Topical Questions 2025-10-30

2025-10-30

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Ben Obese-Jecty Con
Huntingdon
Context
RAF Wyton in Huntingdon is set to host a defence technology cluster under Project Fairfax, supported by a £600 million fund from the strategic sites accelerator programme.
With a decision yet to be made about identifying investible sites and regarding the £600 million fund available through the strategic sites accelerator programme, will the Secretary of State meet me and the chief executive of my local council to discuss the inclusion of potential defence sites in Huntingdon?
I am grateful for the hon. Gentleman’s question, and I know that his community will be grateful for his question too. I can assure him that we are working to mobilise the strategic sites accelerator which will operate across the nation. We expect to communicate how and when the programme will deploy in the coming period into spring. As he knows, RAF Wyton is a key site for cyber and specialist operations command. It is an important asset for our nation. I, or the relevant Minister, will of course meet him to discuss how we can better support that site going forward, but already within Government it is a very highly valued asset.
Assessment & feedback
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Q2 Direct Answer
Michael Payne Lab
Gedling
Context
Luxfer Gas Cylinders in Gedling employs over 200 people and is a key supplier to hydrogen allocation round 1 projects, looking to expand manufacturing of high-pressure hydrogen cylinders.
Will the Minister meet me and other MPs who have significant hydrogen and fuel cell manufacturers in their constituencies to discuss how existing Government support for hydrogen can best drive UK growth and jobs?
I was pleased to address a meeting of Hydrogen UK just last week, where I reaffirmed Government support for the sector which we have recognised through our industrial strategy and the clean energy industries sector plan. I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss in particular Luxfer’s ambitions to invest more in the UK.
Assessment & feedback
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Q3 Direct Answer
Andrew Griffith Con
Arundel and South Downs
Context
The Employment Rights Bill faced five reasonable amendments in the other place, which received cross-party support to mitigate damage. The Office for Budget Responsibility is assessing the impact of the legislation.
Will the Secretary of State now put country before party, do the right thing by British business and accept those compromise amendments?
Again, the Conservatives had 14 years in which the economy was changing. They had the chance to tackle zero-hours contracts, and what did they do? Nothing. They had the chance to tackle fire and rehire, and they did nothing. They had the chance to tackle the challenges of being an app-based employee, and they chose to do nothing. We are acting to modernise the economy and the relationship out there between businesses and workers because that is what is needed. It is what workers and businesses need, and it is what this Government are delivering.
Assessment & feedback
Redirects To Past Failures Of Conservative Government
Response accuracy
Q4 Direct Answer
Peter Swallow Lab
Bracknell
Context
The Get Britain Growing: South East conference discussed opportunities across advanced manufacturing, life sciences, digital innovation and more.
Will the Minister set out how the industrial strategy will ensure that Bracknell and the wider south-east reaches its full potential?
My hon. Friend is a dynamic advocate for a dynamic part of the country in the Thames valley. The industrial strategy and its sector plans highlight the strengths in his area, especially in tech and life sciences. Alongside the national package to grow the sector, specific interventions in the south-east include an AI growth zone in Culham, support for the Solent freeport, expanding the British Business Bank’s nations and regions investment fund and major projects backing the Oxford to Cambridge growth corridor. We will keep working with my hon. Friend to unlock the potential across the south-east.
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Q5 Partial Answer
Sarah Olney LD
Richmond Park
Context
The question arises from businesses across the country facing unaffordable energy costs, compounded by national insurance contributions and uncertainty over the Employment Rights Bill.
Businesses across the country are struggling with unaffordable energy costs. The burden of this Government’s national insurance contributions rise and uncertainty over the Employment Rights Bill are compounded by the immense struggle caused by sky-high energy bills. I urge the Government to act with more urgency in addressing energy costs for businesses, including through accelerating the launch of the industrial competitiveness scheme.
I can assure the hon. Lady that we are in constant contact with the Energy Secretary. When I was at DSIT, we co-chaired the AI energy council, and we are working together to get the transition to renewable power done as swiftly as possible, generating the wealth that our country needs from the transition period. Also, we are lowering bills and, through some targeted interventions, ensuring that those key businesses get the support they need on the challenges with energy prices and supply.
Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address Liberal Democrat proposals or acceleration of industrial competitiveness scheme launch
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Phil Brickell Lab
Bolton West
Context
Indespension, a trailer manufacturer in Bolton West, is facing increased costs due to differing rules between GB, EU and Northern Irish markets.
