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Backbench Business
20 April 2023
Lead MP
Darren Jones
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
EconomyClimateBrexitForeign AffairsBusiness & Trade
Other Contributors: 15
At a Glance
Darren Jones raised concerns about backbench business in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Expressed concern about Britain's declining standing in the world due to lack of a long-term economic plan and strategy. Highlighted issues such as geopolitical competition, war in Europe, security tensions in Asia, net zero transition, technological arms race, and economic growth projections. Criticised the government for increasing national debt and failing to deliver on trade deals with the EU.
Richard Fuller
Con
North Bedfordshire
Asked about the potential conflict between UK's engagement with the European Union and CPTPP, and inquired specifically about the hon. Gentleman’s thoughts on the pace of change for net zero targets.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
Supported the lead MP by emphasising that trade with Europe still matters greatly despite the UK's decision to make trading arrangements more difficult and costly.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
The speaker emphasised the geopolitical significance of Kashmir, noting that it is located between Pakistan, India, China, and Afghanistan. She highlighted historical issues stemming from partition decisions by the British, leading to longstanding territorial disputes. The UN Security Council resolution 47 called for a referendum on Kashmir’s future. Debates over Kashmir include material resources like timber, minerals, land, and water, with recent changes in Indian-administered Kashmir affecting mining activities and causing environmental concerns. There are also geopolitical implications due to China's involvement, as well as significant trade impacts between India and Pakistan since the revocation of special status for Kashmir. The speaker呼吁英国在与印度和巴基斯坦等国的贸易协议中明确承诺保障人权,特别是在存在系统性侵犯公民权利的情况下。
Dan Carden
Lab
Liverpool Walton
Carden emphasises the importance of a stronger UK-Mexico trade relationship, highlighting Mexico's strategic geopolitical position and its potential as a gateway to Latin America and other regions. He mentions the £4.5 billion worth of bilateral trade and the launch of negotiations for a Mexico 2.0 free trade agreement. Carden also stresses the historical ties between Liverpool and Mexico, noting that Merseyside exported goods worth £224 million to Mexico in 2022. Additionally, he discusses opportunities in financial tech and clean technologies, as well as educational exchanges, calling for more concerted efforts to promote language and student exchange programmes.
Richard Fuller
Con
North Bedfordshire
Fuller argues that businesses should not rely on taxpayers' money if their strategies fail. He points out that the Labour party's approach is contradictory, as it seeks to attract business investment while simultaneously relying on taxpayer funding for projects. He emphasises his belief in open and competitive markets leading to better living standards.
Darren Jones
Lab
Bristol North West
Jones clarifies that he does not believe the state creates wealth but acknowledges a need for public infrastructure to support business growth when private resources are insufficient. He advocates for an industrial policy that enables partnerships between government and businesses, contrasting this with the current Government's approach.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
McDonald highlights a specific example from Sweden where state intervention in industrial challenges has been successful, suggesting that the UK could learn from such practices. He emphasises the importance of intelligent responses to industrial challenges over less effective methods.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Hobhouse questions whether the Government is providing a purposeful direction for business, particularly in green economy and net-zero transition. She emphasises that businesses require policy direction from the Government to succeed.
Darren Jones
Lab
Bristol North West
Jones further elaborates on his earlier point, emphasising Britain's need to lead global debates rather than just reacting to them, especially in relation to energy security and technological advancements.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Congratulated the hon. Member for Bristol North West on securing the debate and co-sponsoring it. Criticised the Government's lack of substantial contributions to the debate. Highlighted global crises including war in Europe, China's assertiveness, protectionism, and climate change threats like sea level rise and resource scarcity leading to conflicts. Emphasised the importance of international cooperation for addressing global challenges such as trade deals that include environmental standards. Cited concerns over lowering tariffs on palm oil under CPTPP negotiations due to its negative impact on climate change. Called for prioritising minimum environmental standards in future trade agreements. Advocated for greater ambition in green policies and investment in renewable energy sector to avoid dependence on autocratic regimes. Criticised the UK Government's lack of matching investments seen in other countries like the US Inflation Reduction Act.
Richard Thomson
SNP
Inverness N & Ross
Condemns the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), arguing it undermines domestic standards, sovereignty, and sustainable trade goals. Highlights that UK goods exports are at their lowest in the G7 since Brexit and predicts a negative economic impact on GDP this year. Questions how the government can claim to prioritise sovereignty and economic growth while compromising these values through CPTPP negotiations.
Eleanor Laing
Con
Epping Forest
Interrupted Richard Thomson's speech, reminding him that time has run out for his contribution and requested him to conclude soon.
Gareth Thomas
Lab Co-op
Harrow West
I join the House in congratulating my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol North West on securing this debate and his expertise. Contributions from colleagues highlighted significant trade issues, including Africa's importance underlined by Richard Fuller. Wera Hobhouse emphasised the climate emergency's relevance to trade policies. The OBR predicts export declines, underscoring 13 years of economic failure with missed targets and high inflation. OECD expects UK’s worst G7 performance this year; no White Paper on trade or clear plan for green trade, supply chain issues, or strategic consultations. Trade with neighbours needs improvement; US deal unlikely, Indo-Pacific tilt not solving woes, India deal hampered by tensions, Africa ignored. Ukraine's invasion highlights ally importance in Europe and global supply chains, stressing need to improve trade relationship with EU despite Brexit. Three quarters of firms trading with Europe face difficulties due to the Government’s trade deal and rules of origin tightening; veterinary agreement and professional qualifications mutual recognition agreements needed for labour mobility and data adequacy status issues should be resolved. Failure to secure US deal compounded by Inflation Reduction Act threats, CPTPP membership benefits geopolitically but economically minimal. India negotiations slow despite growth potential, no greater effort seen with Gujarat’s diaspora. Africa lacks attention; cuts in development assistance indicate reduced interest, IMF predicts half of global young job entrants will be from Africa soon.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Sussex Weald
Acknowledged the contributions made by colleagues and emphasised the importance of trade in shaping a global, free-trading nation. She highlighted that the UK has invested £20 billion into technology recently and is one of the leading countries for start-up capital outside the US. The PwC report states that the UK will be the fastest-growing G7 economy until 2050 compared to Germany, France, and Italy combined. Ghani emphasised trade as a powerful force for progress by creating jobs, driving growth, and delivering long-term prosperity. She also discussed the importance of building networks of green innovation worldwide, strengthening supply chains in response to energy security challenges, and deepening ties with markets across the Indo-Pacific. The UK's membership in CPTPP was highlighted as a game-changer for the country’s economy.
Darren Jones
Lab
Bristol North West
The world is evolving, and it's time for Britain to chart its course beyond empire and Europe. There is significant disagreement about the UK’s economic state, with Labour pointing out 13 years of decline and advocating for transformative change under their leadership.
Government Response
We are making it easier and cheaper for British firms to trade and invest overseas by tackling tariffs, opening markets, and offering specialist market intelligence. The UK has signed trade deals worth more than £850 billion with over 70 nations including Japan and Australia. An FTA with India would boost our trade by up to £36 billion. In response to concerns about CPTPP and China's assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific, Ghani assured that there is no change in UK’s position regarding Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international bodies. She emphasised the value of AUKUS for securing trade routes and supply chains.
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.