The EEF (www.eef.org.uk) has welcomed the new Prime Minister’s decision to merge the business and energy departments and create the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Terry Scuoler, CEO of the manufacturers’ organisation, said: “This is a welcome move that demonstrates a serious purpose to this Government, reflective of the times. Now that energy and business policy are merged, we have the makings of an industrial strategy that will focus on UK competitiveness and will support our sector as it seeks to overcome the challenges and seize the opportunities from the decision to leave the EU.”

In his first statement as Business Secretary, Greg Clark said that his new department will have responsibility for “developing and delivering a comprehensive industrial strategy, and leading the Government’s relationship with business; furthering the UK’s status at the leading edge of science, research and innovation; ensuring that the country has secure energy supplies that are reliable, affordable and clean; and dealing with climate change.”

Responsibility for Higher and Further Education policy, apprenticeships and skills has been transferred to the Department for Education. Responsibility for trade policy and export control, as well as the functions previously
performed by UK Trade and Investment, have been transferred to the new Department for International Trade.