Energy Security Strategy

Jack Brereton Excerpts
Tuesday 19th April 2022

(2 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Kwasi Kwarteng Portrait Kwasi Kwarteng
- View Speech - Hansard - - - Excerpts

My right hon. Friend knows very well that the chemical industry is central not only to people in his constituency, but to those throughout the north-east. We engage with energy-intensive sectors such as the glass, steel and chemical sectors, and others.

Kwasi Kwarteng Portrait Kwasi Kwarteng
- View Speech - Hansard - - - Excerpts

Ceramics, yes. All those industries are covered by the energy-intensive scheme that we want to promote.

--- Later in debate ---
Nigel Evans Portrait Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans)
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

Order. I am afraid that this will have to be the last question. I call Jack Brereton.

Jack Brereton Portrait Jack Brereton
- Hansard - -

Energy price fluctuations are a particular issue for the ceramics sector. Over Easter, I was delighted to visit 1882 Ltd, a ceramics producer in my constituency that has raised these concerns with me. What is my right hon. Friend doing to support the ceramics sector, and all energy-intensive sectors, to reduce the cost of energy and help to increase energy sustainability?

Kwasi Kwarteng Portrait Kwasi Kwarteng
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

My hon. Friend will have noticed that there is a commitment in the strategy to energy-intensive users. From his first day here, he has been a tireless champion of the ceramics industry. I was pleased to see him in his constituency when I went there, and to the other Stoke constituencies. I look forward to working with him to ensure that we protect our precious ceramics industry in the UK.