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BUSINESS, ENERGY AND INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
13 September 2016
Lead MP
Ben Howlett
Q1.
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
EconomyTaxationEmploymentTransportClimateNorthern IrelandBrexitForeign AffairsCulture, Media & SportEnergyBusiness & Trade
Other Contributors: 81
At a Glance
Ben Howlett 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
EconomyTaxationEmploymentTransportClimateNorthern IrelandBrexitForeign AffairsCulture, Media & SportEnergyBusiness & Trade
Government Response
Responded comprehensively to all inquiries, emphasising personal relationships with business leaders, support for specific industries like aerospace and tourism, and commitment to free trade principles. Also mentioned the importance of working closely with devolved Administrations. Made clear that free trade is desired and negotiations will be ambitious. Confirmed a decision on Hinkley Point C would be made this month after careful consideration of all components. Emphasised importance of diverse energy mix including renewables. Responds to various queries regarding product safety measures, business opportunities following Brexit, and regional concerns like those of Gibraltar and Northern Ireland. Offers assurance and commitment to engage with stakeholders. Responded positively to many queries on issues ranging from tax collection from large corporations like Apple, regional procurement for northern projects such as HS2, the role of bioscience in industrial strategy, potential cancellations of policy centralisation decisions made by predecessors, and discussions with steel industry regarding its future. Responded to various questions, confirming opportunities in renewable energy, discussing employment protections, reviewing tariffs for better value, engaging with businesses on industrial strategy and fiscal regime adjustments.
Ben Howlett
Q1.
Asked about steps taken by his Department to engage with British businesses since the EU referendum.
Kelly Tolhurst
Q10.
Inquired about steps taken by his Department to support small businesses trading with European partners and facing rising supply chain costs.
Caroline Ansell
Q13.
Asked whether discussions had been held with the tourism industry to reduce VAT on tourism services for a competitive platform post-Brexit.
Since his appointment, met businesses and investors across the four home nations, assigned specific Ministers to each local enterprise partnership area and devolved Administration. Welcomed the new Department's team and reaffirmed support for aerospace industry, small businesses, tourism sector, Nissan automotive company, free trade principles, cross-party cooperation, and engagement with Scotland.
Welcomed the Secretary of State to his position and sought assurances about supporting the entire aerospace industry in the west of England.
Sought assurance on commitment to support small businesses trading with European partners, particularly regarding increased supply chain costs.
Inquired about the possibility of reducing VAT levels for tourism services and stimulating job creation and economic growth post-Brexit.
Derek Twigg
Lab
Widnes and Halewood
Queried whether British businesspeople were considered lazy or overweight, referencing a statement by his right hon. Friend the Member for North Somerset (Dr Fox).
Sharon Hodgson
Lab
Washington and Gateshead South
Asked about opportunities for automotive companies such as Nissan in post-Brexit industrial strategy and requested an early meeting.
Inquired whether the Secretary of State had conversations with his right hon. Friend the International Trade Secretary to limit damage caused by comments made last week.
Chris Philp
Con
Croydon South
Asked if the Secretary of State agreed that free trade was at the heart of a prosperous economy and would resist protectionism during future trade negotiations.
Bill Esterson
Lab
Sefton Central
Welcomed the Secretary of State to his new position, highlighted challenges such as the ballooning trade deficit, and questioned whether the Secretary of State supported unhindered access to the single market for Scottish businesses.
Sought assurance that the Secretary of State would visit Cambridge Science Park in her constituency to discuss implications of Brexit for local economy.
Welcomed the Secretary of State and his team, expressed concern about the ballooning trade deficit, and questioned whether the Secretary of State supported unhindered access to the single market for Scottish businesses.
Callum McCaig
SNP
Na h-Eileanan an Iar
The Scottish Government analysis suggests that UK withdrawal from the European Union could cost Scotland up to £1.7 billion a year at best and up to £11.2 billion a year at worst. He asks for a case made by the Department for continued membership of the single European market.
Greg Clark
Con
North East Bedfordshire
Responded that free trade is desired and negotiations with business investors around the world will secure an ambitious future. Reiterated that a decision on Hinkley Point C would be made this month following careful consideration of all components.
Angela Crawley
Lab
Lincoln
Concerned about potential costs to taxpayers from delays and over-budget scenarios at Hinkley Point C, questioning the profitability for EDF and public subsidy value.
Tommy Sheppard
SNP
Edinburgh East
Suggested embracing renewable energy sources due to lower costs compared to nuclear and questioned the necessity of new nuclear projects given Brexit uncertainties.
Gerald Howarth
Con
Aldershot
Expressed strong support for Prime Minister's decision, citing concerns about Chinese hacking and legal violations in international waters. Recommended considering intelligence committee’s previous report on this issue.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Advocated the Government's cautious approach towards Hinkley Point C, urging consideration of new technologies like fusion and mini-reactors before making a decision.
Christina Rees
Lab
Neath
Congratulated Express Reinforcements Ltd for their role in Hinkley Point C but expressed concern over multiple setbacks and requested an update on the project's timetable, questioning if there is a need for alternative plans.
