Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill

Debate between Caroline Nokes and Harriett Baldwin

Committee of the whole House
Monday 23rd February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Dame Harriett Baldwin]

I sense that this is an occasion when the House would appreciate it if I were quite brief, but I am grateful to set out our support for the principles of the Bill, and we will not oppose it on Third Reading. The Bill raises the statutory limits in a way that will enable the Government to provide UK industry with additional support, and as His Majesty’s official Opposition we of course want exports to grow, investment to increase and UK firms to thrive. We also believe that public money must be used responsibly, transparently and only where it is genuinely needed, which is why we regret that the Government opposed our amendments this evening.

The Government did not accept our amendments, but we will continue to press for greater transparency around these large sums and expenditure of public money. We will press for stronger safeguards and a more coherent industrial strategy, particularly in the steel sector. We want British businesses to succeed, and exporters to have the support they need. We want public money to be used wisely and in the national interest, so while we will not oppose the Bill today, we will continue to scrutinise closely the work of the Department.

[Madam Deputy Speaker]

I call the Liberal Democrat spokesperson.

Winter Fuel Payment

Debate between Caroline Nokes and Harriett Baldwin

Tuesday 10th September 2024 Commons Chamber

[Dame Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con)]

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. This is the second Government Minister we have heard from the Dispatch Box today, yet only moments ago we saw the Chancellor sitting on the Front Bench. It was the Chancellor who chose to spend billions on setting up Great British Energy. It was the Chancellor who chose to spend billions giving pay rises to their union paymasters. It was the Chancellor—

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Caroline Nokes)]

Order. I thank the hon. Lady, but she will be aware that that is not a point of order; it is more of a speech that she is seeking to make. Perhaps she will find an opportunity to contribute in the debate.

Flood Defences: West Worcestershire

Debate between Caroline Nokes and Harriett Baldwin

Wednesday 24th July 2024 Commons Chamber

[Dame Harriett Baldwin]

I have given way once already to the hon. Lady. I am going to allow the Minister to use the remaining time to respond.

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Caroline Nokes)]

I call the Minister, Emma Hardy.