Oral Answers to Questions

Christine Jardine Excerpts

Tuesday 18th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Victoria Collins (Harpenden and Berkhamsted) (LD)]

5. What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on support for businesses facing increased energy costs.

[Christine Jardine (Edinburgh West) (LD)]

7. What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on support for businesses facing increased energy costs.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Chris McDonald)]

This Government recognise the importance of reducing energy costs to boost UK manufacturing competitiveness. Under the modern industrial strategy, the British industrial competitiveness scheme will reduce electricity costs by up to £40 per megawatt-hour for over 7,000 manufacturing businesses. We will also increase support for our most energy-intensive industries under the British industry supercharger, uplifting the network charging compensation scheme from 60% to 90%. These measures are supported by the connections accelerator service.

[Chris McDonald]

I acknowledge the work the hon. Member does in Parliament on energy-related issues and her Adjournment debate on high street businesses; that theme clearly runs through a lot of her work. She is right to point out the fundamental weakness we have that, when it comes to our investment in renewable energy, the price is ultimately set by gas. We want to address that through our clean power mission.

[Christine Jardine]

UKHospitality estimates that the industry contributes £8 billion a year to the Scottish economy. A major increase in standing charges would hit it hard. Many businesses in the sector are energy-hungry—for example, distilleries, pubs and restaurants—and across my constituency there is concern about the winter ahead. They want to know what this Government will do to protect them and ensure fairness for small businesses.