Ceramics Industry — [Dr Andrew Murrison in the Chair]

I am grateful to my hon. Friend the Member for Lichfield (Dave Robertson) for opening this debate and declare an interest as a proud member of the GMB. Newcastle-under-Lyme and north Staffordshire are at the heart of the British ceramics industry, and I welcome the £120 million support package announced by the government but call for swift implementation to protect the industry and equip young people with necessary skills.

In Stoke-on-Trent South, factories such as Wedgwood and 1882 Ltd have crafted bespoke projects for centuries. The sector has faced real challenges including Brexit disruption, influx of imported knock-offs, and high energy prices. Allison Gardner calls for the inclusion of ceramics in the supercharger scheme and an industry energy innovation fund to support decarbonisation and process emissions reduction.

Championed local ceramics and construction sectors, noting the importance of Denby Pottery. Emphasised the need for support on energy costs and transition to help house building targets.

The ceramic sector faces significant pressure from high energy costs, competing in a global marketplace with higher prices than international competitors. Andrew Cooper advocates for supporting the transition to low-carbon alternatives while preserving jobs and skills. He highlights the potential of hydrogen as a credible pathway to reducing emissions.

Ceramics are in our DNA in north Staffordshire, yet our communities faced decline due to globalisation. The £120 million support package announced by the Labour Government is a step forward but must ensure all companies, large and small, benefit equally. I ask the Minister to meet with local ceramics firms and consider extending procurement plans so that only British products are used.

Congratulated Hayley for starting the petition and thanked Rob Flello, Sharon Yates, and Chris Hoofe for their work on the campaign. He highlighted that the ceramics industry employs 20,000 people and is worth £2 billion to the economy with £600 million-worth of exports. He also advocated for the Ceramics (Country of Origin Marking) Bill and suggested mandating Homes England to buy British bricks when subsidising home building. Asked Joshua Reynolds about whether gas drilled from the North Sea would be ringfenced and sold below market price to ceramics sectors like in Stoke-on-Trent, under a cheap power plan proposed by her party. Mr Snell also requested that the Minister provide an explanation on the point made about the levelised cost of electricity for thermal power compared to wind power auctions, emphasising the need for clarity.

The ceramics industry contributes £2 billion to the UK economy, including £600 million in exports. Energy costs are a critical issue for ceramics manufacturers, who rely on gas which is not covered by current support schemes like the supercharger programme. Mr Williamson intervened, asking the Minister to address a point raised earlier by Noah Law regarding wind power auction prices and thermal power costs.

Ms Baldwin highlighted the existential pressures faced by the ceramics industry, including high energy costs, burdensome regulation, and rising labour costs. She also emphasised the importance of the sector's skilled employment and its contribution to Britain's industrial heritage. Ms Baldwin questioned the Government's net zero policies that have driven up energy costs for businesses and noted the introduction of a £120 million subsidy for the ceramics industry. She proposed a 'cheap power plan' to cut household energy bills and business electricity costs, which would free up money currently used for funding payments through general taxation.

Praised the ceramics companies in his constituency for teaching vital local skills, creating jobs in remote areas, and providing tourist products. He credited Harold Wilson's Labour Government for establishing the Highlands and Islands Development Board to encourage enterprise in Scotland's remotest parts.

Concerned about the decline in domestic brick production and the impact of carbon standards undervaluing bricks. Raised issues around the importation of Indian bricks due to trade agreements, modern slavery concerns, and public preference for brick buildings. Questioned the Minister on reviewing the 60-year reference period for whole-life carbon assessments and supporting cleaner brick production at home.

Congratulated the lead MP and acknowledged the importance of the ceramics industry in communities, including her own constituency. Highlighted the Government's support package for UK ceramics industry as part of the modern industrial strategy. Raised concerns over energy costs and decarbonisation challenges faced by manufacturers, urging the Minister to expand eligibility for energy cost relief and invest in local electricity networks.

Denby Pottery, a significant employer in Amber Valley, entered administration despite efforts to secure support. The petition calling for ceramics inclusion in the British industry supercharger scheme has nearly 110,000 signatures. Denby's closure highlights the need for immediate intervention and fair competition against heavily subsidised overseas products. Congratulates Fran, Kate and Daizy for setting up The Potter's Nook in Ripley, which aims to teach skills needed in the pottery sector.

Upstream china clay production lacks wider support through the British industrial competitiveness scheme and the supercharger scheme, raising concerns about the supply chain industry supporting many businesses in the Chamber. Welcomed Government's £120 million package for ceramics, asking for clarity on eligibility of upstream producers for support and steps being taken to address high energy costs and environmental liabilities. Mr Law criticised the Conservative Party's assertion that wind power auctions are at high prices without mentioning the levelised cost of electricity for thermal power, which is equally high but takes longer to deploy. He urged clarity on this issue.

The ceramics industry has faced similar challenges to the critical minerals sector in his constituency, highlighting the need for further government support.

Focused on studio pottery, highlighting its growth and economic value of around £50 million. Emphasised the challenges faced by potters due to increased clay and energy costs, suggesting support from Arts Council and reduced VAT on clay could help. Mentioned therapeutic benefits of ceramics for stress relief.

Supported the point about reindustrialising deindustrialised areas, highlighting the importance of bringing back skilled jobs.