Barry Gardiner
Lab
Brent North
Questioned the Prime Minister’s cautious approach to Hinkley Point C as potentially dithering and criticised the lack of energy policy during Labour's time in office, highlighting risks to jobs and investment.
Nigel Huddleston
Con
Droitwich and Evesham
Asked about steps being taken for industrial strategy development and confirmed that the service sector, constituting 80% of the British economy, would also be covered.
Welcomed the new Secretary of State's role in formulating an industrial strategy but asked how this marks a distinct change from previous approaches and questioned its novelty compared to existing initiatives.
Rishi Sunak
Con
Richmond and Northallerton
Urged consideration of the American small business innovation research programme as a model for fostering technological commercialisation in the UK.
Greg Clark
Con
The creative industries are an important source of strength, and that includes comedians. We want to work with local leaders to strengthen the resilience of regional centres. The strength of science in Oxfordshire is one of our national strengths and it will be at the heart of our strategy.
Ed Vaizey
Con
Welcomed the new Front Bench team and hopes his right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, will recognise the importance of science and innovation in Harwell where science links with high tech.
Margaret Ritchie
Social Democratic & Labour Party
Asked how the Secretary of State will ensure that Northern Ireland’s reliance on EU support is mindful in the future industrial strategy.
Jon Trickett
Lab
Normanton and Hemsworth
Welcomed the Department dealing with industrial strategy but criticised recent failures in steel industry pensions and company management. Asked about protection of steel workers’ pensions.
Gill Furniss
Lab
Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough
Asked for steps to improve the performance of the feed-in-tariff scheme for solar power and inquired if analysis has been carried out on the effect of business rates hike.
Jesse Norman
Con
Hereford and South Herefordshire
Discussed the success story of solar deployment with almost 11 GW capacity installed. Noted that there is little sign confidence in sector has dropped despite policy changes.
Kevin Hollinrake
Con
Thirsk and Malton
Welcomed new ministerial team to their roles and asked the Minister to meet him and representatives from Kingspan to see how effects of business rates revaluation can be mitigated.
Alan Whitehead
Lab
Asked if analysis has been carried out on the effect of proposed hike in business rates on payback periods for commercial and rooftop solar, including schools. Inquired about changes to tariffs if revaluation comes into effect.
Barry Gardiner
Lab
Brent West
Asked whether incompetence or calculation has caused the proposed hike in business rates that could result in a 93% drop in solar installations. Inquired about future plans for small-scale renewables like solar.
David Morris
Con
Inquired what steps are being taken to promote innovation in all regions of the UK, particularly in space and aviation industries with concerns over Brexit impact.
Julian Sturdy
Con
Asked for assurances that agri-food research will continue to play an important role in supporting innovation and delivering food security. Inquired about the success of agricultural industry relying on latest innovations in science.
Discussed government investment in Innovate UK, space industry, and agri-tech. Mentioned £160 million investment for agri-food research centres to improve farm productivity.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
Requested that relevant Ministers in devolved legislatures are brought together to ensure best practice in innovation is replicated and advanced across the UK.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Stressed importance of investment for regional innovation, mentioning European funding contributions. Asked if Minister would commit to matching EU funding for innovation post-Brexit.
States that consumer product safety is a Government priority and they have an effective system of product recall. They established a steering group to consider the recommendations from Lynn Faulds Wood's review and will engage with the London fire brigade on its campaign.
Andrew Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
Raises concerns about advice provided by Whirlpool that tumble dryers can continue to be used if not unattended, arguing it is irresponsible and dangerous. He questions why the Minister will not get this changed.
Explains that the advice from Whirlpool is based on a full risk assessment of the product agreed with Peterborough City Council trading standards. Trading standards have powers to order further action if appropriate and will continue monitoring the situation.
Highlights three tumble dryer fires each day in the country, totalling almost 2,500 since the start of 2012. Asks the Minister to ensure that fireproof labels containing make, model and serial number are attached to all tumble dryers for traceability.
Notes that fires represent less than 0.2% of the total number of tumble dryers sold but acknowledges serious incidents. Emphasises that Lynn Faulds Wood’s review provides an overview and an independent recall review group will complete work on recommendations.
Rehman Chishti
Q9.
Asks about recent trends in the sale and supply of laser pens, highlighting over 1,300 incidents where such pens were used to target both civilian and military aircraft. He seeks support for a private Member’s Bill to regulate their sale.
Commits the Department to ensuring only safe products are placed on the market including laser pens, acknowledging misuse risks and reviewing options to protect consumers and aircraft, possibly through further legislation.
Raises concerns about a leading manufacturer of laser pens in his constituency being affected by government policies. He seeks clarity regarding speaking engagements at the northern powerhouse conference.
Refutes suggestions that the Government has lost commitment to the northern powerhouse and offers to discuss specifics with Barry Sheerman afterwards.
Chris Matheson
Q11
Inquires about a report on the state of the UK solar industry, asking for plans regarding future support.
