Written questions by Morrissey.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of solar procurement decisions on UK-based manufacturing capacity and employment within the domestic solar supply chain.

Accelerating solar deployment presents valuable opportunities for employment and growth in the domestic supply chain. Our Solar Roadmap estimated that solar could support up to 35,000 UK jobs by 2030. Key areas for growth include developing cutting-edge solar technologies, including perovskite and thin film panels. The Roadmap includes actions for government and industry to further support companies to increase production of these parts. . The UK also has a strong electrical manufacturing sector, which could provide vital balance of system components. These are included in our Industrial Strategy, which has identified advanced manufacturing and clean energy industries as priority growth sectors.

What steps he is taking to support the development of domestic energy manufacturing capability, particularly where companies are willing to invest in UK production subject to demand visibility.

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.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of public procurement guidance in supporting SME participation and the domestic economy; and what steps he is taking to help mitigate market concentration by Chinese companies and associated national security risks.

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.

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.

Whether (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have met (i) Dale Vince and (ii) representatives of Ecotricity since 5 July 2024.

Details of Ministers’ and Permanent Secretaries' meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.Published declarations include the purpose of the meeting and the names of any additional external organisations or individuals in attendance.