Hydrogen Energy
(Vale of Clwyd) (Con)
What steps his Department is taking to support the development of
hydrogen energy.
(North Norfolk) (Con)
What steps his Department is taking to support the development of
hydrogen energy.
The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial
Strategy ()
Both the Prime Minister’s 10-point plan and our energy White
Paper, which we published yesterday, set out our bold ambition
for the UK to be a world leader in low-carbon hydrogen. As set
out in the White Paper, we are determined to make tangible
progress in this important sector, including by investing £240
million through the net zero hydrogen fund and supporting
industry to begin a hydrogen heating trial in an entire
neighbourhood by 2023. We will publish a comprehensive hydrogen
strategy early next year.
The development of hydrogen energy can lead to thousands of new
jobs UK-wide, including an estimated 6,000 in my region through
the HyNet project. Will my right hon. Friend do all he can to
help HyNet access industrial decarbonisation challenge funding to
allow it to progress?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right: this is all about jobs—high
value-added jobs. He, along with other colleagues in the House,
makes the case at every opportunity for the HyNet project, and it
is very lucky to have him as a champion. As he will know, HyNet
has already received funding through phase 1 of the industrial
decarbonisation challenge, as well as £13 million of support
through the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial
Strategy energy innovation programme. We will announce the
winners of the next phase of the industrial decarbonisation
challenge in spring next year.
Bacton gas terminal in my constituency harbours a significant
percentage of the natural gas intake into the UK. What assessment
has my right hon. Friend made of the potential opportunities
presented for the manufacture of blue hydrogen at Bacton,
creating low-carbon jobs for the east of England?
My hon. Friend again raises the issue of jobs. Of course,
creating these low-carbon jobs across the country is a priority
for the Government. As I have set out, in our 10-point plan and
the energy White Paper we have put forward policies for the
creation of a significant number of jobs. The Oil and Gas
Authority is currently conducting an in-depth feasibility study
into blue hydrogen at the Bacton gas terminal. I very much
welcome that work, and my officials and, indeed, Ministers would
be very happy to engage further with my hon. Friend on this
matter.
(Southampton, Test) (Lab)
I am pleased to see that the net zero hydrogen fund that the
Secretary of State just mentioned will support, among other
things, the production of hydrogen. Will he commit today to using
that fund to prioritise the production of green hydrogen, as
opposed to blue hydrogen, in the future?
We will have to look at what bids come in in respect of how that
funding is used, but I say again—I made this point yesterday at
the Dispatch Box—that it is not just public money; we are also
talking about private sector money coming alongside it. The hon.
Gentleman will know that Hydrogen Strategy Now, a campaign group
of more than 50 companies, has said that it is ready to invest £3
billion in hydrogen projects, and that was after the publication
of the 10-point plan.
Low-Carbon Industries: Employment Growth
(Waveney) (Con)
What steps his Department is taking to support employment growth
in low-carbon industries.
The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial
Strategy ()
Our 10-point plan for a green industrial revolution, which we set
out last month, has an ambition to support 250,000 highly skilled
green jobs across the UK by 2030. The plans we published
yesterday in the energy White Paper will further position the UK
as a global leader in the future energy industry, not least by
supporting the development of jobs and green infrastructure in
low-carbon energy such as hydrogen, carbon capture, usage and
storage, and of course nuclear.
I am grateful to the Secretary of State for that answer. The
scale of the opportunity for employment growth in low-carbon
industries is immense. If the right approach is adopted, there
can be enormous benefits to coastal communities such as Lowestoft
and Waveney. How does the Secretary of State intend to transform
the UK’s approach to energy skills in order to capitalise on
these great opportunities?
Once again, a Conservative colleague talks about jobs, which is
what the energy White Paper and the 10-point plan are all about.
My hon. Friend is a tireless champion for offshore wind, and for
jobs and growth, in supporting his constituency. He will know
that we have set up the green jobs taskforce, which was launched
in November and is led by the Minister for Business, Energy and
Clean Growth, my right hon. Friend the Member for Spelthorne
(). The taskforce brings together businesses and trade
unions to assess how our jobs and skills should adapt to allow us
to build back greener, and how the Government can support people
in transitioning industries.
Covid-19: Hospitality
(Bury North) (Con)
What steps his Department is taking to support hospitality
businesses in areas under tier 3 covid-19 restrictions. [R]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy
and Industrial Strategy ()
I commend my hon. Friend for his work as the voice of the
hospitality sector in Bury and the surrounding area. The
Government have provided an unprecedented package of support to
hospitality businesses, including almost £10 billion in rates
relief. Those under tier 3 may be eligible for a local
restrictions support grant of up to £3,000 per month and the
additional restrictions grant.
Hospitality businesses in Bury, Ramsbottom and Tottington have
spent thousands of pounds to make their premises covid-secure. If
Bury remains in tier 3 during the Christmas period, many of those
businesses will face financial ruin. Will my hon. Friend
therefore work with the Treasury to ensure that adequate
financial support is given to those otherwise viable businesses?
If we do not act now, these important community assets will be
lost forever, with the devastating loss of thousands of jobs.
Please save our pubs.
I am grateful to all the hospitality businesses across the
country, including in Bury, that have done so much work to become
covid-secure. I am in contact with Treasury colleagues who know
that businesses need support in those higher tiers, and that is
why we are giving additional support for wet-led pubs worth up to
£40 million in grants.
Covid-19: Support for the Self-employed
(North East Fife) (LD)
What steps he is taking to support the self-employed during the
covid-19 outbreak.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy
and Industrial Strategy ()
The Government have already paid £13.5 billion through the
self-employment income support scheme. In November, we announced
an increase in the overall level of the SEISS grant, equivalent
to an additional £7.3 billion of support to the self-employed
through November to January alone. This scheme is among the most
generous in the world.
As the pandemic continues, the flaws of the original
self-employment income support scheme have become clear. One of
my constituents lost out on thousands of pounds in a potential
grant because, for the best part of the year in 2019, he was
injured, unable to work and therefore could not evidence his
usual income. When the pandemic started, we all appreciated the
fact that these schemes were put into place very quickly to
provide support, but in the months since, there has not even been
recognition. Does the Minister agree that now is the time to look
back at schemes to ensure that those who are excluded are
supported, too?
