Net Zero Impact on Manufacturing 2025-10-14
2025-10-14
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP referenced the work done with the ceramic sector and highlighted the challenges faced by energy-intensive industries due to high international gas market costs.
What assessment has the Minister made of the potential impact of his Department’s net zero policies on the manufacturing industry? My hon. Friend raises an important point about the scope of the supercharger, which we are going to look at in 026. He will be aware that some parts of the ceramics supply chain can access the supercharger, but I too am concerned about the impacts of high energy costs on the ceramics sector.
My hon. Friend raises an important point about the scope of the supercharger, which we are going to look at in 2026. He will be aware that some parts of the ceramics supply chain can access the supercharger, but I too am concerned about the impacts of high energy costs on the ceramics sector. I will meet the head of Ceramics UK this month, I am chairing a meeting of the Energy Intensive Users Group, and I look forward to further engagement with the sector in the new year.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not commit to expanding eligibility for the supercharger scheme as requested but acknowledged ongoing work with the ceramics sector.
Working On This
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted the potential sale process of the Lindsey oil refinery in Lincolnshire, expressing concern over job risks.
Will the Minister, in his new job, commit to helping ensure that the whole site is sold to a successful bidder?
The hon. Member said that thousands and thousands of jobs are at risk in this country; they are at risk from the climate-denying policies of Reform. The Institution of Chemical Engineers reported last week that there are 800,000 jobs in the green economy in this country—thousands and thousands in the constituencies of every single Member in this House—and the hon. Member’s party is putting that investment at risk.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide a commitment or details on ensuring the site sale process but redirected to criticise the Reform party's policies.
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP referenced the closure of oil refineries, job losses in North Sea operations, factory closures, and plant shutdowns. He also mentioned criticism from Unite the union's head.
How many jobs have to be sacrificed on the altar of this Secretary of State’s vainglorious eco-zealotry before the Government acknowledge the utter destruction of the UK’s industrial base that is being wreaked by policies driven by an out-of-touch green lobby?
It is no wonder that there is so much laughter around the Chamber, because the policies of the previous Conservative Government saw industry decline. They were prepared to let industry decline because, fundamentally, they do not believe in industry, and now we find that they do not believe in climate science. We on this side of the House know that we can achieve decarbonisation in this country by winning investment from industry—investment that is coming in from all around the world.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide details or commitment to address job losses and plant closures but criticised the previous government's policies.
Criticised Opposition
Response accuracy