Oral Answers to Questions

Alex Brewer Excerpts

Tuesday 18th November 2025 Commons Chamber

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

I recognise what my hon. Friend says about the importance of port infrastructure in the north-east. We made a manifesto commitment to support investment in our ports through the National Wealth Fund, and I would be happy to discuss with her how the north-east in particular could benefit from that.

[Alex Brewer (North East Hampshire) (LD)]

T5.   In North East Hampshire, small energy-intensive businesses such as hair salons are struggling, because they cannot reduce their consumption. What plans does the Minister have to support those kinds of small businesses?

[Chris McDonald]

In response to earlier questions, I outlined the British industrial competitiveness scheme, which we announced in our industrial strategy. That will extend support to a wider range of businesses. We recognise the issues that businesses are facing with high energy prices, primarily as a consequence of the previous Government’s policies not to invest in renewable energy. We are changing that by investing in British home-grown renewable energy.