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Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
21 July 2020
Lead MP
Neil Hudson
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
EmploymentBusiness & Trade
Other Contributors: 67
At a Glance
Neil Hudson 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
Asked about steps being taken by his Department to support businesses during the covid-19 outbreak, highlighting the need for additional emergency financial support for those who fall outside existing eligibility criteria.
Neil Hudson
Con
Epping Forest
Acknowledged the Government's substantial efforts but highlighted issues with people falling through the cracks due to eligibility criteria and called for emergency financial support.
Asked about the Secretary of State’s backing for a technical university in Milton Keynes as part of the spending review, emphasising its importance for jobs and skills in the region.
Raised concerns over easyJet's management approach towards pilots and stressed the importance of respectful negotiations regarding future job losses.
Ed Miliband
Lab
Doncaster North
Pressed for recognition that 3 million businesses are excluded from help under the self-employment scheme, arguing it is not just rough justice but deep unfairness. Questioned the decision to phase out the furlough irrespective of circumstances.
Critiqued the Government for leaving many businesses without support and questioned why they refused to adjust Scotland's borrowing rules, highlighting funding disparities exposed by the Institute for Fiscal Studies.
Kate Osborne
Lab
Jarrow and Gateshead East
Asked about steps being taken to support sub-postmasters affected by the Horizon post office scandal and pressed for a judge-led inquiry and rightful compensation.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Described the Post Office Horizon scandal as one of the biggest miscarriages of justice, calling on the Government to commit to a full judge-led inquiry for justice and compensation.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Asked about support being planned for the aerospace sector.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Expressed concern about the aerospace sector in Northern Ireland, particularly Bombardier's situation. Emphasised the importance of retaining key skills within the high-end engineering sector and questioned the need for a bespoke solution to support jobs beyond October.
Acknowledged the engagement with the aerospace sector and provided details on £8.5 billion funding support, including an additional £400 million in R&D funds announced by the Chancellor. Mentioned that Airbus has shown confidence in the UK by confirming production of wings for its new aircraft at Broughton.
Asked about potential further support to limit job losses in Wolverhampton where aerospace companies are considering mass redundancies due to a sudden collapse of demand.
Lucy Powell
Lab Co-op
Manchester Central
Pressed the Minister for more concrete action beyond warm words, given that most projects were already priced in by the sector before the crisis. Highlighted the need to protect highly skilled jobs in areas ill-equipped to lose them.
Catherine West
Lab
Hornsey and Friern Barnet
Questioned support for both beauty and theatre sectors, especially local theatres facing redundancy notices due to social distancing measures. Urged the Government to take action to save jobs in these highly skilled sectors.
Announced that close contact services will resume from 1 August as part of a phased and cautious approach guided by scientific advice. Agreed on the need for support but stressed the importance of attracting audiences back safely to provincial theatres.
Asked about the specific support provided to retail and hospitality sectors, highlighting the economic significance of local businesses in her constituency. Emphasised the need to encourage customers to return to support local economies.
Outlined measures such as simplifying relief costs for outdoor dining licences and a temporary VAT rate reduction for hospitality, accommodation, and attraction sectors. Promoted the Eat Out to Help Out scheme to incentivise participation from restaurants and pubs.
Darren Jones
Lab
Bristol North West
Called on the Government to bring forward legislation ensuring that hospitality staff can retain their tips as a significant part of their income during normal times, in line with a Conservative manifesto commitment.
Inquired about steps being taken for a green and resilient economic recovery from the outbreak. Emphasised the need to create jobs while driving towards net zero targets.
Janet Daby
Lab
Lewisham East
Asked about plans to promote a green economic recovery, stressing the importance of addressing issues such as cancelled work in energy efficiency due to anticipated grant availability in September.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Questioned the conditional nature of investment in York’s bioscience sector, urging the Government to kick-start green-collar jobs and prevent mass unemployment given York's economic vulnerability.
Tonia Antoniazzi
Lab
Gower
Commented on the lack of support for tidal energy projects in Swansea Bay, urging recognition of opportunities and new green jobs.
Defended the government's stance on not backing the tidal lagoon project due to economic concerns. Also responded to queries about indoor air quality and mask-wearing regulations, stating that policy is guided by science and evidence.
Critiqued the lack of detail in the government's one-year scheme for energy efficiency vouchers and called for a long-term programme to support green recovery.
Asked about steps taken to ensure adequate indoor air quality in public places to prevent covid-19 spread, pushing for mandatory mask-wearing laws.
Inquired about measures to encourage home working and discussed the benefits of remote work post-covid.
Pressed on discussions with the Chancellor regarding increased business support in Scotland, particularly focusing on aviation sectoral support issues.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
Asked for confirmation on government plans to invest in Aberdeen’s local economy through a hydrogen economy and an oil and gas sector deal.
Inquired about steps taken to increase investment in research and development, suggesting a windfall profit tax could fund these initiatives.
Andrew Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
Asked what steps are being taken to help the events sector recover from the impact of the covid-19 pandemic.
Andrew Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
The Government are missing the point on events, meetings, conferences, exhibitions, and wedding receptions. These sectors are regulated but more constrained than pubs and restaurants. He calls for a faster and fuller opening of these venues before October.
Responded to concerns about weddings by mentioning the 'Safer Events: A Framework for Action' White Paper and indicating that discussions with wedding industry associations will continue.
Daniel Zeichner
Lab
Cambridge
Asked what steps are being taken to secure the future of UK research and development, and specifically inquired about university access to loans for local priorities such as a new laboratory project in Cambridge.
Stated that the Government's R&D roadmap aims to increase public R&D spending to £22 billion by 2024-25 and is committed to making the UK a science superpower. She also mentioned efforts to level up across the country and ensure workplace diversity.
