Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps she is taking to help (a) prevent job losses and (b) create new employment in the biodiesel industry, in the context of the closure of Argent Energy in Motherwell and Wishaw constituency.

The Government has supported the uptake of low carbon fuels including biodiesel for 15 years through its Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) scheme. The RTFO sets targets for the supply of low carbon fuels and sustainability criteria, which these fuels must meet. Targets under the RTFO have increased year on year since 2018, providing a market for biodiesel producers.

In support of UK exports, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) offers services to advise, support and promote British businesses to grow and export. DBT also provides services to secure inward investment into the UK for a variety of low carbon fuel technologies, supporting businesses throughout their investment journey.