UK-Europe Trade 2025-05-01
2025-05-01
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted Babcock's pursuit of a partnership with Saab to build corvettes for Sweden. This would involve significant work at Rosyth dockyard in the UK, securing jobs.
Given the significance of this deal to my constituency and shipbuilding in the UK, will the Minister confirm its importance to our relationship with Sweden, and do all that he can to support and champion this vital defence industrial partnership?
Having worked closely with former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, I am fully aware of Rosyth dockyard’s economic significance. The Government value the defence relationship with Sweden and recognise the importance of defence industrial partnerships between the UK and Swedish companies. They contribute greatly to our defence and growth objectives.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for confirmation of the deal's importance was not directly addressed, only a general assurance given.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raised concerns about the UK potentially lowering its quality standards in future trade deals to align with US demands, which could jeopardise Scotland’s £15 billion food and drink industry.
Will the Secretary of State guarantee that Scotland’s food and drink industry will not be jeopardised through desperation to satisfy Donald Trump?
I assure the hon. Gentleman that I am fully aware of the importance of food and agriculture to the Scottish economy, as evidenced by my visit tomorrow to a farm in East Lothian. Labour’s manifesto at the last general election committed us to maintaining important standards.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for a guarantee was not directly addressed; instead, reference to previous commitments made by Labour was provided.
Response accuracy