Asked by: Euan Stainbank (Labour - Falkirk)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent discussions his Department has had with (a) the Scottish Government and (b) industry representatives on supporting the growth of Scotland’s offshore wind supply chain; and what steps he is taking to ensure Scottish businesses can gain from UK offshore wind deployment targets and associated manufacturing opportunities.
Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Department ensures Scotland benefits from our world-leading offshore wind deployment by supporting the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero with the Contract for Difference’s Clean Industry Bonus, which awards developers who invest in sustainable supply chains. The Energy Secretary has already increased the bonus from an initial £200m to £544m to support clean energy growth, including in Scotland’s industrial heartlands and coastal communities. We are also supporting the delivery of Great British Energy’s £300m grant funding to secure investment in domestic supply chains, including in Scotland.
The Department regularly engages with Scottish Government and industry representatives. For example, UK and Scottish Governments participated in a roundtable in Edinburgh to discuss clean energy supply chains, including floating offshore wind.
Asked by: Euan Stainbank (Labour - Falkirk)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if his Department will take steps to support small businesses following the introduction of US tariffs.
Answered by Gareth Thomas - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
We remain committed to discussions with the US on a wider economic deal that works for both countries but this Government will do what is necessary to defend the UK’s national interest. On 3 April, we launched a Request for Input from businesses, offering them a chance to influence the design of a possible UK response.
We continue to support businesses of all sizes to grow and export globally, including to the US. Through Great.gov.uk, businesses will be able to access export support programmes including the Export Academy, International Markets Network, Growth Hubs and Help to Grow: Management scheme.
Asked by: Euan Stainbank (Labour - Falkirk)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if his Department will take steps to support advanced manufacturing following the introduction of US tariffs.
Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Advanced manufacturing is critical to UK prosperity. This Government will continue to support the sector through our forthcoming Industrial Strategy, where advanced manufacturing has been selected as one of eight growth-driving sectors.
We remain committed to discussions with the US on a wider economic deal that works both for the UK and the US but nothing is off the table - we will do what is necessary to defend the UK’s national interest. That is why on 3 April, we launched a Request for Input to give businesses the chance to have their say and influence the UK response.