I thank the hon. Lady for her question. We will always look for
and listen to suggestions on how we can improve schemes, and I
will continue to work with Treasury colleagues to reflect that.
Covid-19: Effect on Business
(South Shields) (Lab)
What assessment his Department has made of the effect of tiered
covid-19 public health restrictions on businesses’ ability to
trade.
(Nottingham
North) (Lab/Co-op)
What assessment his Department has made of the effect of tiered
covid-19 public health restrictions on businesses’ ability to
trade.
The Minister for Business, Energy and Clean Growth ()
We know that certain areas of the economy have faced enormous
challenges this year, and that is why the Government have
provided an unprecedented range of support packages to help
businesses precisely to continue trading.
Mrs Lewell-Buck
Wet pubs in South Shields spent money making themselves
covid-secure, only to have an arbitrary curfew imposed on them
and then to be forced to close completely, yet there is no
evidence at all that they are contributing to the spread of the
virus. This was a policy, not a health decision. I heard the
Minister’s earlier response, but if the Government really do not
want to see our pub doors closed forever, why have they not
listened to the requests from the British Beer and Pub
Association and uplifted the current grants on offer?
As the Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and
Industrial Strategy, my hon. Friend the Member for Sutton and
Cheam (), has
suggested, there is a considerable measure of support for pubs
that are suffering at the moment. And as my right hon. Friend the
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care said, there is a
clear medical, epidemiological reason for pursuing the policies
that we have done.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, the BBPA said that the
so-called support for pubs and brewers in the winter plan was met
with “utter dismay and incredulity” among publicans. Many
hostelry businesses crucial to life in Nottingham and across the
country are not going to survive the winter with what is
currently on offer. When is the Minister going to come forward
with proper support?
I do not recognise what the hon. Gentleman is saying. We are in
constant dialogue with the pub industry and many
people—publicans—certainly in my constituency, who have spoken to
me are grateful for the measure of support. We are in constant
dialogue, but they are grateful for the measure of support that
has been supplied.
Climate Action
(Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk) (Con)
What steps he is taking to promote climate action ahead of the
COP26 summit.
The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial
Strategy ()
As conference of the parties president, I have held bilateral
meetings with over 40 countries and spoken at around 50
international events over the past months. Throughout, I have
called for world leaders to be as ambitious as possible with the
climate action targets. The UK is showing real leadership in this
area. On 4 December, we announced our new, ambitious nationally
determined contribution and on 12 December, we co-hosted the
Climate Ambition Summit, which saw 75 world leaders coming
forward with 45 NDCs, 24 net zero commitments and 20 adaptation
resilience plans.
The eyes of the world will be on Glasgow next year as the UK
hosts the UN Climate Change Conference. This is a huge moment in
our fight to stop climate change, so how will the UK Government
engage with schools in Scotland and across the whole United
Kingdom to promote this important event?
My hon. Friend is right: it is going to be a big moment for the
UK in Glasgow next year and, of course, in the lead-up to it as
well. I have been very encouraged and impressed by the commitment
that young people are showing in tackling climate change. They
have a vital part to play in ensuring that we deliver an
inclusive and diverse COP26. In the run-up to the summit, we will
be working closely with schools and young people, including by
co-hosting the COP youth event, which will bring together 400
youth delegates from around the world to discuss a range of
climate topics.
(Greenwich and Woolwich) (Lab)
According to Climate Action Tracker, the national net zero
pledges that have been put forward today could, if achieved
across the board, limit global heating to around 2.1°, but in
terms of actual policies, the world remains on course for
catastrophic warming of over 3°. Given the gulf between what
Governments, including this Government, have promised on climate
action and what they are on course to achieve, does the Secretary
of State agree that it is incumbent on the UK as COP26 host to
demonstrate to the world that it actually has a plan to deliver
net zero? If he does agree, will he assure the House that the
Government will publish a comprehensive and fully costed net zero
strategy well in advance of November next year?
The hon. Gentleman makes an important point. I said that at the
climate ambition summit. Leaders from around the world have come
forward with ambitions, but we absolutely need to go further. I
agree with the hon. Gentleman, and I think there is consensus on
it in the House. With regard to his question on a net zero
strategy, of course we will publish one. I also just want to make
the point that, when we were talking about clean energy and
hydrogen earlier, I stated that the Hydrogen Strategy Now group
made a commitment on the £3 billion after the 10-point plan, but
in fact it came before that.
UK Internal Market Bill: Devolved Administrations
(Paisley and Renfrewshire North) (SNP)
What recent discussions he has had with the devolved
Administrations on the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill.
(Glasgow North) (SNP)
What recent discussions he has had with the devolved
Administrations on the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy
and Industrial Strategy ()
The Government have sought to engage constructively with the
devolved Administrations throughout the passage of the United
Kingdom Internal Market Bill. The recent fruits of that
continuing commitment include several amendments tabled by the
Government strengthening a role for the devolved Administrations.
Of course, Rolls-Royce operates its own internal market in which
plant is often set against plant, but more and more it relies on
third-party suppliers rather than on in-house manufacture.
Inchinnan has already seen some 700 jobs go, and despite
favourable production stats, we now know that there will be
further redundancies, with the aero shafts line closing and work
being transferred to Derby, as well as other UK Rolls-Royce jobs
being offshored to Spain. The Scottish Government’s Rolls-Royce
working group was set up to protect jobs at Inchinnan. If the
Government’s power-grabbing Bill is passed, will the Minister
ensure that the Government will work with the Scottish Government
to protect Scottish Rolls-Royce jobs?
The hon. Gentleman talks about grabbing powers back, but Scotland
will be gaining powers in more than 100 areas that are at the
moment controlled by the EU. Of course we will continue to work
with important industries such as the aerospace sector and with
companies such as Rolls-Royce to protect jobs.
Those of us who are paying attention will have seen that the
House of Lords has passed amendments to the UKIM Bill to try to
salvage what might be left of the devolution settlement, which
the Government have explicitly rejected. If Members look at the
Order Paper, they will see that it states:
“The Scottish Parliament and Senedd Cymru have each decided not
to approve a Legislative Consent Motion relating to this Bill.”
How is this respecting the devolution settlement? This Government
legislated to protect Sewel on statute, but now they are riding
roughshod all over it.
The Sewel convention envisages situations such as this, where the
UK Parliament may need to legislate without consent. We regret
the fact that the Scottish Parliament has chosen to do that, but
the Bill is essential for protecting businesses and citizens
across Scotland, and across the whole of the UK, as the
transition period ends.
(Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey) (SNP)
Since the Scottish Parliament was reconvened in 1999, Scottish
productivity has rocketed by more than a third, way above the 24%
for the UK as a whole. Our Parliament has been a gift to
business, whether under Scottish National party or Labour and
Liberal Governments. This Bill extends Westminster’s bony hand
into the control of devolved spending across health, food safety,
the environment and much more. Is it too late for a festive
miracle, with a Tory Minister actually listening to the wise men
and women across Scottish society, industry, organisations and
law and in Scotland’s democratically elected Parliament and
Government, and scrapping this assault on Scotland’s democracy
and business productivity?
Spending powers in the UK internal market are in addition to the
spending that the Scottish Government already make. These are
issues that have up to now been dealt with by the EU, and we will
continue to work with the devolved Administrations throughout
this process.
The Minister talks about spending powers. This Bill allows UK
Ministers to control spending in the devolved areas of economic
development, infrastructure, cultural activities, regional
development, education, water, power, gas, telecoms, railways,
health, housing and justice. Given the track record of the
Tories, for Scotland this really is the nightmare before
Christmas. Can he see why, after 16 opinion polls in a row,
Scottish people do not want his rotten gifts but instead are
looking to protect their Parliament and their rights through
Scotland becoming a normal independent nation?
I regret that the Scottish Government have not continued their
discussions with the UK Government about an internal market Bill
specifically, whereas they have continued them on the common
frameworks. On the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill, we have
made amendments in the other place that reflect conversations
with the Welsh Senedd and Northern Ireland Assembly. I just wish
the Scottish Government would come back with productive
conversations so that we can push this through and give certainty
for business.
Covid-19: Support for Businesses
(West
Worcestershire) (Con)
What steps his Department is taking to support businesses during
the covid-19 outbreak.
(Eastleigh) (Con)
What steps his Department is taking to support businesses during
the covid-19 outbreak.
(Beaconsfield) (Con)
What steps his Department is taking to support businesses during
the covid-19 outbreak.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy
and Industrial Strategy ()
My Department continues to deliver a wide range of measures to
support UK businesses. We have extended our loan schemes, which
have already delivered more than £65 billion of finance, until
the end of January.
That level of support is impressive, and I also thank the
Minister for all he is doing on the vaccine roll-out. There are
sections of the UK economy that are going to grow rapidly, not
least the green industrial revolution, thanks to the energy White
Paper announced yesterday. What steps is he taking to make sure
that it is UK-based businesses that grow the workforce and
benefit from the job creation as a result of the green industrial
revolution?
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for her excellent question. The
10-point plan will build on the nearly half a million green jobs
that already exist in the UK economy, supporting up to 250,000
further high-skilled jobs. The House will be interested to know
that we are talking about 60,000 in offshore wind, 10,000 or more
in nuclear, 50,000 in green and comfortable homes, 8,000 in
hydrogen, 53,000 in carbon capture utilisation and storage and
40,000 in accelerating the shift to zero-emission vehicles.
The weekend before last, I was pleased finally to start my
Christmas shopping in Botley High Street, as part of Small
Business Saturday, which included visiting Wardrobe at 24 and
Mermaids deli. This crucial campaign highlights the important
role that businesses and entrepreneurs play. Does my hon. Friend
agree that it is more important than ever to support our high
streets and shop local this Christmas? Will he assure me that
this Government will continue to stand by our town centres and
high streets as we recover from covid?
I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend; now more than ever it is
vital that we continue to help our local economy by supporting
our town centres and high streets. That is why we have delivered
one of the most generous comprehensive packages of support, with
a total financial package of £200 billion.
Does my hon. Friend agree on what a success the recent Small
Business Saturday events were and on how important small
businesses are to local communities across my constituency in
Gerrards Cross, Beaconsfield and Marlow? Does he agree that we
must continue to fight for small businesses during this pandemic,
so that we do not risk undermining the economic foundation of our
country?
The recent Small Business Saturday event meant that the spend
from the Great British public rose to £1.1 billion this year,
which is a 38% rise on last year. The Government will continue to
champion small businesses, through our unprecedented support
schemes, as they begin to recover from the impact of covid-19. As
the Secretary of State has just reminded me, the spend is not
£200 billion—it is £280 billion of support for small business.
(Newcastle
upon Tyne Central) (Lab) [V]
Of the £5 billion of new online spend because of the pandemic,
40% has gone to one website, Amazon. Many small businesses are
afraid that they will not make it through the winter because of a
lack of Government support, and they have Brexit and climate and
technological change to deal with too. So I want to ask the
Minister this: what is the plan for small businesses to survive
covid and build back smarter and greener? I am talking not about
vague promises, but about firm commitments to help businesses
invest in new technologies, as Make UK has called for, or to
target procurement to support net zero businesses, as the
Institution of Civil Engineers proposes. Or are the Government
just going to let business down again?
As a fellow engineer, the hon. Lady will know that the Made
Smarter initiative has been a tremendous pilot in the north-west.
We recently announced a further expansion, with £300 million—£147
million coming from the Government and the balance coming from
the private sector—to support the adoption of technology into
manufacturing. I hope the hon. Lady will continue to support
Government initiatives such as Made Smarter.
Green Homes Grant
(Romford) (Con)
What steps he is taking to ensure that the Green Homes Grant
scheme delivers (a) value for money and (b) environmental
benefits.