Horwich trailer manufacturer Indespension tells me that the post-Brexit regulatory system has significantly increased the approval cost for new trailer designs because of differing rules between GB, EU and Northern Irish markets. The business now spends more than £100,000 a year completing relevant paperwork. What measures is the Secretary of State taking to remove the administrative burden on firms so that instead of form filling, they can invest and create the well-paid jobs that I want to see in my local economy?
I am grateful for my hon. Friend’s passionate question. As he will know, we have struck a trade deal with the EU and reset the relationship with it. We will continue to build on that to deliver for all parts of our economy.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address specific measures to ease administrative burdens
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Graham Stuart Con
Beverley and Holderness
Context
The Conservatives have introduced a national guarantee of 11,500 post offices in the network.
T2. The Conservatives brought in a national guarantee of 11,500 post offices in the network. Labour has promised to scrap that. What assurances can Ministers give to people in Middleton, Lockington, Leconfield, Cherry Burton, Aldbrough, Walkington, Tickton, Hedon, Wawne, Skirlaugh, Sproatley, Beverley, Roos, Ottringham, Keyingham, Withernsea, Easington and Thorngumbald that their post offices will be retained?
As I said to the hon. Member for West Worcestershire (Dame Harriett Baldwin), we are committed to ensuring not just that we work to maintain the post office network, but that we deal with some of those long-standing issues about the viability of the business going forward—issues that the Conservatives had 14 years to fix and did not.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific assurances for retention of post offices in specified areas
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Nia Griffith Lab
Llanelli
Context
Tata’s Trostre site in Llanelli faces annual stoppages affecting workers over Christmas.
Workers at Tata’s Trostre site in my constituency have been hard hit by the five-week annual stoppage, leaving them short of money over Christmas. Despite reassurances from Tata, the Minister will understand that they are worried that this is a sign of worse to come. What is he doing to bring down energy prices, negotiate preferential treatment for our products to access the EU, and ensure that we strengthen our protections against cheap imports—all vital to the future of our steel industry?
We recognise the importance of the steel industry in Wales and of Trostre in particular, which has more than 70 years of tinplate production and is the only tinning line in the UK. I met the chief executive of Tata Steel this week to discuss this very issue. He referred to a softening in market demand, but fundamentally, this Government are committed to creating a better business environment for steel in the UK, so that it can compete with Europe, including on energy prices.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address measures to negotiate preferential treatment and protect against cheap imports
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Claire Young LD
Thornbury and Yate
Context
Small and medium-sized businesses in Thornbury and Yate are affected by the trade war with the US.
T5. Small and medium-sized businesses in my constituency have told me about the impact that Trump’s trade war is having on their ability to export to the United States. What is the Secretary of State doing to support these vital job creators and ensure that British goods can continue to be sold worldwide?
The hon. Member raises an important point, particularly for small businesses, which rely on those schemes. I pay tribute to the Royal Mail for the speed at which it reacted to those de minimis changes to ensure that businesses were able to continue. We keep working with Royal Mail as well to ensure that that is possible.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address measures specific to supporting businesses affected by US trade war
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Ben Goldsborough Lab
South Norfolk
Context
Rural pubs in South Norfolk are vital hubs of the community and drivers of economic growth.
In rural constituencies like South Norfolk, I can think of no better place for employment than our pubs. From the Wheel of Fortune in Alpington to the Angel Inn in Loddon, these pubs are not just vital hubs of our communities but drivers of economic growth. In fact, Mr Speaker, you are more than welcome to join my Christmas pub team on 13 December. What support are the Government putting in place to help those businesses provide decent employment?
I am grateful for my hon. Friend’s question— I am glad he got in today. I can assure him that we are working closely with pubs. We want pubs to be at the beating heart of communities up and down the country. We know we have inherited a challenging environment for pubs. We listen to them and will be acting.
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify specific support measures for rural pubs
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Gareth Snell Lab/Co-op
Stoke-on-Trent Central
Context
The ceramic industry in Stoke-on-Trent is critical to steel production and housing construction.
To make steel in this country, we need ceramics. To build houses in this country, we need ceramics. Five of the eight industrial strategy growth sectors require ceramics. Ahead of the launch of the British industrial competitiveness scheme, might there be any interim relief from energy prices for energy-intensive industries?
My hon. Friend is a fantastic champion for ceramics. This is only my second time at the Dispatch Box, but it is also the second time that he has asked me about this. He and I have already met to discuss it, and I am happy to have further conversations with him and industry about everything we can do, as soon as possible, to support the sector with its energy costs.