Jesse Norman
Con
Hereford and South Herefordshire
Acknowledges concerns over job losses but emphasises that many schemes are close to being viable without subsidy. Notes resilience of the industry and its capacity to respond to change, including potential benefits from Brexit.
Andrew Bingham
Q12
Asks about potential opportunities for British businesses following the vote to leave the EU, highlighting concerns raised by a constituent whose business could be affected due to changes in certification processes.
Karl McCartney
Q15
Asks about assessments of potential opportunities for British businesses arising from the vote to leave the EU. Commends positive trade figures following the referendum result, questioning how many businesses are optimistic.
Acknowledges opportunities for business but notes need for clarity on issues such as certification processes. Confirms willingness to discuss these with interested parties and acknowledges optimism from chairmen about local prospects despite desire for more certainty.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton and Denton
Highlights the importance of retaining access to the single European market for Gibraltar, which is entirely accessed through another EU member state. Seeks assurances regarding discussions with Gibraltarian counterparts.
Confirms active engagement in conversations with stakeholders and international partners to ensure that Gibraltar will be included in transition plans following Brexit.
Invites the Minister or his team to meet with Northern Ireland’s official Opposition leader, as they have a document outlining their vision for Northern Ireland post-Brexit.
Commits to meeting the request from Danny Kinahan and others, emphasising willingness to hear all opinions and ideas on transitioning to a post-Brexit world.
Neil Parish
Con
Asked about the Swansea bay tidal lagoon project, its potential for energy generation, and requested an update on the feasibility study's progress.
Bill Esterson
Lab
Sefton Central
Inquired if Greg Clark was doing everything possible to ensure that Apple pays up £13 billion in taxes generated across the EU, including in the UK.
Jason McCartney
Con
Asked whether developing an industrial strategy would involve more regional procurement and winning hearts and minds for big projects in the north.
Fiona Mactaggart
Lab
Queried if the Department was determined to make energy generation solely the preserve of large businesses due to a review of network charging tariffs.
Chloe Smith
Con
Asked whether the Government would seek to enhance and promote British strengths in financial services, science, digital technology, creative industries, cultural sectors and tourism during European negotiations.
Patrick Grady
Lab
Inquired if the Government planned to ratify the Paris climate agreement before the next UNFCCC COP in Morocco.
Maggie Throup
Con
Asked for details on what role bioscience would play in the Government's industrial strategy given Britain's position as a world leader in scientific research.
Paul Blomfield
Lab
Asked if Greg Clark intended to cancel his predecessor’s decision to centralise Department policy functions in London, which would maintain and build on its Sheffield presence.
Tom Pursglove
Con
Inquired about the Minister's discussions with the steel industry regarding their role in the comprehensive industrial strategy being developed by the Government.
Drew Hendry
Lab
Asked what action was being taken to assist retailers and help UK seafarers after the Hanjin Shipping line went into receivership, leaving billions-worth of goods at sea.
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
Suggested that Greg Clark work closely with the Secretary of State for Health to plan the future of life sciences industry given the importance of innovation in the NHS as a customer for this sector.
Gloria De Piero
Lab
Asked if the Government would look again at the unjust 50% Government clawback from the mineworkers’ pension scheme surplus.
David Nuttall
Con
Inquired whether the Department planned to develop a single industrial strategy for the whole country or different strategies for various parts of the UK.
Ian Blackford
SNP
Asked if changes to subsidy for biomass combined heat and power plants had been brought in too quickly, suggesting a longer grace period should have been granted before implementation.
Peter Aldous
Con
Lossiemouth
Asked the Secretary of State to confirm that the Government will reset energy policy so that the country can take full advantage of the opportunities provided by Brexit.
Melanie Onn
Lab/Co-op
Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes
Asked for a guarantee that all employment protections currently enjoyed by British workers will be maintained after Brexit, and inquired about support for her Bill to do so.
Nigel Adams
Con
Selby and Ainsty
Inquired about the financial viability of low-carbon on-site heat and power technologies due to tariff reductions and suggested a separate tariff for new gasification technologies.
Hannah Bardell
SNP
Dundee East
Welcomed the Secretary of State to his place, mentioned a report suggesting that re-engineering of the UK continental shelf fiscal regime may be necessary and asked what support will be offered to the oil and gas sector in the autumn statement.
Jake Berry
Con
Rossendale and Darwen
Questioned the Secretary of State on his engagement with businesses in Lancashire for a successful industrial strategy, emphasising the need for business input.
Jonathan Reynolds
Lab/Co-op
Stalybridge and Hyde
Asked if it was conceivable that this country could negotiate full membership of the single market without accepting freedom of movement.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
Welcomed the Government’s continuing commitment to the northern powerhouse and asked for a meeting to discuss how northern Lincolnshire can contribute maximally to the project.
Dumfries and Galloway
Asked if businesses had been listed which support leaving the single market after meetings with them over the past few months.
Robert Jenrick
Con
Newark
Highlighted the importance of innovation in driving industrial growth, particularly regarding Airbnb and Uber services.
Leeds North West
Inquired about the Secretary of State's action to remove Paul Newby as pubs adjudicator due to new evidence showing he failed to declare his interests properly.
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