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Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
25 May 2021
Lead MP
Laurence Robertson
Tewkesbury
Con
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
EconomyEmploymentClimateNorthern IrelandBrexitEnergyBusiness & Trade
Other Contributors: 75
At a Glance
Laurence Robertson 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
EconomyEmploymentClimateNorthern IrelandBrexitEnergyBusiness & Trade
Government Response
Discussed support for renewable energy projects in rural communities through a £10 million fund and commitment to the levelling-up agenda. Also responded to concerns about fire and rehire practices. Multiple responses addressing specific queries on employment law flexibility, hydrogen economy strategy for Northern Ireland, extensive business support measures during the pandemic, and clean energy production initiatives. Responds positively to inquiries regarding renewable energy sources such as tidal generation, deep geothermal energy, and offshore wind projects. Emphasises value-for-money considerations and the importance of ESG principles in delivering carbon budgets. Discussed steps towards net zero, including industrial energy transformation fund, Together for Our Planet campaign, and geothermal energy opportunities. Also mentioned plans to support green choices in the upcoming net zero strategy. Provided responses on various issues including heat network regulation, fire and rehire practices, steel fabrication hubs, trade deals with Australia, electric car infrastructure, green homes grants, aviation sector progress, and McVitie’s factory closure.
Tewkesbury
Asked about steps to increase opportunities for generating electricity locally, particularly in his constituency near the rivers Avon and Severn.
Responded that they are providing support through a £10 million rural community energy fund programme. He also acknowledged the potential of hydroelectric power on Tewkesbury's rivers, though noted limitations due to capacity constraints.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
Criticised the Government for blaming Ofgem while refusing to acknowledge their role in setting Ofgem’s strategy. Asked when consultations on energy White Paper will begin and end, questioning if UK Energy Ministers are among the worst idlers.
Responded by rejecting Flynn's criticism as unfair and beneath his dignity, stating that issues with Scottish renewables projects accessing electricity grids fall under Ofgem's jurisdiction.
Jason McCartney
Con
Colne Valley
Asked about steps to support the Government’s levelling-up agenda in his constituency.
Tom Hunt
LD
East Wiltshire
Also asked about steps to support the Government’s levelling-up agenda.
Announced a commitment to level up all areas of the country through the plan for growth and publication of a levelling-up White Paper later in the year.
Jason McCartney
Con
Colne Valley
Suggested Slaithwaite and Marsden as ideal locations for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to relocate due to their proximity to major cities like Manchester and Leeds.
Tom Hunt
LD
East Wiltshire
Asked for a firm commitment that Ipswich will be part of the levelling-up agenda, highlighting the £25 million town deal and the skills improvement plan pilot bid from Norfolk and Suffolk.
Acknowledged the importance of skills in the levelling-up agenda and expressed willingness to engage with Tom Hunt on the matter.
Judith Cummins
Lab
Bradford South
Asked when his Department plans to publish the ACAS report on fire and rehire and their response.
Grahame Morris
Lab
Easington
Also asked about publishing the ACAS report on fire and rehire.
James Murray
Lab/Co-op
Ealing North
Also inquired about the same report.
Mohammad Yasin
Lab
Bedford
Asked for legislative proposals to outlaw fire and rehire practices.
Stephen Kinnock
Lab
Aberafan Maesteg
Inquired about plans to bring forward legislative proposals to outlaw fire and rehire practices.
Responded that they are considering evidence from ACAS before taking further steps. He also addressed concerns over the use of fire and rehire tactics as bully-boy negotiation tools, noting the importance of protecting workers' rights while maintaining labour market flexibility.
Paul Scully
Con
Skegness
Stated that bully-boy tactics are unacceptable but acknowledged the need for flexibility in employment law to protect jobs based on ACAS evidence.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
Critiqued fire and rehire practices, arguing they are widespread due to weak worker protections. He expressed dissatisfaction with the government's stance towards employers and workers' rights.
Asked about specific steps being taken to support Northern Ireland in relation to the UK’s hydrogen economy and its future economic opportunities.
Kwasi Kwarteng
Con
Spelthorne
Reiterated government commitment towards a hydrogen strategy, aiming to deliver clear targets for 2030. Also agreed to meet and discuss potential job creation in Northern Ireland's hydrogen projects.
Asked about discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding support for businesses affected by the covid-19 outbreak.
