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BUSINESS, ENERGY AND INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
13 December 2016
Lead MP
Jake Berry
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Crime & Law EnforcementEconomyTaxationEmploymentNorthern IrelandBrexitForeign AffairsEnergyBusiness & TradeLocal Government
Other Contributors: 79
At a Glance
Jake Berry 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 the Government about steps being taken to protect industries based in East Lancashire and the UK from potential tariffs after leaving the EU. Emphasised the importance of strategic industries such as construction products, furniture-making, and chemical industries which employ many people.
Jesse Norman
Con
Hereford and South Herefordshire
Stated that his Department is working with the Department for Exiting the EU to understand impacts of Brexit on businesses. He noted new investments in various industries despite concerns about Brexit but avoided giving specific assurances regarding future trade deals.
Echoed concerns about potential tariffs affecting textile companies such as Simon Jersey after a hard Brexit and sought assurances from the Government to protect these businesses from being taxed out of business.
Asked for an exploration into WTO-compliant tariff drawback mechanisms and inward processing measures to ensure objectives related to protecting strategic industries are met.
Kate Green
Lab
Stretford and Urmston
Inquired about negotiations the Government is considering or already undertaking to protect food production and processing in the north-west economy. Requested that specialist negotiators who understand the industry be embedded in these negotiations.
Philip Davies
Con
Shipley
Suggested a proposal where UK businesses exporting to the EU would not have to pay tariffs under WTO rules, while still potentially benefiting economically from such an arrangement. Questioned the validity of speculative estimates regarding costs and benefits.
Expressed concern over cross-border trade between Ireland and Northern Ireland post-Brexit and requested that the voice of Northern Ireland be heard and embedded in any negotiations.
Adam Afriyie
Con
Windsor
Inquired about steps his Department is taking to promote science and innovation, highlighting the UK space sector's success. Asked for an update on progress made at the European Space Agency summit regarding ExoMars programme.
Critiqued current levels of investment in research and development, suggesting that leaving the EU would damage research and innovation significantly and urged the Minister to engage with universities on this matter.
Alan Mak
Con
Havant
Asked whether Innovate UK will continue receiving support for new fourth industrial revolution businesses seeking funding, given its role in promoting science and technology by providing grants to entrepreneurs.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Discussed the potential economic benefits of tidal lagoon power projects as outlined in the report 'Ours to Own' and requested that all aspects of the energy trilemma be considered in responding to the Hendry report.
Asked about support for continued research collaboration across Europe and beyond post-Brexit, particularly concerning chemical and pharmaceutical businesses often rooted in university research labs.
Alan Brown
SNP
Kilmarnock and Loudoun
Inquired about the allocation of additional R&D funding announced in the autumn statement for carbon capture and storage projects previously cut by the Government.
Highlighted the financial struggles faced by the Catalyst science discovery centre in his constituency, which promotes careers in science and engineering among young people, and invited the Minister to visit the centre.
Neil Grey
SNP
Airdrie and Shotts
Asked about priorities for developing the Government’s industrial strategy.
Neil Grey
SNP
Airdrie and Shotts
Asked about the Office for Budget Responsibility's projection that there will be an additional 500,000 new jobs by 2020 but questioned how the industrial strategy would support achieving the Government’s commitment to halve the disability employment gap by 2020.
Central Ayrshire
Inquired about the possibility of meeting to discuss a growth deal proposal for investing in infrastructure and key sectors in Ayrshire, highlighting its potential in aerospace and pharmaceutical industries.
Rishi Sunak
Con
Richmond and Northallerton
Advocated for the creation of free ports across the nation to boost manufacturing, promote regional growth, and grow exports as key ingredients in a successful industrial strategy.
Richard Fuller
Con
North Bedfordshire
Suggested dropping the terms 'industrial' and 'strategy' from the approach, recommending instead focusing on competition, innovation, and skills policy.
Rosie Winterton
Lab
Stockport
Asked for urgent advice to prevent a steel industry supply chain company in Doncaster from going into administration. The Secretary of State announced that the Government are publishing their demand for steel, through public sector bodies, to 2020; this will be 3 million tonnes.
Philip Hollobone
Con
Kettering
Requested ensuring small-scale manufacturers are a key priority in the industrial strategy due to their importance to local economies and employment opportunities.
Callum McCaig
SNP
Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East
Inquired about the role of universities in the forthcoming industrial strategy and whether the recently announced new money for R&D would be available to Scottish universities. Additionally raised concerns regarding EU funding and immigration sanctions.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central
Critiqued the Secretary of State's approach as bland generalities, noting a decrease in business investment predicted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants. Called for an industrial strategy that would give British businesses clarity and confidence.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Asked about trends in the number of UK businesses, noting a record 5.5 million private sector businesses at the start of 2016, an increase from 2015.
Jesse Norman
Con
Hereford and South Herefordshire
Described the importance of small and medium-sized businesses to the economy, highlighting support through measures like extended small business rate relief and the British Business Bank's work with over 51,000 small businesses.
Asked for a level playing field regarding subsidy for tariffs applied to various exporters, specifically inquiring about transparency around support for different sectors such as Nissan.
