Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Will Forster and Chris McDonald

Tuesday 14th October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Mr Will Forster (Woking) (LD)]

14. What steps his Department is taking to support breweries to reduce carbon emissions.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Chris McDonald)]

We want to make sure that businesses benefit from our clean energy mission, especially those in vital industries such as brewing. Our forthcoming carbon budget and growth delivery plan and our refreshed industrial decarbonisation strategy will help to provide further clarity for such businesses, including on how we intend to support them to electrify.

[Mr Forster]

One of the many brands of Woking-based Asahi is Cornish Orchards, which has recently decarbonised and cut its emissions by 94% by investing in renewable energy. Does the Minister agree that that is exactly the sort of innovation we need? What further steps will his Department take to ensure that the brewing industry can decarbonise and use renewable electricity a lot more than it does currently?

[Chris McDonald]

I commend Asahi, which I know is an important employer in the hon. Member’s constituency, for its work on decarbonisation and also for being my favourite Japanese beer. In a previous life, I worked as a fitter’s mate in a brewery, and I know how difficult it is to decarbonise the process there. Maybe it is something I should learn more about, and I would be very happy to come along to Asahi if I were invited.