Energy Security Strategy

Jack Brereton Excerpts

Tuesday 19th April 2022 Commons Chamber

[Kwasi Kwarteng]

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.

[Jack Brereton (Stoke-on-Trent South) (Con)]

Ceramics?

[Kwasi Kwarteng]

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

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans)]

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

[Jack Brereton]

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]

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.