There are a number of roles which Members of Parliament are able to pursue in Westminster alongside the important work we do representing our constituents. These include taking a position in Government, working with colleagues to raise awareness of a particular issue or industry through the work of an All-Party Parliamentary Group, or scrutinising Government Policy as part of a Select Committee. Select Committees are made up of a group of MPs from all parties, focus on the work of a particular Government department and take evidence from Ministers, businesses, organisations and individuals with a connection to the work of the Government.
Following the 2017 General Election, I was elected to the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Select Committee by my colleagues. This Parliament will be one of the most important for British businesses in many years as we negotiate our exit from the European Union. As part of our inquiry into Brexit and the implications for UK business, my colleagues and I have taken evidence from a number of leading businesses from across many different sectors of the economy including the automotive industry, aerospace industry and energy companies. Members of the Select Committee have also visited a number of businesses, including a recent visit to Honda’s factory in Swindon to gather more information about what UK firms believe a good Brexit deal would include.
As a former businessman, who ran a small business for 25 years here in Rugby, I have been particularly keen to bring my insight into the work of the Select Committee. Small businesses form the lifeblood of the British economy, accounting for nearly 60% of private sector employment, and therefore considering the impact of Government policy on them is important part of the work of the Select Committee.
The Government’s renewed focus on developing a Modern Industrial Strategy is welcome. It sets out a long-term vision for how Britain can build on its economic strengths, address its productivity performance, embrace technological change and boost the earning power of people across the UK.
The Select Committee is also conducting a number of inquiries into matters which are relevant to local residents, such as the cost of energy. I know that keeping energy costs down is of great concern to families here in Rugby, which is why I want to see the Government focus on making it easier for customers to switch providers and deliver on the potential of the smart meter rollout.
As a member of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Select Committee, I will continue to work alongside my colleagues from across the House of Commons to help scrutinise policy and legislation, and, where necessary, hold Ministers to account. I will also work to ensure that families and businesses in Rugby and Bulkington benefit from this industrial strategy and the opportunities that leaving the European Union presents.