Rushanara Ali
Lab
Bethnal Green and Stepney
Inquired about the assessment of winding down the coronavirus job retention scheme on employment levels, suggesting that public money could be better used to support workers hardest hit by the crisis.
Reported that 9.4 million jobs have been supported through the coronavirus job retention scheme and announced a £1,000 job retention bonus for employers who keep furloughed employees until January 2021.
Asked about steps to support vaccine manufacturing and UK life sciences, specifically mentioning an opportunity in his constituency for therapeutic vaccine manufacturing which could create local jobs and skills.
Asked what the Government is doing to increase research and development into vaccines and develop strengths of life sciences in Greater Manchester, highlighting its importance to the local economy.
Announced investments in a UK's first dedicated Vaccines Manufacturing and Innovation Centre and rapid deployment facility. He also confirmed support for growth in the north-west life sciences sector.
Asked about support to businesses to help them operate in a covid-secure way and specifically enquired about support for self-employed individuals.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
Welcomed work done to reopen the beauty sector but asked the Secretary of State to review square footage rules impacting spa capacity at a premises in Malvern.
Acknowledged the progress made by the vaccine taskforce and announced investments in manufacturing capacity. He highlighted efforts to open businesses safely and securely.
Welcomed announcements but stressed the need for Government orders to support industry and supply chains, urging the Secretary of State to shake up civil service procurement practices.
Acknowledged the point made by John Spellar about job losses and industry needs.
Asked for support in bringing an offshore wind hub to Teesside, which he believes would help left-behind communities and benefit his constituency.
Confirmed the Government's determination to expand offshore wind manufacturing supply chain and supported the idea of a Tees Valley Offshore Wind Hub as part of this expansion.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
Exploitation in the garment industry is shocking but unsurprising, especially given criminal and public health threats. The Secretary of State should escalate enforcement efforts.
Acknowledges the issue with exploitation in the garment industry and mentions that the National Crime Agency is investigating current allegations. Since 2018, more than 200 investigations have been conducted and over 1,000 penalty notices issued by HMRC.
Appreciates the Secretary of State's support for life sciences but raises concerns about medical research charities losing funding due to covid-19. Asks the Government to work with these charities to maintain research activities.
Acknowledges the importance of medical research charities and confirms a support package was announced for universities, requiring them to use some funding from this package for research that is normally funded by medical research charities.
Concerned about Marks and Spencer's decision to close its East Kilbride store due to covid-19. Proposes a 'fit to trade' licensing scheme to protect garment workers, stimulate investment in UK manufacturing, and create skilled jobs.
Indicates willingness to meet with the hon. Member to discuss the proposed fit-to-trade licensing scheme further.
Commends Tom Hunt and his dog Baggy for measuring ground-level air pollution, suggesting that strollers and pushchairs should be designed higher to reduce children's exposure to pollutants. Praises the Government’s efforts in tackling carbon emissions.
Praises Tom Hunt and Baggy for their pioneering work and discusses actions taken by the Government regarding air pollution, including promoting ultra low emission vehicles and providing funding for charging infrastructure.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Raises concerns about the impact of coronavirus on clinical trials and medical research charities. Urges the Government to ensure that funding reaches these organisations promptly to save lives and support medical advancements.
Acknowledges the importance of supporting universities financially, stating a low-interest loan package will cover up to 80% of income losses from international students. The Government is also providing funding for further education institutions.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Asks the Minister whether exhibitions should reopen fully immediately, given their economic impact.
Acknowledges the importance of the exhibition industry and confirms that the Government is working closely with the sector to pilot reopening from 1 October under socially distanced guidelines.
Jessica Morden
Lab
Newport East
Highlights ongoing issues with bounce-back loans, including delays in approval and difficulties accessing business bank accounts. Urges Ministers to address these problems promptly.
Confirms that over 1 million bounce-back loans have been approved. Advises the hon. Member to write with specific issues regarding businesses in her constituency.
Scott Benton
Con
Blackpool South
Asks for steps to diversify coastal resort economies and support businesses creating skilled jobs, particularly given the impact of covid-19 on seasonal tourism.
Acknowledges the importance of supporting green-collar jobs in coastal areas, highlighting current investments in low-carbon industries aimed at reaching 2 million green jobs by 2030.
Chris Matheson
Lab
Cardiff South and Penarth
Requests a recovery plan for the aerospace industry, including a sector deal to secure its future and create jobs.
Acknowledges support for the aviation sector through various measures totalling over £8.5 billion. Confirms willingness to engage with the hon. Member on this issue.
Selaine Saxby
Con
North Devon
Welcomes government actions in getting hospitality businesses safely reopened and invites the Minister to visit a local pub that has implemented appropriate measures.
Confirms support for reopening pubs, restaurants, and cafés while adhering to covid-secure guidance. Encourages everyone to enjoy summer safely.
Chris Elmore
Lab
Bridgend
Highlights job losses at various sites in south Wales due to the closure of Ford’s engine plant, Ineos suspending development, and BA announcing potential redundancies. Requests support for creating new jobs in the region.
Acknowledges ongoing support for the economy through a £160 billion funding package announced by the Chancellor. Offers to engage with the hon. Member on specific issues.
Government Response
Provided extensive details on financial and legal support to businesses, highlighted the importance of getting the economy up and running, and emphasised the need for fair treatment of employees. Acknowledged engagement with the aerospace industry and highlighted £8.5 billion in support along with additional funding for R&D. Emphasised continued work to maintain skill sets within the sector. Defended the government's stance on tidal energy and indoor air quality, emphasising a focus on economic viability and adherence to scientific guidance. Responds to multiple speakers addressing various topics such as medical research, air pollution, bounce-back loans, coastal economic diversification, aerospace industry support, hospitality recovery, and economic challenges in south Wales.
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