Dean Russell
Con
Watford
Inquired about steps being taken to support businesses through the pandemic, and later proposed mental health first aid as a legislative requirement in workplaces.
Asked about discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on increasing support to businesses affected by the covid-19 outbreak. Requested extension of job retention scheme beyond September 2021.
Amanda Solloway
Con
Ealing Central and Acton
Emphasised the government’s extensive support for businesses throughout the pandemic, including £65 billion additional funding announced in Budget. Stated that businesses across Midlothian have benefited significantly from loans and job retention schemes.
Seema Malhotra
Lab Co-op
Feltham and Heston
Highlighted the severe impact of covid-19 on tourism sectors in places like Scarborough and Whitby. Criticised pay as you grow scheme for not addressing underlying business debt issues.
Kate Osamor
Lab Co-op
Edmonton and Winchmore Hill
Pressed the government to take steps towards improving employment rights and protections for gig economy workers, questioning the abandonment of an Employment Bill.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Inquired about steps being taken to accelerate production of clean energy in the UK.
Andrew Griffith
Con
Arundel and South Downs
Asked for Government's proposals to unleash tidal power as one of the natural advantages of UK coastline.
The Minister acknowledges the work of business champions in supporting climate change efforts and highlights the potential role of tidal generation, emphasising the need for value-for-money renewable projects. She commits to reviewing a report on deep geothermal energy development and supports ongoing assessments to maximize resource use efficiently while ensuring fiscal responsibility. Additionally, she outlines ambitious targets for offshore wind capacity by 2030 and stresses the importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles in delivering carbon budgets.
Alan Whitehead
Lab
The MP questions the government's neglect towards deep geothermal energy development over recent years and asks if they will positively respond to a report suggesting mechanisms for supporting this clean and efficient renewable source, highlighting its potential importance.
The MP inquires about the assessment made of the extent of required renewable energy development by 2030 to achieve the Government’s sixth carbon budget and raises concerns over environmental, social, and governance issues impacting these developments.
Nick Smith
Lab
Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney
The MP calls for urgent government intervention to support the UK steel industry after corporate governance issues led to uncertainty about plant closures. He asks for financial assistance and collaboration with trade unions to ensure that communities relying on these plants are protected.
Jessica Morden
Lab
Newport East
The MP supports her colleague's call for government intervention at Liberty Steel, urging the Department to safeguard against slashing steel safeguards which could further jeopardize strategic industries crucial to communities.
Greenwich and Woolwich
He criticises the approach towards decarbonising the steel industry as being too slow and inadequate compared to global standards, emphasising that time is of the essence for survival and competitiveness in a green transition.
Barry Sheerman
Lab
The MP pushes for faster incentives for businesses to adopt more environmentally sustainable transportation practices, highlighting the harmful effects of heavy goods vehicles emissions on public health and air quality.
Rochford and Southend East
Discussed the UK's first net zero strategy for industry, including £350 million industrial energy transformation fund. Mentioned Together for Our Planet campaign to raise climate awareness and digital tools for reducing carbon footprint.
Laura Trott
Con
Sevenoaks
Asked about steps the Department is taking to help consumers make informed environmental choices, emphasising the importance of consumer awareness in achieving net zero.
Dehenna Davison
Con
Barking
Inaudible question regarding alternative energy sources and geothermal exploration in Bishop Auckland. Followed up with a request for the Minister to visit Bishop Auckland to discuss geothermal opportunities.
Cat Smith
Lab
Lancaster and Wyre
Asked about steps taken by the Government to support high street businesses, particularly concerning empty units that are dangerous and unattractive.
Gavin Newlands
SNP
Paisley and Renfrewshire North
Inquired about new support for energy transition projects in Scotland, including the need to address issues with the green deal customers who feel they have been mis-sold products.
Tonia Antoniazzi
Lab
Gower
Asked about recent steps taken by the Government to improve enforcement of workplace health and safety laws, particularly in relation to workers at DVLA in Swansea.
James Sunderland
Con
Sunderland South
Asked about steps being taken to support UK manufacturing, including attracting foreign businesses through measures like the super deduction capital allowance rate.
Luke Evans
Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
Inquired about actions being taken to support entrepreneurship, particularly providing guidance for budding entrepreneurs starting a business.
Asked the Minister to make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.
Elliot Colburn
Con
Carshalton and Wallington
Residents in Carshalton and Wallington have been suffering due to the Lib Dem-run district energy network, SDEN. He questions BEIS's steps to regulate such networks.
