UK’s Green Industries Foreign Direct Investment 2022-04-21
2022-04-21
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question follows from Felicity Buchan's efforts to boost the UK's trade with Norway and Iceland.
What steps her Department has taken to increase foreign direct investment in the UK's green industries?
Last year, on behalf of the Prime Minister, we delivered the global investment summit which saw almost £10 billion of foreign investment into our offshore wind, hydrogen and electric vehicle sectors. Meanwhile, the Office for Investment landed almost £18 billion of further green deals.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Follows from the first question, focusing on discussions specifically with companies in Norway and Iceland.
Will my hon. Friend update the House on the discussions we have had specifically with companies in Norway and Iceland?
The United Kingdom is committed to deepening her partnership with Norway and Iceland, which was reinforced by the trade deal I signed in July last year. It is one of our greenest deals ever and preserves our right to regulate to reach our net zero targets.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer avoids specifics on discussions had with companies but mentions a specific deal.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question relates to the recent ScotWind announcement from the Scottish Government, which is significant in offshore wind energy.
Will the Minister join me in congratulating the SNP Scottish Government on making Scotland a global leader in offshore wind energy? Will he pledge to do all in his power to support this fantastic international trade and transition opportunity?
I am delighted that the SNP now supports the British energy security strategy, which champions the power of offshore wind energy. I am also delighted that foreign investors are already responding to the United Kingdom Government's proposals, including in the form of a sovereign investment partnership with the United Arab Emirates, which is investing £10 billion, including funds for energy transition.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide a specific pledge or commitment but acknowledges support from foreign investors.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The question builds on the previous one, focusing on maximizing opportunities for international trade in offshore wind energy.
Will the Minister commit his Government to working with the Scottish Government to maximise this massive transition and international trade opportunity?
We work with devolved Administrations across the kingdom to make sure that every corner of the country benefits from international trade. The truth is that while we are batting for every corner of the country, backing British businesses and supporting Scottish jobs, the SNP wants to cut Scotland off from its largest market, which is the British internal market.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister deflects by discussing internal market issues rather than committing to work with the Scottish Government.
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
The question focuses on initiatives to develop export opportunities for British-based companies in the green sector.
What initiatives is the Department taking to develop those opportunities?
The Department has already launched interventions to support international investment into all corners of the country. Those interventions include the high potential opportunities programme and the trade and investment hubs. The hub in Darlington assists more than 1,000 foreign direct investment projects throughout the country which will drive the technology forward.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy