Public Procurement: Prioritising British Suppliers

Debate between Baroness Twycross and Lord Browne of Belmont

Thursday 22nd October 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

There is nothing gimmicky about our work on Great British Energy. It is intended to deliver for the British population and it will. We are clear that the national security guidance supports the use of the national security exemption in a way that is consistent with our domestic procurement regime and international trade agreements on procurement and will continue to do so.

[Lord Browne of Belmont (DUP)]

My Lords, does the Minister accept that WTO procurement rules and, in Northern Ireland, the continued application of EU procurement rules can make it harder to prioritise UK-built buses? What are the Government doing to ensure that investment in zero-emission buses supports jobs in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as well as greener transport?

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

The Department for Transport recently published a 10-year pipeline for zero-emission buses, covering procurement through to 2035. This will help give British manufacturers the long-term capacity they need to plan ahead and invest in their workforce. It will benefit producers and manufacturers from across the UK.