Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
None provided, question focuses on progress towards £1 trillion in annual exports.
What progress has been made to support businesses reaching £1 trillion in annual exports?
UK exports were £862 billion in the 12 months to February. UK services exports reached a record £472 billion, an increase of 10%. The Department's wealth of export support includes the UK Export Academy with over 18,000 registrations and 160 international trade advisers who help about 6,000 SMEs annually.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify how close to £1 trillion goal businesses are or if there is a specific plan in place for reaching that milestone.
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
Acknowledges UK's position as a major exporter and seeks confirmation of its status.
Are we really the fourth largest exporter in the world?
I am pleased to tell my right hon. Friend that we are. The UK is a global exporting superpower and the world's second biggest services exporter. Services exports to the EU have increased by 36% since 2018.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Requests more information about specific support available to SMEs.
Will she give a bit more information about what support is available specifically to SMEs to help them grow and export more of their products and services?
The Department has declared this year the year of the SME. Support includes 160 international trade advisers helping about 6,000 SMEs annually and a Help to Grow management course with 5,290 participants completed by November.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide comprehensive details on all types of support available for SMEs in exporting beyond mentioning a few programmes.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
References the closure of the trade show access programme, seeks an equivalent or enhanced strategy.
In light of the termination of the trade show access programme, what is the Government's strategy to provide equivalent or enhanced support to ensure UK food products remain competitive within EU markets?
We are investing in programmes like the UK Export Academy and export support service. The Department will help with specific cases if written to.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a detailed strategy or alternative programme for supporting food exports specifically.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
References OBR figures and Aston University report, questions lack of interest in veterinary agreement.
Why will she not pursue an agreement that is so obviously in Britain's national interest?
The OBR puts out figures and we do not accept cherry-picked data. The Opposition should look at overall export growth forecasts and specific periods they are referring to, including those impacted by covid.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a direct reason for lack of interest in the veterinary agreement; instead deflected towards OBR figures and general forecasts.
Deflecting
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
References rise in exports under previous Labour Government, questions current export performance.
Is the truth not that British exporters always do better under a Labour Government?
That is absolute rubbish. The veterinary agreement would create dynamic alignment with the EU, which is not what this country voted for in 2016. We are delivering on the referendum result; difficulties will be addressed.
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Assessment & feedback
Attacking
Response accuracy