Announced commitment to regulating heat networks market within this Parliament and bringing forward legislation at the earliest opportunity.
Ed Miliband
Lab
Doncaster North
Highlights Chris, a British Gas engineer's experience with fire and rehire practices, expressing dissatisfaction with the lack of action from Kwasi Kwarteng.
Responds by mentioning an ACAS report and commitment to introduce further actions once published. Rebuffs Miliband's critique about inaction on fire and rehire practices.
Peter Aldous
Con
Waveney
Asks for plans promoting steel fabrication hubs, especially in Lowestoft, due to its history with the oil and gas industry and potential opportunities in offshore wind and nuclear sectors.
Commits to working closely with stakeholders towards net zero commitments including infrastructure investment and skills development for offshore wind and nuclear projects in Lowestoft.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
Points out a 23% fall in trade with the EU as per ONS data, and raises concerns about a potential harmful Australian trade deal for Scottish farmers.
Acknowledges ONS data but points to improved subsequent quarters. Defends UK's ability to make trade deals, praising the Australia deal as an opportunity.
Telford
Questions how electric cars will be charged by those without driveways and calls for speeding up infrastructure development.
Announces £300 million investment to triple ultrarapid electric car charging points across the UK, aiming at more than 200 low-carbon projects including motorway service stations and town/city charge points.
Layla Moran
Lib Dem
Oxford West and Abingdon
Concerned about the scrapped green homes grant, requests support for councils handling upgrades to ensure significant carbon emission cuts across UK homes.
Clarifies that while the first two elements of the Green Homes Grant were successful, the third element was a short-term stimulus now closed and being replaced.
Flick Drummond
Con
Havant
Asks for Government encouragement in green technology for aviation sector, including electric airplanes and sustainable fuels.
Outlines support through Jet Zero Council and mentions potential for hydrogen and sustainable fuels to power a net zero aviation sector.
David Linden
Scottish Labour
Glasgow East
Requests Secretary of State's call on Pladis to reconsider closure plans for McVitie’s factory in Glasgow, threatening up to 500 jobs.
Offers to speak with CEO of Pladis to understand specific details and see what can be done to improve the situation.
Thanks his colleague and highlights the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises in levelling up. He mentions that over £11.8 million worth of start-up loans have been provided, employment costs are being reduced through the employment allowance, and skills are being supported via apprenticeships. The strengthened prompt payment code ensures payments to small businesses within 30 days.
Questions his right hon. Friend if agreeing that establishing 'Treasury North' in Darlington is a step towards levelling up, as it moves decision-making out of London and around the UK.
Agrees with Peter Gibson, stating that BEIS is committed to recruiting excellent staff in places like Darlington across the UK.
Kate Osamor
Lab Co-op
Edmonton and Winchmore Hill
Inquires about the long-term impact of cutting £120 million from official development assistance research on UK R&D, questioning a difficult decision made by the Treasury to reduce ODA spending.
Explains that while reducing ODA spending was tough, it will be increased back to 0.7% of GDP when fiscal conditions allow.
Asks about the specific measures being planned for levelling up by small businesses, focusing on start-ups and growing SMEs, issues with late payments, reducing employment costs, improving digital skills, and apprenticeships as per FSB's Hastings and Rye.
Acknowledges the Federation of Small Businesses' work and reiterates support for small businesses through initiatives like strengthening the prompt payment code to ensure they are paid within 30 days.
Graham Stringer
Lab
Blackley and Middleton South
Raises concerns about smart metres not working with hydrogen as a replacement fuel, questioning implications for future of smart metres.
Responds that work is ongoing to ensure smart metre regulations adapt to changing technology and potential use of hydrogen.
Inquires if the Minister will consider renewing British Standards Institution's membership in CEN at year end to continue influencing standard development for UK businesses.
Confirms BSI's intention to retain its membership and support this position, appreciating Mark Eastwood's stand for the furniture industry.
Requests an unequivocal statement from the Minister in line with zero-carbon promises that there will be no new coal mines or licences for fracking.
Affirms a moratorium on fracking and states it is judicially focused, while specifying that coal mine licensing must go through the planning process.
Asks for Department's plans to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers, building upon previous work like Year of Engineering.
Announces £14.9 billion investment in R&D for 2021-22, with an ambitious road map, innovation strategy launch, and nationwide benefit focus.
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