Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Economic Growth South Yorkshire and Derby 2025-05-20

2025-05-20

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Marie Tidball Lab
Penistone and Stocksbridge
▸ Context
The speciality steel site at Stocksbridge in Dr Tidball's constituency is crucial for the UK defence, aerospace, and energy industries. It employs 650 people and has an excellent skills training centre.
What discussions has the Chancellor had with the Department for Business and Trade to ensure that the Government do everything they can to secure the British steel industry by using our domestic steel assets productively, and in particular the Stocksbridge speciality steel site?
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
Although I will not get into detailed discussions about one individual company, last year the Government set out the £2.5 billion steel fund in the Budget to preserve and grow steel manufacturing in the UK. In the trade deals we have secured with the US and with the EU in the last couple of weeks, we have reduced tariffs on steel exports, which will be good for the British steel industry.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Details about discussions between the Chancellor and the Department for Business and Trade regarding the specific site at Stocksbridge
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Baggy Shanker Lab/Co-op
Derby South
▸ Context
In Derby South, 62% of adults in the community are financially vulnerable, which is far above the national average of 38%. People struggle with making ends meet and dreading unexpected bills.
Will the Chancellor outline how her plan for growth will put money in people’s pockets and deliver change for those in our struggling communities?
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
We will shortly publish a financial inclusion strategy, as well as extending the household support fund to support some of the most vulnerable. There are huge opportunities in Derby, as my hon. Friend knows. I was at Rolls Royce in Derby just last week. What we are doing on trade deals, particularly with the US, hugely supports our aerospace sector, along with the increased spending on defence to 2.5% of GDP, which helps to invest in Great British firms and, indeed, in Great British steel.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Specific actions or measures to put money in people’s pockets for those struggling financially
Response accuracy