The Minister for Business, Energy and Clean Growth ()
The Prime Minister has made it clear that energy efficiency is a
top Government priority. The green homes grant provides economic
stimulus, supporting more than 80,000 jobs, and through it
households could save up to £600 a year on energy bills.
I thank the Minister for his answer, but will he explain what
assessment his Department has made of the benefits of individual
products when deciding what to include in the green homes grant
scheme, and why solar thermal systems are included but not solar
PV panels, which are not only more cost-effective but much better
for the environment?
As my hon. Friend will know, the list of technologies currently
included reflects the Department’s assessment of the best balance
between economic stimulus and maximising value for householders
and taxpayers. In respect of solar PV, the particular emphasis in
the green homes grant was on the energy efficiency of homes and
not necessarily on electrification per se or the use of
electricity.
Hydrogen Energy
(City of
Chester) (Lab)
What steps the Government have taken to support the introduction
of hydrogen energy networks in the UK.
The Minister for Business, Energy and Clean Growth ()
The 10-point plan set out a comprehensive package to underpin our
ambition for 5 GW of hydrogen production capacity by 2030. We
have also announced a £240 million net zero housing fund and will
publish a UK hydrogen strategy next year.
The GMB union has pointed out that one of the simple benefits of
the hydrogen strategy is that there is an existing gas network
with 24 million homes connected to it, and thousands of jobs can
be retained without any retraining schemes. When the Minister
brings forward his hydrogen strategy next year, will he bear in
mind that the HyNet system in the north-west will be able to
deliver 80% of the entire UK target of 5 GW by 2030? Will he
resist the temptation, which I mentioned to the Secretary of
State yesterday, to play one region off against another, and
perhaps increase the amount of money so that we can all share in
the benefits?
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. The whole point of a
hydrogen strategy is to dovetail nicely with the levelling-up
agenda. I know many of the people in the HyNet cluster, which is
an excellent cluster doing great work. We hope that those
benefits and that innovation can be spread throughout the country
and create opportunity the width and breadth of our country.
Small Modular Nuclear Reactors
(Harrow East)
(Con)
What recent progress he has made on the (a) development and (b)
introduction of small modular nuclear reactors.
The Minister for Business, Energy and Clean Growth ()
My hon. Friend will know that small modular reactor technology is
very much at the centre of what the Prime Minister outlined in
the 10-point plan; in fact, the nuclear segment of that plan was
the third item on the agenda and is extremely important. SMRs
will certainly play a part in our nuclear future.
Mr Speaker
Let us land the next question from .
[V]
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
As my right hon. Friend the Minister rightly says, small modular
nuclear reactors can be developed quickly and provide green
energy at very low costs. They can also be located at a range of
sites throughout the UK to enable easy connection to the national
grid. Will my right hon. Friend bring forward proposals to
accelerate the roll-out of this exciting new opportunity to
provide clean energy and create more employment in the UK,
putting us ahead of the rest of the world?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right that SMRs represent a huge
opportunity for precisely the reasons he gives: they are flexible
and one can operate them in lots of geographical areas. Next
year, we will undertake a comprehensive assessment of the siting
requirements for SMRs and advanced modular reactors so that we
can develop this exciting technology.
Covid-19: Green Economic Recovery
(Mansfield)
(Con)
What steps his Department is taking to help ensure a green
economic recovery from the covid-19 outbreak.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy
and Industrial Strategy ()
We are delivering on our ambitious commitment to build back
greener from covid-19. The Prime Minister’s 10-point plan for a
green industrial revolution will be instrumental, creating
long-term advantages for the UK in low-carbon industries and
supporting up to a quarter of a million green jobs while
continuing to drive down our emissions.
I thank my hon. Friend for that answer. I know that, in the long
term, the green element of this plan will be hugely important for
our whole country, but in the short term, in the current economic
climate, I know that many of my constituents will be focused on
job creation and employment. Can she assure me that these
investments will create opportunities for the most left behind
parts of this country, and tell me how my constituents in
Mansfield will directly benefit from that investment?
The 10-point plan is crucial to a part of the Prime Minister’s
mission to level up the country and to revitalise the towns and
regions of places such as the east midlands, from where my hon.
Friend and I hail, and which is also the birthplace of the first
industrial revolution. I can tell him that green recovery will
support highly skilled jobs in towns such as Mansfield across a
range of green industries from electric vehicle technicians to
those installing low-carbon heating to make our homes warmer and
fitter for the future.
Renewable Energy: Capacity
(Eastbourne) (Con)
What steps his Department is taking to increase the capacity of
renewable energy in the UK.
(Birkenhead) (Lab)
What steps he is taking to develop the renewable energy sector in
the UK.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy
and Industrial Strategy ()
The UK is a world leader in offshore wind and proud to be the
home of the world’s largest offshore wind farm. That is why we
have increased our target to deliver 40 GW of offshore wind,
quadrupling capacity by 2030, and announced £160 million to
support ports and infrastructure enabling the sector to support
up to 60,000 jobs.
Off the Sussex coast, the Rampion wind farm has plans to triple
its output. It is already powering local homes, but it could also
be key to developing green hydrogen to power heavy transport,
including buses. Does my hon. Friend agree that this technology
needs to be scaled up and at pace, and what support is being
given by her Department to bring partners together to deliver
this green hydrogen fuel across the network so that places such
as my home town of Eastbourne can see an improvement in its air
quality and meet its 2030 carbon neutral ambition?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Green hydrogen, coupled with
our abundant offshore wind resources, could play a vital role in
decarbonising crucial parts of the economy, including heavy
transport. The energy White Paper sets out our ambition for 5 GW
of low-carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030. The £23
million hydrogen for transport programme has already helped grow
the number of publicly accessible hydrogen refuelling stations
across the UK.
The tidal energy industry has a hugely important role to play in
meeting increased demand for electricity and achieving net zero
carbon emissions. The Mersey tidal project has the potential to
transform Merseyside, generating enough power for 1 million homes
across the north-west, while creating thousands of jobs and
positioning our region as a world leader in tidal energy. What
practical steps are the Government taking in the immediate term
to support the development of this much needed project?
