Exports to the EU Devolved Nations 2022-07-21
2022-07-21
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Devolved nations in the UK are seeking increased exports to the EU. The question addresses steps being taken by the government to facilitate this.
What steps she is taking to help increase exports from the devolved nations to the EU. I am concerned about the specific initiatives that will support businesses in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The Department is delivering prosperity through trade and investment to all parts of the United Kingdom. In addition to UK-wide initiatives such as the UK Export Academy for smaller enterprises, we have established teams in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, and I hope in my role to be visiting them over the coming months. Those teams will bring business support closer to businesses in the nations and work in partnership with devolved Administrations.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Farmers in Scotland face increased difficulties due to Brexit, making exporting goods harder. The question focuses on the specific analysis regarding Scotch beef and lamb exports to Australia.
With regard to Australia, what dedicated analysis has his Department undertaken that evidences net increases for Scotch beef and lamb exports to Australia in quantitative terms? If he cannot say, will he write to me with that data?
I note that Invest in Angus, based in the hon. Member's constituency, estimates that food and drink is worth more than £200 million to the Angus domestic economy. We are supporting farmers and food producers across Scotland, including in Angus, and that is one of the reasons why we are seeking opportunities for greater agricultural exports through the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership and the Indian trade deal, and with the Gulf.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific analysis on Scotch beef and lamb exports to Australia
Supporting Farmers And Food Producers
Seeking Opportunities For Greater Agricultural Exports
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
James Withers from Scotland Food & Drink has expressed concerns about the negative impact of Brexit. The question focuses on whether Tory candidates are being upfront about these issues.
Does the Minister share my concern that the candidates in the current Tory leadership race are simply not being up front about the mess we are in because of Brexit? They need to listen carefully to businesses and make exporting easier, instead of pretending that Brexit is working for business in Scotland and across the UK.
I look forward to meeting Scotland Food & Drink and hearing about the positive opportunities. I hope that it is not overly infected by the hon. Lady's pessimism about the prospects for this great Union outside the European Union.
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Assessment & feedback
Minister's opinion on Tory candidates' stance
Positive Opportunities
Not Overly Infected By Pessimism
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
The Royal Welsh show is a significant event for promoting Welsh food and drink exports. The question focuses on the role of such events in boosting international trade.
Welsh food and drink exports have no better showcase than the Royal Welsh show—the largest agricultural show in Europe—which concludes in my constituency today. I want to pay particular tribute to Steve Hughson, who is stepping down as the show's chief executive after 10 very successful years. Does my hon. Friend agree that agricultural shows are fantastically helpful for boosting our exports around the world?
I thank my hon. Friend for promoting the great opportunities for British food and drink. The Royal Welsh show is a great institution and I am sure that everyone on the Government side of the House thanks Steve Hughson for his endeavours.
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