Industrial Strategy

Question

What recent progress his Department has made on introducing an industrial strategy. The need for improved business investment is noted as it has been the lowest in the G7 for some time.

Question

Given the Government's commitment to supporting British manufacturing, will the Minister set out how the upcoming industrial strategy will support manufacturing businesses in the west midlands? The area is home to many businesses both large and small that contribute significantly to employment.

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Will the Minister provide assurances about his work with the Department for Education to ensure vocational education is protected and support British manufacturing through such initiatives? Inward investment is important, including a meeting this week on green fuel investments.

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Does he agree that Air Products' investment would be an ideal project for inclusion in the global investment summit? The Minister is invited to meet representatives and discuss future collaborations.

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How will my right hon. Friend ensure that the voluntary sector has a strong voice once again under Labour, particularly focusing on care and creative industries? Partnership with the voluntary sector was key during previous terms.

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A Labour Government brought secure, well-paid working-class jobs to Knowsley with Ford Halewood. My dad getting a job there changed my family's life and lifted us out of poverty. It did the same for thousands of families like ours. Does the Secretary of State agree that any successful industrial strategy must provide good-quality, unionised jobs to lift living standards in areas such as mine?

Question

I welcome our Labour Government's commitment to decarbonisation, particularly for Britain's automotive industry. It is a vital step in securing the sector's future and safeguarding high-quality jobs, which are critical for the Vauxhall plant in my constituency of Luton South and South Bedfordshire. Will the Secretary of State update the House on how his Department is working across Government, including with the Treasury and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, to drive innovative decarbonisation solutions, to ensure the success of our growth mission?

Question

I welcome the Secretary of State and his team to what I think is one of the most important Departments in Government. As a sometimes lonely voice on the Conservative Benches advocating for industrial strategy, I signal support for his intention. I am sure that he agrees that the big challenge is to convert our phenomenal science and technology leadership into sovereign industrial supply chain leadership around this country. Having led the strategy for life sciences—quantum, engineering biology, fusion—may I ask whether he agrees that the key to this is cross-departmental Whitehall work, and ensuring that we do not end up with endless earnest, well-intended committees, but actually engage the small businesses, entrepreneurs and investors who are driving these sectors of tomorrow?

Question

A successful industrial strategy obviously has to include a wise workforce strategy. In the lakes and dales of Westmorland, the workforce is far too small for our needs and is sadly shrinking—66% of hospitality and tourism businesses in the second busiest visitor destination in the country are working below capacity because they do not have enough staff. There are two main issues: a lack of affordable places for people to live, and an inability to bring people in from overseas. Will the Secretary of State support the extension of housing grants to build more social rented homes in Westmorland, and a youth mobility visa deal with the European Union, which would allow us to bring in people to supplement our far-too-small workforce?

Question

Further to the meeting with Air Products where they expressed frustration over the government's pace, will you ensure that your Department meets their deadlines? In context of Northern Lincolnshire's importance in renewables, how can we improve our response to big investment opportunities?

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Will you use your position to influence the Secretary of State for Defence to ensure Northern Ireland can access more defence sector contracts, particularly highlighting the strengths of businesses like Thales?

Question

Given the FSB's concerns over new labour laws increasing business costs and reducing competitiveness, how does the right hon. Gentleman plan to address these fears?