Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to help reduce industrial energy costs.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government recognises the pressure high energy costs place on businesses. Our Clean Power by 2030 mission will bring down bills, reducing exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets and the risk of carbon leakage.

In the near term, we are acting through the British Industry Supercharger, increasing network charge discounts from 60% to 90% since April 2026 for energy‑intensive industries. In addition, the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will cut electricity costs by up to £40/MWh for over 10,000 firms in key manufacturing sectors.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to improve the UK's business environment.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

This government is focused on creating a stronger business environment by making the UK the best place to start and grow a business, with a culture that supports entrepreneurship.

Through the Small Business Plan, we are tackling late payments, improving access to finance for start-ups, and cutting unnecessary red tape. The new Business Growth Service supports SMEs with digital adoption and facilitates international trade and investment.

As part of the Regulation Action Plan, published in March 2025, we have committed to reducing the administrative burden on businesses by 25% by the end of the Parliament.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had discussions with her Irish counterpart on reports that Aughinish Alumina has been linked to supply chains supporting Russia's defence industry.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK and Irish governments regularly discuss our staunch support for countering Russia's aggression in Ukraine, including international efforts to maximise pressure on the Russian war economy. We conduct similar conversations with the EU on a regular basis. We keep all options to put pressure on the Russian war economy under regular review.

Scotland’s Tartan Army

Coastguard remuneration

Armed Forces Week

Brexit and Wales 10 years on

Russian bombing of the monastery at Kyiv Pecherska Lavra

Palestinian children in Israeli military detention

Israel death penalty

Found: present: Patricia Ferguson (Chair); Maureen Burke; Harriet Cross; Dave Doogan; Lillian Jones; Mr Angus MacDonald

Submit Evidence (by 31 Jul 2026)

Gaelic remains an important part of Scotland’s cultural identity and, despite a long-term decline in its use, the latest census indicates an increase in the number of people with Gaelic language skills.