Topical Questions 2025-07-17

2025-07-17

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Martin Vickers Con
Brigg and Immingham
Context
There have been business failures in the Grimsby and Immingham areas recently, including a threat to hundreds of jobs at the Prax oil refinery. This raises concerns about job security.
The Secretary of State has tried to paint a glowing picture of what is happening, but I can tell him that in northern Lincolnshire there are growing concerns. There have been a number of business failures in the last few weeks in the Grimsby and Immingham areas, and he will be aware of the threat to hundreds of jobs at the Prax oil refinery. All that makes it even more important that the Scunthorpe steelworks has a long-term future. Can he update the House on the state of things at Scunthorpe?
I am always keen to update the hon. Member and colleagues on the situation with British Steel. We have cancelled the redundancy consultation and removed the immediate risk to 2,700 jobs. We have taken on new apprentices and invested significantly in improving health and safety on the site. We have provided significant working capital—that does not take into account yet the future revenue that will come. I am sure he will have been pleased to see that Network Rail has awarded British Steel a contract worth £500 million. We will continue to ensure that there is a long-term future for British Steel, and we will keep the House and himself updated to that effect.
Assessment & feedback
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Q2 Partial Answer
Callum Anderson Lab
Buckingham and Bletchley
Context
The Government’s £500 million investment to support under-represented entrepreneurs was welcomed but there are still challenges in accessing networks, mentoring and market access.
The Government’s £500 million investment to support under-represented entrepreneurs was hugely welcomed by business leaders in my constituency, but access to capital is only part of the challenge. Many still face entrenched barriers around networks, mentoring and market access. Will the Minister set out the steps that the Government are taking to ensure that that investment is complemented by wider reforms to break down any structural obstacles to scaling businesses in Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire?
The Government-backed invest in women taskforce is addressing many of these issues through its ecosystem working group, which promotes better access to networks, support and procurement opportunities. My hon. Friend is absolutely right, though, to say that we need to go further. The small business strategy will set out a range of further measures in that regard.
Assessment & feedback
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Q3 Partial Answer
Liam Byrne Lab
Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North
Context
The Business and Trade Committee’s inquiry on small businesses highlighted the impact of uncompetitive energy contracts due to regulatory collapse post-COVID.
I am concerned about the issue raised by the chief executive of Ofgem regarding higher energy bills for small businesses. Can you assure me that when the small business strategy is published, it will address this energy rip-off?
I am grateful for the Chair's work and acknowledge the issue highlighted. Small businesses were locked into uncompetitive contracts post-COVID, leading to higher bills. We must break the link between gas prices and electricity costs by increasing clean energy on the system.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit specific measures in strategy
No Shortcuts Fundamentally
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
John Glen Con
Salisbury
Context
The Federation of Small Businesses policy chair warned about the future shrinkage of small businesses.
Tina McKenzie, FSB policy chair, stated that for the first time in history more small businesses predict shrinking than expanding. Can you respond to this warning?
I respect Tina McKenzie and FSB, and we are closely working on measures for the small business strategy. The report paints a slightly more positive picture about bosses' confidence in SMEs. We will continue discussions with FSB for further detail.
Assessment & feedback
Did not fully address concerns raised by Tina McKenzie
Positive Picture Continue To Talk
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Gregor Poynton Lab
Livingston
Context
Question about the UK Labour Government's industrial strategy versus the SNP's lack thereof.
Does the Secretary of State agree that the UK Labour Government is delivering an industrial strategy to support jobs, unlike the SNP which lacks an industrial strategy and plans?
I agree with my hon. Friend that nationalism based on grievance lacks real solutions compared to our approach. Specific instances show billions of pounds investment could be delivered if Scottish Government policies changed, such as supporting nuclear and apprenticeship centers.
Assessment & feedback
Did not fully affirm support for industrial strategy in Scotland
Change Policy Nationalism
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Josh Babarinde LD
Eastbourne
Context
Issues with Royal Mail performance causing delays in mail delivery.
