage facilities and hydrogen technology.
David Duguid
Con
Banff and Buchan
Welcomed the hon. Member back to his place and asked about the UK Government’s support for the oil and gas sector, specifically in relation to carbon capture projects in his constituency.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
Critiqued the UK Government's stance on Scottish renewables projects' high grid charging compared to other regions, questioning if this is a fair union of equals.
Jessica Morden
Lab
Newport East
Asked about steps the Government is taking to support the steel industry, specifically regarding industrial energy costs and requested a commitment from Ministers to provide government support to bridge electricity price gaps.
Emphasised ongoing work with the Steel Council and engagement with the sector to develop a plan for supporting its transition towards sustainability. Acknowledged previous discussions about energy costs and expressed that the Government continues to look at options in collaboration with industry.
Complimented Lee Rowley's work for steel and asked what conversations need to take place between BEIS, the Treasury, and No. 10 to bring forward a solution to equalise unfair historical energy costs.
Asked Kwasi Kwarteng about his departmental responsibilities and requested that he support Labour's proposed windfall tax for companies like Tata Chemicals and British Steel who need urgent support due to rising energy prices.
Responded by outlining government efforts already in place such as £4.2 billion-worth of support for the most vulnerable, regular engagement with companies and Ofgem, and mentioned he is working closely to find solutions.
Complimented BEIS Ministers for locating part of their team in Darlington but questioned the planned reduction in LNER services to Darlington and asked about steps taken by Lee Rowley and colleagues to protect connectivity vital to businesses in Darlington.
Jonathan Reynolds
Lab Co-op
Stalybridge and Hyde
Welcomed tribute for Jack Dromey, criticised past Conservative decisions that worsened the energy situation and asked Kwasi Kwarteng about his plan regarding net zero in light of growing industry costs.
Ordered Jonathan Reynolds to be brief as others were waiting for their turn in the debate, emphasising brevity during topical questions.
Esther McVey
Con
Tatton
Asked Kwasi Kwarteng about gas storage levels and whether they are sufficient on a cold day as defined by National Grid. Requested clarity on the adequacy of current storage capacity.
Highlighted rising energy bills during cost of living crisis, requested Secretary of State to ask Chancellor for measures such as cutting VAT on energy and increasing warm homes discount for vulnerable households.
Asked Lee Rowley to support Intelligent Energy's bid for investment from the automotive transformation fund which aims at establishing a hydrogen fuel cell gigafactory in Rushcliffe and bringing green jobs.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
Asked the Minister to commit to a region-by-region impact assessment of businesses adapting to the Government’s Brexit deal, highlighting that 91% of Wandsworth businesses are suffering negative effects.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Inquired about HSBC's investment in a Xinjiang company sanctioned by the US for atrocity crimes, urging the Minister to call the bank for an explanation.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
Asked the Minister to ensure that any compensation scheme for Horizon Post Office scandal victims adopts common law principles of compensating for pain, suffering, loss of amenity, exemplary damages, past and future pecuniary losses.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Asked the Minister to reassure her that proper scrutiny will be given to the Manor Farm solar park proposed for Rutland, which is eight times larger than the existing plant.
Nick Smith
Lab
Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney
Inquired if the Government would look again at giving miners their fair share of pension surplus, citing a Prime Minister pledge from 2019 election.
Kevin Hollinrake
Con
Thirsk and Malton
Asked the Secretary of State to meet him to discuss the importance of regional mutual banks for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Expressed concerns about postal delays causing hardship in her constituency, urging the Minister to take action to ensure Royal Mail resolves these issues.
Encouraged the Secretary of State to visit Gestamp in his constituency to understand its efforts in research and development and how it can develop its business.
Mary Foy
Lab
City of Durham
Asked why the Government are not backing a windfall tax on North Sea oil and gas producers' profits that would help ease the burden on ordinary people facing a cost of living crisis.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
Asked the Minister to meet him to discuss discrepancies in fuel prices charged by major supermarkets for his constituents, urging action to stand up for them.
Government Response
Discussed government efforts to drive up productivity levels, including support for businesses through levelling-up initiatives. Reiterated support for new nuclear projects including Sizewell C, citing its necessity for achieving net zero targets. Emphasised the role of small modular reactors (SMRs) in future energy strategy and highlighted recent funding commitments to SMR development. Discussed the Government's support measures for off-grid customers, including winter fuel payments, warm home discount, and cold weather payments. Responded to questions regarding support measures for energy-intensive industries such as the steel sector. Mentioned ongoing conversations with energy companies and Ofgem, reduction in carbon emissions since 1990, growth of economy, emphasis on net zero alongside economic growth. Commited that the Government will not let businesses sink or swim and will engage with businesses around regions and sectors; addressed concerns over compensation schemes and postal delays, stating that Royal Mail is rotating deliveries to address current issues.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.