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify interim relief measures for ceramics industry
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Vikki Slade LD
Mid Dorset and North Poole
Context
Local MP Vikki Slade launched a “Pub of the Year” award to support local pubs. She noted that 54 pubs and two breweries support 1,600 jobs.
Vikki Slade raised concerns about job cuts in the hospitality sector due to national insurance contributions. She asked if the Government will consult on a new lower rate of employer national insurance for workers earning £5,000 to £9,100, to support part-time employment and economic growth.
Kate Dearden acknowledged the importance of the hospitality sector, especially pubs, to local economies. She mentioned support through a £1.5 million hospitality support scheme and Pub is The Hub initiative with £440,000 funding recently announced.
Assessment & feedback
The question about a new lower rate of employer national insurance was not directly addressed.
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Rupa Huq Lab
Ealing Central and Acton
Context
The Lending Standards Board will cease operations due to funding withdrawal from banks. The board's ethnicity code highlighted disparities in loan approval rates.
Dr Rupa Huq requested an urgent meeting with the Minister to continue the work of the Lending Standards Board, particularly focusing on the ethnicity code that revealed significant differences in loan access for ethnic minority businesses compared to standard applications.
Blair McDougall acknowledged the importance of financial access for ethnic minority businesses, stating that it is a key part of the small business strategy. He also mentioned billions more investment in the British Business Bank.
Assessment & feedback
The specific request for an urgent meeting was not directly addressed.
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
James Wild Con
North West Norfolk
Context
The Business Secretary recently boasted about deregulatory actions, including scrapping the British Hallmarking Council.
James Wild questioned why the Government was proceeding with an unemployment Bill and proposed a £5 billion annual tax on British businesses when every £1 of regulatory costs has the same impact as £1 taken in tax.
Peter Kyle criticized the Conservatives for not acting during their 14-year tenure. He highlighted his own announcements of £230 million in deregulation per year, suggesting that the Conservatives should provide better questions.
Assessment & feedback
The specific concerns about the unemployment Bill and tax were not addressed directly.
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
Perran Moon Lab
Camborne and Redruth
Context
The critical minerals strategy is due to launch soon, focusing on mineral exploration funds in the UK.
Perran Moon asked if the Department was considering a new fund similar to those established by Canada, the US, and Australia for supporting junior exploration companies in building energy security and contributing to export-led growth.
Chris McDonald thanked Perran Moon for his advocacy. He stated that the UK has significant lithium deposits and is eager to exploit these resources, ensuring all options are considered.
Assessment & feedback
The specific question about establishing a new fund was not directly addressed.
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Josh Babarinde LD
Eastbourne
Context
Many small businesses rely on Facebook advertising but face prolonged delays when hacked.
Josh Babarinde raised concerns about Meta’s slow response to hacking incidents, asking the Minister to advise how to expedite reconnection of affected business accounts.
Blair McDougall acknowledged the importance of cyber-security and stated that the government is communicating with small businesses to ensure they up their security measures. He also offered to meet the hon. Gentleman on this issue.
Assessment & feedback
The specific request for guidance was not directly addressed.
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Sonia Kumar Lab
Dudley
Context
UK start-ups face challenges in raising equity compared to US counterparts.
Sonia Kumar questioned the steps being taken by the Department to improve access to finance for scaling up start-ups, and asked how women could get a fair share of this access.
Peter Kyle noted that Sonia Kumar is asking important questions related to economic reform. He highlighted reforms from the Mansion House and the role of pensions in unlocking capital into the economy.
Assessment & feedback
The specific request for steps on improving access was not directly addressed.
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
Grahame Morris Lab
Easington
Context
Power Roll is a pioneering solar panel manufacturer in the north-east that needs £5 million to secure its future.
Grahame Morris requested support from his hon. and right hon. Friends on the Front Bench for securing investment needed to keep Power Roll's production and jobs in east Durham.
Chris McDonald stated that he is familiar with Power Roll, having met their CEO. He mentioned meeting potential investors and offered to discuss further after questions.
Assessment & feedback
The specific request for immediate Government support was not directly addressed.
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Amanda Hack Lab
North West Leicestershire
Context
Imported bricks make up nearly 20% of the UK market, while local manufacturers like Ibstock Brick could supply more.
Amanda Hack asked how to ensure that UK brick manufacturers can maximize investment, employ local people and meet future demand for bricks.
Chris McDonald highlighted the government’s ambition for building with more UK-made bricks, fewer imports, and increased productivity of brick kilns. He noted that getting energy prices down is key.
Assessment & feedback
The specific request for measures was not directly addressed.
Changed Subject
Response accuracy