Topical Questions

Answer from Jonathan Reynolds

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.

Answer from Gareth Thomas

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.

Answer from Jonathan Reynolds

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.

Answer from Gareth Thomas

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.

Answer from Jonathan Reynolds

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.

Answer from Justin Madders

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.

Answer from Jonathan Reynolds

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.

Answer from Gareth Thomas

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.

Answer from Gareth Thomas

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.

Answer from Gareth Thomas

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.

Answer from Jonathan Reynolds

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.

Answer from Gareth Thomas

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.