I thank the hon. Member for his question. The Government have
funded the north-west energy hub to develop renewable
opportunities in the region and are open to considering
well-developed proposals with strongly demonstratable value for
money and for the environment. He will also know that our
officials have been in communication with the Mersey tidal power
team, and I ask that they continue their engagement.
Employers: Dismiss and Re-engage Tactics
(Weaver Vale)
(Lab)
What steps his Department is taking to reduce the use of dismiss
and re-engage tactics by employers.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy
and Industrial Strategy ()
The Government appreciate the difficulties that many people are
currently facing and are sympathetic to those who are worried
about their jobs. We are clear that using threats about firing
and rehiring as a negotiating tactic is unacceptable. However,
businesses in real financial difficulty need flexibility to offer
new terms and conditions in order to save as many jobs as they
can.
First it was British Airways, and now British Gas/Centrica has
threatened thousands of employees with fire and rehire tactics,
including a number of my constituents, such as Wayne and Paul.
These people have many decades of experience working for these
British companies and our society. Will the Minister join me in
condemning the company’s actions? What action is the Department
taking to ensure that these deplorable approaches are dealt with?
Write to them.
It is not acceptable for employers to use unacceptable
negotiating tactics, including fire and rehire. I understand that
it is a difficult situation for employees to find themselves in.
There are commercial matters between employers and employees, but
we expect employers to treat their staff in the spirit of
partnership. In the vast majority of cases—unlike the ones that
have just been outlined—employers do want to do the right thing,
and there are processes in place to prevent abuse.
(Middlesbrough) (Lab)
Heathrow, British Airways and British Gas—all flagship
companies—have used abusive fire and rehire tactics to cut the
pay and conditions of their loyal work forces. Rolls-Royce in
Barnoldswick is home of the jet engine and the battle of Britain
aircraft. Hundreds of staff there are being made redundant and
their jobs offshored to Singapore, Spain and Japan. These iconic
companies have received billions of pounds of taxpayers’ cash, so
why did the Government not make retaining jobs a condition of
this financial help? Does the Minister recognise that by
providing no-strings-attached support, the Government have
facilitated UK jobs being either downgraded or moved out of the
country at the taxpayers’ expense?
We have worked with and supported the aviation sector in a number
of different ways. We have also made it really clear that when
companies want to make redundancies, they should follow the
correct consultation process. It is important that we get the
balance right to protect jobs for those companies.
Covid-19: Hospitality
(West Lancashire) (Lab)
What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of covid-19
financial relief in supporting growth in the hospitality sector.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy
and Industrial Strategy ()
We have engaged with businesses to understand their needs at this
challenging time. We are providing an unprecedented support
package, including an extension of the coronavirus job retention
scheme until 31 March 2021, grants, loans, rates relief and a VAT
cut.
[V]
Many plumbers, electricians and other self-employed people,
including sole traders, have been left out of Government support.
What can the Minister say to people who have worked hard all
their lives and paid their taxes, and have seen their businesses
collapse through no fault of their own? This includes the
hospitality sector. Can the Government commit to providing
further support, as local publicans in my area say that the tiny
grant they got does not even get close to covering their
overheads?
I was self-employed, running companies, for most of the 25 years
that I was working before I was elected to this place; there but
for the grace of God go I. I will continue to reflect the views
of the self-employed in conversations with the Treasury. I also
speak to the hospitality sector every single week and will be
doing so later today. We have allocated £40 million extra to
wet-led pubs, in addition to extending the moratorium on rent
evictions and legal processes facing tenants, the VAT cut and the
business rates relief.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Imports and Exports
(Sefton Central) (Lab)
What assessment he has made of the level of greenhouse gas
emissions generated by (a) imports to and (b) exports from the
UK.
The Minister for Business, Energy and Clean Growth ()
The Government publish estimates of consumption emissions every
year. The latest figures show that UK emissions on a consumption
basis fell by nearly 25% between 2007 and last year.
[V]
When emissions from the production of imports, and from sea and
air transport are included—minus those of exports—the UK has
reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 0.6% a year, not the 1.5%
that the Government quote for territorial emissions alone. This
country depends on imports, including the emissions that they
produce. Ministers can kid themselves all they like, but is it
not the case that unless the UK cuts the emissions that we are
responsible for around the world, we are not going to make the
contribution that we need to in order to deal with the climate
emergency?
The hon. Gentleman is right to point out that we do have to take
into account the carbon emissions that we are responsible for
through trade, but he will also recognise that this is part of an
international movement. There is no country in the world, in the
EU as well, that is properly accounting for carbon emissions in
this way. I point out to him that we were the first G20 country
to mandate disclosures under the TCFD—Task Force on
Climate-related Financial Disclosures—framework across the
economy, and we are leaders in terms of carbon accounting.
Review of Alcohol Duty
(Strangford) (DUP)
What discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer
on the Government’s proposed review of alcohol duty; and if he
will make a statement.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy
and Industrial Strategy ()
We are in regular contact with the Chancellor on measures to
support hospitality businesses. The alcohol duty review aims to
improve the current system to make it simpler, more economically
rational, and less administratively burdensome on businesses and
Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.
I thank the Minister for his response, but can he outline what
steps have been taken to address the binge culture, which has
been enhanced by supermarket offers, especially in these times
when we all need to have our wits about us?
We looked at the curfew, for example, when there were stories
coming back to us about people coming out of pubs and going
straight into supermarkets to buy more drinks. That was an
unintended consequence, so it is good that we reviewed that and
changed it. The alcohol duty review will take into account the
balance between supermarkets and hospitality.
Covid-19: Support for Business
(West Dorset) (Con)
What steps he is taking to support small businesses in areas
under tier 2 covid-19 restrictions.