Eastbourne's posties are legends, but there are issues with Royal Mail resulting in late letter deliveries for medical appointments. Will the Minister meet me to discuss these problems and urgent action?
I appreciate the hon. Member's tribute to posties and acknowledge performance issues at Royal Mail. I am happy to discuss this further with him to ensure everyone receives mail on time, working with Ofcom.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit specific action plan for Royal Mail
Discuss Further Service Everyone Deserves
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Chi Onwurah Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Context
Concerns about social media companies being held accountable due to ongoing US trade talks.
The Select Committee report on social media algorithms raised concerns that US trade negotiations might prevent UK from responding to recommendations. Can the Minister reassure us that this is not true?
I can reassure my hon. Friend that decisions on social media regulation remain within the UK Government and Parliament’s jurisdiction, despite speculation during trade negotiations.
Assessment & feedback
Did not fully address concerns about specific regulatory actions
Decisions In Domain Speculation
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Ben Maguire LD
North Cornwall
Context
Constituents face difficulties and costs in trading with Europe.
My constituents, Mr and Mrs Greathead, supply products to UK and Europe but have faced difficulties due to Brexit. Will the Minister look into these barriers and excessive red tape?
I sympathise with the hon. Member's constituents on their challenges, including issues with HMRC tariffs. He may want to contact my colleague, Exchequer Secretary to Treasury, for further assistance on HMRC matters.
Assessment & feedback
Did not fully address all barriers and red tape
Sympathise Contact Exchequer Secretary
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Amanda Hack Lab
North West Leicestershire
Context
Lack of female representation in leadership roles and ownership in the hospitality sector.
At a panel discussion, women highlighted barriers to progress due to lack of female representation in leadership. What steps is the Minister taking to support women into these positions?
This issue is important, with the Invest in Women taskforce addressing barriers for women entrepreneurs, including access to finance. A fund is being set up and more measures will be outlined in our SMEs strategy.
Assessment & feedback
Did not fully commit specific initiatives
Invest In Women Taskforce Fund
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
John Cooper Con
Dumfries and Galloway
Context
Concerns about review of the UK Internal Market Act inviting divergence damaging trade.
The review of the 2020 Act is said to give greater flexibility to devolved Governments. Is there a risk this invites change for change sake and damages trade?
The Government say that Devolved Governments will have greater flexibility to set rules. This does not necessarily invite unnecessary divergence but provides more tailored approaches within the framework.
Assessment & feedback
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Q11 Direct Answer
Ben Goldsborough Lab
South Norfolk
Context
The over 1,000 employees at the Lotus plant in South Norfolk and Norwich North are vital to their constituencies.
May I ask for a meeting with him and my hon. Friend the Member for Norwich North (Alice Macdonald), so that we can talk about our discussions with local employees?
I can absolutely guarantee my hon. Friend that we will have that meeting. I appreciate the work that we have been able to do together, reacting to the media reports that initially surfaced. There is some clarity from the company, but not the full degree of clarity that we need. I will make sure that we get that meeting set up for him and his colleagues.
Assessment & feedback
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Q12 Partial Answer
Bobby Dean LD
Carshalton and Wallington
Context
The UK has experienced five consecutive months of job losses, with research indicating that up to 17% of companies are considering redundancies.
We have just had our fifth consecutive month of job losses announced, and research shows that as many as 17% of companies are considering redundancies. What is the Government’s analysis of why this is happening?
I gently say to the hon. Gentleman that we have had four interest rate cuts, almost 400,000 jobs have been created, our industrial strategy has been hugely welcomed, and we have had three deals, so it is perhaps not a surprise that recent surveys point to a nine-year high in business confidence.
Assessment & feedback
The answer provided statistics and mentions of initiatives but did not directly address the reasons behind job losses and potential redundancies.
Response accuracy