British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme

David Williams Excerpts

Thursday 16th April 2026 Commons Chamber

[Peter Kyle]

The scheme we have designed is aimed at manufacturing. The figure the hon. Member quotes is for all businesses in the UK, whereas this is one scheme aimed at competitiveness within the manufacturing sector. I hope that when he reflects on his comments, he does not expect us to announce a scheme for every business in all circumstances. That is what Liz Truss did, wasting enormous amounts of money—a third of those billions went into the pockets of high earners. We need to be targeted and growth orientated and support the great businesses out there.

I have invested £2.5 billion into steel. I am modernising steel and protecting it where I have to. I am proud of the strategy we have. There has never been a steel strategy or a quality piece of strategic thinking from the previous Government, which is why the strategy I announced was universally welcomed by the sector.

[David Williams (Stoke-on-Trent North) (Lab)]

I am a proud Stoke-on-Trent MP, and the clue is in the name “the Potteries”—we make pots, we always have done. It is my family’s and our community’s source of pride. Sadly, despite the good engagement I have had with Ministers on the matter, this particular scheme does nothing for ceramics companies in my constituency. I was recently asked a direct question on BBC Radio Stoke, “Do the Government get and understand it?” I do believe that our Government understand the issues faced, but action is not coming forward quickly enough, and our companies are at risk. They are on the brink and need support now. They have incredibly high energy bills and need Government support. If the BICS is not the right scheme for ceramics, we know there is the supercharger scheme. Can I gently encourage my colleagues to please meet us as a matter of urgency because our ceramics sector absolutely needs and deserves our support?

[Peter Kyle]

I thank my hon. Friend for his passionate intervention. I understand the pressing needs and am fully aware of the issues facing Denby, which is partly, I believe, in his constituency. I have been in touch with the regional mayor about it numerous times since that situation unfolded. I certainly wish the workforce well and hope that the interventions and the partnership that the Government have been providing alongside the regional mayor will mean that a buyer can be found, which I am convinced is perfectly possible. When it comes to the long-term regeneration of the Potteries and the ceramics industry, as I have said already, I am willing to meet the industry itself to listen to and learn from their insight and the challenges they face, but also the opportunities they have as we rebuild our economy after the damage caused by the previous Administration and ensure that we get growth back into our economy.