(Easington) (Lab)
What assessment he has made of the availability of the local
restrictions support grant (open) to businesses in areas under
tier 2 covid-19 restrictions.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy
and Industrial Strategy ()
Businesses in tier 2 that are required to close can access
payments of up to £1,500 per 14 days of closure. We are giving
additional financial support of £1.1 billion to local authorities
to support other businesses severely affected by restrictions
even though open.
May I gently suggest to the Minister that one of the best ways he
will be able to support small businesses in my constituency of
West Dorset is to use his influence in discussions within
Government tomorrow to reduce West Dorset from tier 2 to tier 1?
In the event of that not being possible, could he outline more
specifically what the Government will be doing to support the 97%
of businesses that are small or micro-sized?
I recognise that the winter months will continue to be extremely
tough on many businesses in my hon. Friend’s constituency, but I
am confident that the grant programme that we have in place,
alongside other measures like the job retention scheme and the
support for the self-employed that have been so widely discussed
this morning, will continue to deliver that support. An estimated
90% of small and medium-sized business premises in closed retail,
hospitality and leisure sectors should, broadly, have their
monthly rent covered by the business grant programme.
It is essential that the local restrictions support grant is
available promptly to businesses and is not subject to a
prolonged application process. In anticipation of some
areas—hopefully my own in the north-east—moving into tier 2 this
week, will the Secretary of State ensure that grants are paid
quickly to businesses, including the retrospective grants,
particularly to pubs?
The local restrictions support grants, additional restriction
grants and Christmas support payments are all available now for
businesses through their local authority. I know that the
Secretary of State takes these businesses very seriously.
Throughout this whole process, since back in March, he made sure
that all his Ministers talked to local government to make sure
that we do get those payments out promptly.
Life Sciences Sector
(Bolton
West) (Con)
What steps his Department is taking to support the life sciences
sector.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy
and Industrial Strategy ()
The Government have invested approximately £1 billion through two
life sciences sector deals, helping to generate significant
industry investment in the UK. Last year the industry had a
turnover in the UK of £80.7 billion.
The life sciences sector is a truly international endeavour, as
can be so clearly seen with the recent vaccine research efforts.
With worries in the sector about our ongoing relationship with
European countries and the European Union, would my hon. Friend
confirm that the concerns of the life sciences sector are of
paramount importance in the ongoing negotiations?
Clearly, the UK’s relationship with the EU is subject to ongoing
negotiations, but as we leave the EU the life sciences sector
will be supported through the life sciences sector deals that I
mentioned, and a new, innovative regulatory framework. The
Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency has proven
itself globally to be one of the finest regulators in the world,
and new international regulatory collaborations are on the way
too.
Green Deal Loans: Mis-selling
(Glasgow North East) (SNP)
What steps his Department is taking to support people who were
mis-sold a Green Deal loan more than six years ago.
The Minister for Business, Energy and Clean Growth ()
The hon. Lady will be aware that too many people have suffered
from mis-selling by a small number of green deal providers. We
are doing all we can to provide redress where appropriate, as
enabled by the green deal regulations.
[V]
If someone is mis-sold something, there is a six-year time bar to
get redress, unless they were not aware of it at the time, in
which case they have three more years from when they became
aware. There is a significant number of victims of green deal
mis-selling, many of whom were very elderly and thought they must
have misunderstood, but they did not; they were duped. Why are
they, after all they have been through, being denied that extra
three-year rule and access to justice?
It is correct that a complaint must be made within six years of
the date of the breach, as we would expect mis-selling to become
evident within six years, but we have to take everything, as the
hon. Lady knows, on a case-by-case basis. We will explore the
relevant facts of each case, and then we can work out whether an
eligible complaint can be made within the relevant timeframe. I
am very happy to meet her individually to discuss cases as they
arise, because we have to take each on a case-by-case basis.
Topical Questions
(Manchester, Withington) (Lab)
If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.
The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial
Strategy ()
At this last Department for Business, Energy and Industrial
Strategy oral questions of the year, I take this opportunity to
thank my brilliant ministerial team, our brilliant Parliamentary
Private Secretaries, our fabulous Whip and the outstanding civil
servants for the huge effort they have made this year to support
business and procure 357 million doses of the most promising
vaccine candidates.
Since the previous oral questions last month, the Department has
led on the Prime Minister’s 10-point plan, which is our blueprint
for a green industrial revolution, and the energy White Paper. We
have also been central in setting the UK’s ambitious nationally
determined contribution, as well as helping to organise the
climate ambition summit on 12 December. The pace and energy of
delivery will continue in the new year, because our businesses
and people across the United Kingdom deserve no less at this
challenging time.
Rate relief for hospitality venues is welcome, but many are
racking up huge rent debts while they are closed and getting only
a third of the support they got earlier in the year. Have the
Government had any discussions about a model of sharing the
rental debt burden among tenants, landlords, banks and the
Government, because without more help, many of these businesses
will close?
The hon. Gentleman raises an important point, and of course we
have dialogues with landlords and tenants. As he will have heard,
the rent moratorium has been extended to 31 March, and he will
also know that because the rates holiday continues, that is money
that does not have to go out, which can be used for other
purposes.
(Truro and
Falmouth) (Con)
The Government are leading the way with the green revolution, and
in Cornwall we are teeming with green potential. Will my right
hon. Friend work with my Cornish colleagues and I to help put
Cornwall at the heart of the green industry, unleashing
geothermal energy, lithium, floating offshore wind and their
vital supply chains, creating long-lasting jobs in Cornwall?
The Minister for Business, Energy and Clean Growth ()
My hon. Friend and I have had a number of conversations about the
green industrial revolution. I am very excited about the
opportunities in her wonderful county, and I look forward to
visiting, when restrictions permit me, some of these wonderful
projects.
(Doncaster North) (Lab)
Businesses face a double whammy from the ongoing economic crisis
and potential Brexit disruption. They want the Business Secretary
to stand up for them. Some 61% of the country will be in tier 3
from tomorrow, and the situation for many pubs, restaurants and
bars is catastrophic, as this morning’s record redundancy figures
show. Will the Secretary of State now finally recognise what he
has been told repeatedly by Members across the House—and again
today—and by industry that support for the hospitality sector is
hopelessly inadequate if many of these businesses are to survive
through the winter?
