Oral Answers to Questions

Andy McDonald Excerpts

Wednesday 17th December 2025 Commons Chamber

The Secretary of State was asked—

[Andy McDonald (Middlesbrough and Thornaby East) (Lab)]

1. What steps she is taking to support sectors identified in the UK’s modern industrial strategy 2025.

[Adam Thompson (Erewash) (Lab)]

5. What steps she is taking to support sectors identified in the UK’s modern industrial strategy 2025.

[The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Liz Kendall)]

Happy Christmas to one and all here, and to all our constituents and loved ones.

I am very proud that this Labour Government are putting the biggest ever investment into research and development, including a record £38.6 billion for UK Research and Innovation. Alongside continuing to support curiosity-led research, the funding will for the first time focus on key Government priorities, including the eight sectors of our modern industrial strategy. We back our brilliant scientists, researchers, innovators and manufacturers to boost jobs and growth in every part of the country.

[Andy McDonald]

I thank the Secretary of State for her answer. Can I take this opportunity to welcome the passage of the Employment Rights Bill through the Lords? It will deliver the greatest uplift in workers’ rights in a generation.

Less than two weeks ago, I took part in a steel signing ceremony at the new NETA engineering training centre in Thornaby in my constituency, following the opening of Middlesbrough college’s new TTE centre, and all dovetailing with Teesside University’s Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre. With all those new facilities, does the Secretary of State agree that Middlesbrough and Thornaby East is helping to lead the delivery of the UK’s modern industrial strategy, and will she take the opportunity to visit some of our fantastic new industrial and digital facilities on Teesside?

[Liz Kendall]

I absolutely agree that Middlesbrough and Thornaby East is leading the way in delivering our modern industrial strategy, creating more good jobs that pay a decent wage and building the future economy that our country needs. I would be delighted to see more of that excellent work, and I believe that my office has already been in contact with my hon. Friend’s office to arrange it. This Government are backing manufacturers, including by putting in £800 million for advanced technical education to equip young people with engineering and manufacturing skills in clean energy, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.