Lucy Frazer
Con
South East Cambridgeshire
Expressed disappointment over lack of superfast broadband connectivity in many villages within her constituency and asked for support in encouraging further connectivity across the region.
Jesse Norman
Con
Hereford and South Herefordshire
Emphasised the importance of broadband, highlighting a £1 billion package for fibre and 5G connectivity announced in the autumn statement.
Bill Esterson
Lab
Sefton Central
Discussed the issue of late payment affecting businesses, noting that over 378 out of the largest 55,000 businesses have signed up to the prompt payment code and called for stronger action.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Sussex Weald
Asked about women on boards and suggested that more needs to be done to get more women into business in order to increase their representation.
Provided updates on the progress of women on FTSE 100 and FTSE 350 boards, announced support for the Hampton-Alexander review and the Women’s Business Council, and discussed plans to support self-employed individuals.
Asked if there is a regional pattern in low numbers of women on boards and requested discussions with ministerial colleagues regarding increasing the number of women on boards.
Sheryll Murray
Con
South East Cornwall
Inquired about steps to support self-employed individuals, focusing particularly on food producers in South East Cornwall who could benefit from reduced red tape after leaving the EU.
Louise Haigh
Lab
Sheffield Heeley
Discussed the issue of false self-employment and questioned the adequacy of staff numbers at the Gangmasters Licensing Authority to regulate industries properly.
Asked about steps being taken to ensure all EU-derived employment rights will be protected after the UK leaves the EU, questioning how these rights would be upheld legally.
Questioned the credibility of promises made regarding the protection of workers’ rights post-Brexit, noting historical issues with Brexit-related pledges.
Peter Bone
Con
North-West Cambridgeshire
Replied to criticism from a Labour shadow minister and emphasised the importance of employment rights being decided by Parliament rather than EU courts.
Emma Reynolds
Lab
Wycombe
Expressed concern about the potential disruption caused if businesses fall back on WTO rules after leaving the EU, suggesting a longer period to manage this transition would be beneficial.
Asked for information regarding the role of the steel industry in the UK’s industrial strategy post-Brexit and how discussions with relevant parties have been progressing.
Justin Tomlinson
Con
North Swindon
Inquired about steps being taken to help consumers reduce their energy bills, noting that despite a functioning retail market, loyal customers often face unfair treatment by energy companies.
Justin Tomlinson
Con
Wantage
The Competition and Markets Authority has found that two thirds of households are on expensive standard variable tariffs. Supplied evidence to the Minister asking for suppliers to ensure loyal customers are on better-value tariffs.
Margot James
Con
Stourbridge
Agreed with Tomlinson, emphasised that energy companies should treat all their customers fairly and challenged them to come forward with proposals. Offered to meet Caroline Flint regarding the standard variable tariff issue.
Caroline Flint
Lab
Don Valley
Asserted that companies have been overcharging loyal customers on standard variable tariffs for five years, confirmed by multiple authorities including CMA and Ofgem. Requested a meeting with the Minister to discuss further measures.
Eddisbury
Questioned about rural properties heated by oil-fired central heating and home efficiency measures, highlighting their importance in cutting bills for such areas.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Inquired about Ofgem's warning concerning the costs of relying on renewable energy compared to cheaper fossil fuels due to potential premium charges and reliability issues.
Phil Boswell
Con
Wirral South
Asked about steps taken to develop confidence in advanced manufacturing sector. Also questioned how the Minister plans to ensure high-value manufacturing does not deteriorate with potential tariff increases due to Brexit.
Nick Hurd
Con
Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
Responded that they are working on making UK competitive in advanced manufacturing through tax cuts, red tape reduction, and increased support for research & innovation. Also committed to supporting successful British businesses.
David Nuttall
Con
Bury North
Requested a meeting between ministerial colleagues and representatives from M+W Group and DBD regarding their consortium bidding for Chinese nuclear sector contracts.
Albert Owen
Lab
Ynys Mon
Suggested that the low-carbon energy sector could drive UK's industrial strategy, particularly small nuclear reactors. Asked when an announcement on funding and help will be made for this important sector.
Jeremy Lefroy
Con
Stafford
Asked about the security of UK’s energy supply between 2017 and 2020, inquired specifically about gas storage after mentioning Rough storage facility's closure.
Jesse Norman
Con
Hereford and South Herefordshire
Replied that National Grid’s electricity capacity report for the year included a forward look on electricity security. Mentioned ongoing auctions to secure capacity, highlighted diverse gas supply arrangements and spare capacity.
Congratulated Avalon community energy on completion of solar PV installation at Brookside school in Street, emphasised that such schemes create a greener and cheaper energy system with greater security of supply.
Alan Whitehead
Lab
Southampton Test
Asked about securing procurement and building of new capacity up to 2020 after the latest capacity auction results, suggesting a need for more innovative ideas from Secretary of State.
Chris Elmore
Lab
Bridgend
Congratulated those involved in Save our Steel campaign on their contributions to recent announcements. Highlighted concerns about steelworkers’ pensions and asked for better plans to protect them.