I completely accept that it is a very difficult time for lots of
businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector right now, but
as the right hon. Gentleman will know, support is being provided.
Businesses that are required to be closed can get grants of up to
£3,000 a month. I also point him in the direction of the
International Monetary Fund, which said that the support the UK
Government are providing is
“one of the best examples of coordinated action globally”.
I am afraid that the Secretary of State is failing to stand up
for the hospitality sector. Let us talk about the 150,000
businesses that, even with a trade deal, will have to fill in
customs forms for the first time from 1 January. The ports are
struggling, the IT systems are not ready, the customs agents are
not in place, and businesses still do not know the rules that
will exist in just 16 days’ time. Are these firms not entitled to
conclude that they are being badly let down by a Government who
have left them totally in the lurch and a Business Secretary who
seems asleep at the wheel?
I will refrain from coming back on that jibe. As a Government, we
have been working incredibly hard to support businesses. I know
that it is very difficult. The right hon. Gentleman talks about
the end of the transition period. Of course, there are a lot of
changes that businesses can already put in place and, as he
knows, we are communicating with businesses to ensure that that
happens. I think that businesses do want us to continue talking
to the European Union, and that is precisely what we are doing.
(Amber Valley)
(Con) [V]
Last week Swanwick Hayes conference centre in my constituency was
forced to make redundancies, having had practically no turnover
since March. Is there more that we can do to support the events
industry, which may face many more months before it can start
earning anything like its normal levels?
As my hon. Friend knows, we are providing support. It is
difficult for a lot of businesses right now. The furlough scheme
has been extended until the end of March, and I know that my
right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture,
Media and Sport is working closely with the sector, as is the
Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial
Strategy, my hon. Friend the Member for Sutton and Cheam
().
(Bedford)
(Lab) [V]
My constituent Mark, a publisher, sells 60% of his specialist
books outside the UK. He wrote to me to say that the prospect of
Brexit is bad enough for business, but the increased costs to
post overseas could be the nail in the coffin for his business
and many SME exporters. What discussions has the Secretary of
State had with Royal Mail about recent price hikes, and can he
tell my constituent when the temporary air carrier surcharge will
end?
We are in regular dialogue with Royal Mail and others. I am happy
to take up the point that the hon. Gentleman raised separately,
and I know that my hon. Friend the Member for Sutton and Cheam,
who is responsible for Royal Mail, will be happy to follow up
with him.
(Workington) (Con)
My right hon. Friend might have seen me pushing the Prime
Minister to support a 26-hectare renewable energy manufacturing
facility at Oldside in the port of Workington. There is
potentially around 100 hectares available. Does he agree that,
alongside the larger sites of over 200 hectares, we need a number
of smaller sites around the coast with good access to road, rail
and sea routes, such as our offer in Workington?
My hon. Friend is right to say that renewable energy
manufacturing of all sizes has huge potential, not least in his
constituency. At this stage, our initial focus is to establish a
first-of-its-kind, large-scale manufacturing site of over 200
hectares, and after we have established that, we can look at
strengthening the supply chain.
(Oldham East and Saddleworth) (Lab) [V]
I am sure that I am not the only one whose heart sang when I
heard about the Oxford University covid vaccine, developed in
partnership with AstraZeneca. Yesterday’s “Panorama” programme
about the research team made me immensely proud of this unique
British achievement that will benefit not only the UK but the
world at large. Our life sciences sector has always punched above
its weight, but progress in medical research is being hampered
because of its issues with fundraising this year. Will the
Business Secretary congratulate my constituent Kevin Sinfield on
running seven marathons in seven days to raise over £2.5 million
for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, and will he commit to
properly invest in research that could see the next breakthroughs
in treatments and even cures for diseases including dementia, MND
and cancer?
Mr Speaker
It was a major achievement, and it shows the family of rugby
league.
I congratulate the hon. Lady’s constituent, Kevin Sinfield. We
have a good settlement in the spending review for R&D: we are
committed to reaching £22 billion a year by 2024-25.
(High Peak) (Con)
In High Peak, we are lucky to have the best pubs, restaurants,
hotels and small businesses anywhere in the country. However,
these businesses, by their very nature, are highly seasonal and
many of them depend heavily on the busy Christmas period.
Unfortunately, despite having a case rate lower than the national
average, High Peak is in tier 3. Can my hon. Friend make
representations to his ministerial colleagues about getting High
Peak out of tier 3 as fast as possible, and make certain that as
much support as possible is provided to the affected businesses?
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy
and Industrial Strategy ()
I thank my hon. Friend for that. He is a big champion for his
local pubs, for which I know there will be a lot of competition.
Yes, the review will be in the next couple of days, and I hope we
will see a number of pubs being able to open at that point,
because that is what they want. Government support has been
welcomed, but customers coming back through the doors, especially
in the busiest months, is what we all want to see.
(Glasgow East) (SNP)
The Secretary of State will know that not all businesses need to
re-furlough staff, and many that do not were counting on the
£1,000 per employee job retention bonus. However, this has been
scrapped, blasting a black hole in the books of countless
businesses across the UK. The Treasury will not say when or how
the scheme will be replaced, so can his Department perhaps give
businesses some certainty over the billions in support that have
been snatched away from them without warning?
I would just point out to the hon. Gentleman that, on support for
businesses, what we have done is to look at the requirements and
increase that support. As he will have heard, the level of
support is now £280 billion. We have extended furlough and we
have extended the self-employment scheme, and businesses that are
now required to be closed because of restrictions can get up to
£3,000 a month.
(Bosworth) (Con)
The Government are focused on supporting the NHS, opening
schools, getting businesses back working, and getting gyms open
and leisure facilities going again, but of course the last lever
is hospitality and socialising. With the advent of a vaccine,
will my hon. Friend have a meeting with the Treasury to put
together a pathway and a package of support for those industries
most affected, such as the weddings, events, office, conference
and travel industry?
