Written questions by Thomas.

What steps he is taking to secure the UK's supply of critical minerals.

The Government recognises the vital role of critical minerals in economic security, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. Through the Critical Minerals Strategy, we are strengthening domestic resilience by supporting UK capabilities in processing, recycling, and responsible extraction, alongside better understanding future demand through a new growth minerals list. We are working with international partners to diversify supply chains and reduce exposure to concentrated markets, while leveraging the UK’s strengths in finance and innovation.

What steps he is taking to support British legacy industries.

The Industrial Strategy is backing eight growth-driving sectors, and the foundational industries that underpin them, to drive growth and create high quality jobs. This includes action to reduce electricity bills through the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme that will benefit 10,000 manufacturing businesses.We are investing in skills including through a £182m engineering skills package, have recently launched the first Apprenticeship Units funded through the Growth and Skills Levy, and announced 19 new Technical Excellence Colleges in advanced manufacturing, clean energy and defence, as well as digital and technologies. And we are taking action in our critical foundational industries: the government is providing up to £2.5 billion to the steel sector and the steel strategy aims to return domestic production to around 40-50% of domestic steel demand (up from 30% in 2024).

What steps he is taking to support the pottery sector.

The Government is aware of the pressures facing the ceramics industry. Department for Business and Trade (DBT) officials regularly engage with ceramics businesses and the sector’s main trade association, Ceramics UK, to explore how the sector can be supported. DBT remains aware of issues, including pressure from foreign imports, and has worked with the sector and the Trade Remedies Authority to help address this issue. The Government encourages Ceramics UK and ceramics businesses to continue engaging with government to ensure that DBT officials have a clear understanding of the challenges facing ceramics businesses, and the pottery sector specifically.

What steps he is taking to support British legacy industries through trade deals.

Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are an important component of DBT’s approach to supporting businesses across the UK to grow and export, benefits include tariff reductions, simplification of customs procedures, and enhanced protections for investment. DBT’s support for business on FTAs is integrated into the existing export support offer accessed via business.gov.uk. This includes practical guides on the provisions of FTAs and a range of engagement. For example, recent events to promote the upcoming UK-India FTA focusing on sectors such as textiles and manufacturing. DBT also engages directly with businesses to gather feedback on how FTAs are working in practice.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the Employment Rights Bill on the Premier League and the Football League.

The Government published a comprehensive package of analysis on the impact of the Employment Rights Act and this is available here: http://www.gov.uk/guidance/employment-rights-bill-impact-assessments.

What steps his Department is taking to support UK festival organisers with the implementation of the Employment Rights Bill, in the context of the workforce flexibility requirements of the sector.

Festivals are crucial to the UK's culture, providing a platform for emerging artists, supporting local economies and creative jobs, and bringing joy to thousands.The impact on UK festivals will depend on the regulations that we will bring forward following consultation on the measures in the Employment Rights Act 2025.The government will ensure there is sufficient time for businesses to familiarise themselves with these new employment rights before they come into force, and we intend to provide clear guidance for employers and for workers in advance of implementation.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the Autumn Budget 2025 on the mental health of (a) publicans and (b) people working in the hospitality sector.

Whilst no formal assessment has been made of the Autumn Budget’s impact on the mental health of publicans or hospitality workers, the Government recognises the pressures they face and the importance of supporting wellbeing and we welcome initiatives like the Hospitality Wellbeing and Development Promise: Wellbeing Promise which promotes mental health and wellbeing across the sector. We continue to meet regularly with the industry, including through the Hospitality Sector Council to co-create solutions that build resilience and address sector challenges.

What steps his Department is taking to strengthen economic ties with Ukraine.

The UK and Ukraine are strengthening economic ties through our Free Trade and Digital Trade Agreements and the UK-Ukraine 100 Year Partnership Agreement, signed by the Prime Minister and the President of Ukraine in January. Our commitments demonstrate firm intention to support Ukraine and enable UK businesses to contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction and modernisation, driving mutual prosperity. Initiatives including the UK-Ukraine Infrastructure Taskforce and UK-Ukraine Techbridge, and regular defence trade missions, are encouraging bilateral trade and investment, strengthening industrial partnerships and improving market access for UK businesses.