Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Economic Growth: South Yorkshire and Derby

Tuesday 20 May 2025 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Chancellor discussed the 2.5 billion steel fund to support UK steel manufacturing.
  • The Government plans to publish a financial inclusion strategy to support vulnerable communities.
  • The Chancellor visited Rolls Royce in Derby recently to highlight trade deal opportunities.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Marie Tidball Lab Penistone and Stocksbridge
Economy Business & Trade
Context

The speciality steel site at Stocksbridge in Dr Tidball's constituency is crucial for the UK defence, aerospace, and energy industries. It employs 650 people and has an excellent skills training centre.

Question

What discussions has the Chancellor had with the Department for Business and Trade to ensure that the Government do everything they can to secure the British steel industry by using our domestic steel assets productively, and in particular the Stocksbridge speciality steel site?

Answer from The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)

Although I will not get into detailed discussions about one individual company, last year the Government set out the £2.5 billion steel fund in the Budget to preserve and grow steel manufacturing in the UK. In the trade deals we have secured with the US and with the EU in the last couple of weeks, we have reduced tariffs on steel exports, which will be good for the British steel industry.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details about discussions between the Chancellor and the Department for Business and Trade regarding the specific site at Stocksbridge

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Q2 Baggy Shanker Labour (Co-op) Derby South
Economy
Context

In Derby South, 62% of adults in the community are financially vulnerable, which is far above the national average of 38%. People struggle with making ends meet and dreading unexpected bills.

Question

Will the Chancellor outline how her plan for growth will put money in people’s pockets and deliver change for those in our struggling communities?

Answer from The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)

We will shortly publish a financial inclusion strategy, as well as extending the household support fund to support some of the most vulnerable. There are huge opportunities in Derby, as my hon. Friend knows. I was at Rolls Royce in Derby just last week. What we are doing on trade deals, particularly with the US, hugely supports our aerospace sector, along with the increased spending on defence to 2.5% of GDP, which helps to invest in Great British firms and, indeed, in Great British steel.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions or measures to put money in people’s pockets for those struggling financially

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