UK Steel Strategy

Debate between Earl of Effingham and Baroness Lloyd of Effra

Monday 23rd March 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Lloyd of Effra (Lab)]

The noble Lord also brings his extensive interest and expertise to this. I agree that businesses will be worried about the impacts of the situation in the Middle East. The example he gave is very good at showing the practical impacts of what people are encountering day to day. We are monitoring this extremely closely and working with industry—the Secretary of State will meet with businesses in the coming days—to get a full picture of those types of impacts. The consultation on the British industrial competitiveness scheme is currently closed, but we will set out what it means in the coming period.

[The Earl of Effingham (Con)]

My noble friend Lord Sharpe quite rightly said that open markets are good and, following on from my noble friend Lord Harper, it is quite correct that economists may say that the uncertainty of tariff policy is not favourable for employment or investment. So I ask the Minister: why exactly do the Government think tariffs are a good idea and when can we see the assessment of the cost—the knock-on effect that tariffs will have on consumers?

[Baroness Lloyd of Effra (Lab)]

Like many countries, we have applied tariffs to counteract the damaging effects of global overcapacity. Our action is not unique; the US, Canada and the EU all apply similar measures to tackle overcapacity. As I mentioned, it has followed engagement and we are looking at transitional measures to ensure that those contracts that have already been put into place can be taken forward. We will also review the measure after 12 months to ensure that it remains effective.

Social Media: Non-consensual Sexual Deepfakes

Debate between Earl of Effingham and Baroness Lloyd of Effra

Wednesday 14th January 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Lloyd of Effra (Lab)]

I cannot speak for others but, from our perspective, it is clear under the Online Safety Act what illegal content is, and what the child safety duties are. Operating in the United Kingdom means abiding by those; it means doing the risk assessments, taking swift action against priority offences, and abiding by all of the regime in place here in the UK.

[The Earl of Effingham (Con)]

My Lords, this is all happening on social media, so does the Minister agree with the largest union representing teachers in the UK on banning social media for under-16s?

[Baroness Lloyd of Effra (Lab)]

There are strong views about access to social media for under-16s, and we understand that it is an area of concern for many, especially parents. We are keeping evidence on the impact of social media on children under review. While a ban is not our current policy, we are closely monitoring what is happening in Australia and looking carefully at the evidence. We have already taken some of the boldest steps to protect children with the Online Safety Act, and we are listening to views, for example, from the NSPCC and others. These include concerns about setting age limits which might mean that people are unprepared for the digital world, which is also a responsibility in terms of media literacy and ensuring that people can operate safely and securely in this new digital world.

ExxonMobil: Mossmorran

Debate between Earl of Effingham and Baroness Lloyd of Effra

Monday 24th November 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Lloyd of Effra (Lab)]

My noble friend makes some very important points about the importance of swift and collaborative action, partnership with all those who can assist in supporting the workers in this situation and looking at their individual needs and the economic opportunities that are available today, and training them for the future.

She is right that the task force has been established, and my right honourable friend Douglas Alexander met with Fife Council and the Scottish Government earlier today. The Government are committed to working with them to deliver a local response and, more broadly, to mitigate the impact on workers. That will include working with the partnership action for continuing employment and looking to support the 50 employees who are going to be retained to support the decommissioning until 2028, as well as the 50 who are being offered relocation and training packages to Exxon’s other assets.

My noble friend makes a very good point about looking broadly and making sure that this is in the context of the local economy.

[The Earl of Effingham (Con)]

My Lords, does the Minister know any chief financial officer who talks down prospects for their company? Why does she think the Chancellor spent nine months talking down the UK economy, which has contributed to Grangemouth, Mossmorran and other factories closing down and the subsequent loss of jobs?

[Baroness Lloyd of Effra (Lab)]

I do not agree with that commentary on our approach to the economy. In fact, I want to take some time to talk about the positive signs in the UK economy. The UK was the fastest-growing G7 economy over the first half of the year, with cumulative GDP growth at 0.9%. The IMF forecast the UK to be the second-fastest-growing economy in the G7 in 2025 and the third-fastest in 2026. I am sure that noble Lords frequently hear the Chancellor and the Prime Minister talking about the value of the inward investment into the United Kingdom. They have been integral to securing that inward investment, as this is an extremely investable country.