Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will ensure that UK‑based firms offering comparable pricing and British-backed warranties are prioritised in procurement processes over Chinese manufacturers.

The Government’s industrial strategy and economic growth ambitions are underpinned by large-scale public investment into UK manufacturing and proactive measures to secure demand for UK made products through the deployment of clean energy technology. Flagship investments include a £1bn allocation to Great British Energy ‘Engineered in the UK’ supply chain fund that will increase UK manufacturing capacity, drive down technology costs, and create and support jobs across the UK.

Government is taking strong steps to leverage supply and demand-side policies in its review of public procurement and across all public finance; such that long-standing industrial sectors, such as the steel sector and the port sector can remain globally competitive. The UK’s Contracts for Difference scheme includes a £544m Clean Industry Bonus in support of UK domestic manufacturers and suppliers for offshore wind sector.

Investment in the energy sector is subject to the highest levels of national security scrutiny – we take a consistent, long-term and strategic approach to managing relations with China and will co-operate where we can, compete where we need to, and challenge where we must.