Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Richard Foord Excerpts
Wednesday 22nd January 2025

(1 day, 18 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Kirsty McNeill Portrait Kirsty McNeill
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The hon. Gentleman might not be aware that unemployment actually came down in Scotland this week. We promised that there would be no return to austerity, and workers’ payslips across Scotland were indeed protected in the Budget. More than half of employees will see either a cut or no change in their national insurance bill. The smallest businesses and charities are protected, and our decision to increase employer national insurance will raise more than £25 billion to help to rebuild Britain.

Richard Foord Portrait Richard Foord (Honiton and Sidmouth) (LD)
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5. What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on support for the green energy sector in Scotland.

Ian Murray Portrait The Secretary of State for Scotland (Ian Murray)
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I am in regular contact with ministerial colleagues from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on a range of issues relevant to clean energy production in Scotland. Scotland is key to the UK Government’s clean power by 2030 mission, which will deliver cheaper bills, energy security and future jobs, and drive growth in the Scottish economy.

Richard Foord Portrait Richard Foord
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The roll-out of offshore renewables in Scotland should happen alongside the growth of supply chains there. That is vital if the energy transition is to deliver jobs and investment in Scotland’s oil and gas communities. It is welcome that the Government have allocated £200 million to a clean industry bonus, but that falls short of the £500 million that Labour pledged in its manifesto. How do the Government plan to strengthen the clean industry bonus to build thriving renewable manufacturing in the UK?