I thank my hon. Friend, who has raised the issue about weddings
and events with me on a number of occasions. We continue to work
with the Treasury to see what more we can do to support the
hospitality sector as a whole. I am really looking forward to
working with the weddings taskforce, which has been set up by the
sector itself, to see what a covid-19 secure wedding looks like
and how we can introduce that when the health science allows.
(Aberavon) (Lab) [V]
The GMB, Unite and Unison trade unions are fighting hard for
workers who are being fired and then rehired on worse terms and
conditions. What is the Secretary of State doing to ensure that
companies such as British Gas are negotiating in good faith with
the workforce, not imposing these completely unacceptable
practices on them?
We call out British Gas and other employers if and when they are
using unfair pressure in negotiations, but we do say that we need
to retain flexibility as well, so that big companies can save as
many jobs as possible in difficult times.
(York Outer) (Con) [V]
With the imminent review of tiers, can Ministers reassure me that
they are pushing firmly within Government on the fact that many
businesses, especially in places such as York, where the virus is
very low, are at the stage where they can no longer be subsidised
for low footfall or to stay closed, but need to be able to trade
as normally as possible ultimately to survive?
I know the hospitality business in York has been affected, as it
has around the country. Yes, we will continue to look at this
and, when the data allows, we will move York and other areas into
more forgiving tiers. For the hospitality sector—as I say, it
welcomes Government support, largely, but wants customers—this is
what is going to help the pubs, bars and restaurants in York and
beyond to be able to survive and thrive.
(Sefton Central) (Lab) [V]
Many freelancers and self-employed people have had little or no
financial support. They do not qualify for furlough, for the
self-employed scheme or for business grants. With billions of
pounds being returned in tax relief for business rates by the
major retailers, why are Ministers not using that money, as the
retailers are suggesting, to support those hundreds of thousands
of people who have had little or no financial support so far?
As the hon. Gentleman knows, a whole range of support is
available. I completely accept that not everyone will feel they
have got precisely the amount of support that they would have
liked, but a significant amount of support is available and, of
course, all of this is always kept under review.
(Bridgend) (Con)
Many businesses are linked to the NHS supply chain, such as
Zimmer Biomet, one of the largest employers in my Bridgend
constituency. What discussions has my right hon. Friend had with
ministerial colleagues about getting NHS non-urgent, non-critical
procedures back up to pre-covid levels?
My hon. Friend raises an important point, and my right hon.
Friend the Health and Social Care Secretary is working very hard
to help NHS trusts return to pre-covid levels of elective care as
soon as possible. I have been really quite impressed over the
past months throughout this pandemic at how businesses, both
within the medical field and outside, have come together to
support the NHS.
(South Antrim) (DUP) [V]
What measures can the Minister take to ensure that GB businesses
do not use the Northern Ireland protocol as an excuse to refuse
to do business with companies in Northern Ireland? Some are
already saying that after 31 December they can no longer supply
goods to those companies, and some are using the situation as an
opportunity, because of the additional bureaucracy and paperwork,
to increase prices.
If the hon. Gentleman has specific examples, I will be very
interested to hear about them, but the United Kingdom Internal
Market Bill is there to provide certainty—to provide access for
Northern Ireland to GB and vice versa.
(Cheadle) (Con)
Whistleblowing is valuable to organisations and society. What
steps is my right hon. Friend taking to prepare for ISO 37002,
the new international standard for whistleblowing, and can he
reassure my constituents that whistleblowers in the UK will enjoy
enhanced protection to the same degree as, or greater than, that
provided by the forthcoming EU directive?
I assure my hon. Friend that the Government are committed to
ensuring that whistleblowers enjoy high standards of protection
under UK law. The international standard to which she refers is
for employers wanting to introduce their own whistleblowing
policies, which is already encouraged by our code of practice.
(Blaenau Gwent)
(Lab)
The furlough scheme is really important for young workers—for
young people—but when the scheme ends many are worried that we
will see large-scale youth unemployment, so what is the
Department’s input into the kickstart scheme and exactly how many
jobs will be created by March next year to help young people?
As the hon. Gentleman knows, the kickstart scheme is a Government
initiative, and the Treasury and the Department for Work and
Pensions have led on this. I have had discussions with the
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the issue, and of
course we want to make sure we continue to support young people
at this crucial time. We know that when unemployment is going up,
it is new workers who find it particularly difficult to get jobs.
(Wantage) (Con)
On Thursday, I had the pleasure of taking my hon. Friend the
Member for Derby North (), the Minister for science, research and innovation,
to Greencore’s Springfield Meadow development in my constituency,
where it is building not just net-zero homes but carbon-positive
homes and selling them to Sovereign Housing at precisely the same
cost as for any other kind of home. Will my right hon. Friend
join me in congratulating Greencore on this innovation and does
he agree that it is exactly the sort of thing we need more of to
hit our 2050 goal?
My hon. Friend is exactly right. I am delighted to report that
our joint hon. Friend the Member for Derby North () had a very successful visit and thoroughly enjoyed
her trip to Greencore Construction, and we obviously heartily
welcome Greencore’s excellent work in sustainable construction.
(Hemsworth) (Lab)
After 10 years of this Government, before covid, constituents of
mine were averaging £100 a week less in earnings than the average
for the rest of the country; now a third of them are on furlough,
which means a further £100 less per week—£10,000 a year less than
the average. Will the Minister understand that when the
Government talk about levelling up, in an area like mine people
will say it is time that Ministers got out of their privileged
bubbles and did something for communities all over this country,
where millions of people are living very precarious lives?
I know it is a very difficult time for very many families, and
that they will feel that particularly acutely as we get to
Christmas. I would just say that across the country we have
protected 9 million jobs—households up and down our country, who
have been supported by the measures that the Government have put
forward; and that that will extend until the end of March, as
well as the other support that has been provided.
Given that we have now come to the end of questions, Mr Speaker,
I thank you and your staff for all the support that you have
provided to all Members in a very challenging year. I thank all
Members—including the right hon. Member for Doncaster North
()—for all their support, and I hope that they will
have an opportunity to get some rest over the festive period.