Acknowledged positive steps taken by workforce, trade unions and employers. Noted that the independent Pensions Regulator is responsible for approving pension arrangements rather than the Government.
Gill Furniss
Lab
Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough
Expressed concern about the lack of mention of steel in the autumn statement and the UK's role in blocking EU trade reforms. Asked for a commitment to include the steel industry in future industrial strategies.
Stated that the steel industry is important, acknowledged ongoing work with the steel sector through funding strategic reviews aimed at informing future industrial strategy and supporting a successful steel industry.
Asked for an assessment of LEP effectiveness. Highlighted positive impact of Black Country LEP on broadband access and economic growth.
Inquired about the role of LEPs in driving local economic growth and expansion, particularly regarding funding opportunities like the growing business fund.
Defended the work of LEPs, emphasised their contributions to local growth and skills development. Addressed concerns about accountability by stating the importance of taxpayers' money being spent appropriately, highlighting robust responses from LEPs regarding conflicts of interest.
Clive Lewis
Lab
Norwich South
Criticised examples of crony capitalism within LEPs and questioned the Government's enforcement of basic accountability standards amidst significant funding allocation to these partnerships.
Inquired about progress in departmental responsibilities, including corporate governance reforms, climate change commitments, and Hendry review findings regarding wind power generation.
Responded to questions on the Hendry review, confirming plans for its publication and highlighting ongoing efforts related to corporate governance, climate change commitments, and industrial strategy progress.
Questioned how government policies align with emissions reduction targets amidst cutbacks in renewable energy funding.
Inquired about timelines for consultation on laser pen regulation and steps to prevent their misuse.
Vicky Foxcroft
Lab
Lewisham North
Highlighted the economic benefits of union learning funds, questioned engagement levels with unions regarding these initiatives.
Alerted to corporate mandate fraud instances and sought government actions for alerting businesses to such fraudulent activities.
Inquired about support provided by the UK Government to Scottish renewable energy companies, particularly in terms of international projects.
Jason McCartney
Con
Huddersfield
Asked the Department to continue committing to an industrial strategy that builds on regional economic strengths, specifically mentioning engineering and textiles in Huddersfield and Colne Valley.
Iain Wright
Lab
Houghton and Sunderland South
Expressed concern over GB Energy ceasing trading, affecting 160,000 customers. Called for more rigorous financial health checks on new energy providers to minimise risks of failure.
Stephen Metcalfe
Con
South Basildon and East Thurrock
Asked the Government to ensure self-employed individuals are aware of different national insurance contributions and pay the correct class to access full jobseeker support in case they re-enter the labour market.
Stephen Kinnock
Lab
Aberavon Maesteg
Asked for assurance that measures will be put in place before April 2017 to prevent energy-intensive industries from facing crippling energy costs again, emphasising the importance of the Energy-Intensive Industries Compensation Scheme.
Philip Davies
Con
Shipley
Asked how the Secretary of State would ensure that education policy dovetails with his Department's priorities to provide businesses access to necessary skills in Bradford district.
Inquired about risk assessments made by the Department regarding market economy status for China and its potential impact on the British steel industry following a merger between Baosteel and Wuhan Iron and Steel.
Andrea Jenkyns
Con
Wakefield
Asked about measures to protect businesses using solar panels that have been adversely affected by high business rates, noting that these rates are set independently.
Jessica Morden
Lab
Newport East
Requested the Government's response to the Law Commission’s report on “Consumer Prepayments on Retailer Insolvency” to better protect consumers during retailer insolvencies.
Inquired about energy price competitiveness in relation to European neighbours, highlighting the potential benefits for high-skilled job providers like INEOS, Tata Chemicals and Banner Chemicals in his constituency.
Peter Kyle
Lab
Hove
Asked for reassurance regarding Brighton-based businesses such as American Express and EDF's open and free relationship with the EU post-Brexit.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Goole
Inquired about assurance that Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) would be used to channel funds from his Department for suitable projects, following concerns over central government funding loss after the collapse of a devolution deal.
Asked if the Secretary of State agreed with the future development of enterprise zones as part of the industrial strategy for manufacturing sector benefits.
Government Response
Crime & Law EnforcementEconomyTaxationEmploymentNorthern IrelandBrexitForeign AffairsEnergyBusiness & TradeLocal Government
Government Response
Discussed ongoing work with the Department for Exiting the EU to understand Brexit impacts on businesses. Noted new investments in various sectors despite Brexit concerns but avoided giving specific assurances about future trade deals. Emphasised close attention paid to construction industry issues and Northern Ireland cross-border trade. Provided updates on women’s representation in business and discussed initiatives aimed at supporting self-employed individuals. Responded to multiple queries regarding energy policies, manufacturing sector support, and the security of UK’s energy supply. Also addressed concerns about steel industry pensions. Ministers responded to concerns regarding steel industry stability, local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) effectiveness and accountability, Hendry review progress, corporate mandate fraud, and renewables policy. Responded to various questions regarding energy costs, financial health checks on new entrants in energy sectors, national insurance contributions, solar panels business rates, consumer prepayments on retailer insolvency, enterprise zones, local growth through LEPs, nuclear energy policies, and market economy status for China.
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Assessment & feedback
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