Trade with the EU 2022-07-21
2022-07-21
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
There has been a significant drop in UK exports to the EU, affecting various sectors. Research from the London School of Economics shows a 30% decrease in variety of goods sold by small businesses.
What steps does the Government plan to take to help increase trade with the EU? Concerned about the impact on smaller businesses due to increased costs of administration and the lack of support for SMEs. Research indicates an 80% drop in business for language schools exporting English language education services.
The Government seeks a good trading relationship with EU partners. Exports have increased by over 17% since May 2022 compared to pre-Brexit levels. Initiatives like Export Academy and export champions scheme are in place to support businesses.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps for SMEs and the language education sector were not detailed
General Statement About Increasing Exports Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
A significant drop in trade relationships between UK SMEs and the EU, with increased costs of administration. Research indicates a decrease of 30% in the variety of goods sold.
Research by the London School of Economics shows a huge drop in trade relations between UK SMEs and the EU due to Brexit's impact on smaller businesses unable to afford rising administrative costs. How many applied for the Brexit support fund and how successful were they?
The Government supports SMEs through initiatives like internationalisation programmes and the £38 million Brexit support fund, which helps overcome barriers put in place by a protectionist EU. The hon. Member did not support the EU trade agreement.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific figures for applications and success rates were not provided
Redirecting Criticism
Deflecting With Lack Of Support For Previous Deal
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Language schools are collapsing due to a significant drop in business, moving instead to Malta and Ireland. Before 2019, there were more language schools in Ealing.
The English language is our biggest export, but language schools teaching teenagers over the summer months are collapsing with an 80% drop in business. Will officials sit down to discuss removing barriers for these lucrative businesses?
Education is a great opportunity, with English as the lingua franca. The Minister is happy to talk to colleagues in the Department for Education about the hon. Lady's concerns.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions or meetings were not committed to
General Statement On Opportunities
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
Opportunities for trade extend beyond just the EU, with potential deals across the globe.
As we look to the future, does my hon. Friend agree that it goes beyond the EU, as do the opportunities for trade around the world?
My hon. Friend is right. The Government seeks trade deals with countries such as those in the comprehensive and progressive trans-Pacific partnership, Gulf, India, Canada, and others, focusing on SME chapters and preferences within them.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
UK trade in food, feed and drink with the EU and non-EU countries has been steadily falling since 2019. The value of British exports increased.
The tonnage of UK trade in food, feed and drink with both the EU and non-EU countries has fallen since 2019. Does the Minister accept that they have failed to make Brexit work?
The value of British exports increased, and the Department is focused on growing markets, more exporters obtaining prices for their exports. The hon. Member supports the EU agreement but not post-Brexit immigration policy.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific failure in making Brexit work was denied without concrete reasons
Acknowledging Value Increase
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Scottish exports of fruit, vegetables, dairy and eggs to the EU have fallen due to a lack of workers.
Thanks to Westminster's hostile post-Brexit immigration policy, our lack of workers means that Scottish exports are down by 53% for fruits and veggies and 33% for dairy and eggs. Is it time for UK Government to stand aside and give powers over immigration to the Scottish Government?
The Department's Edinburgh team promotes exporters from Scotland. The hon. Gentleman can avail himself of the Export Support Service helpline for assistance with exporting.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific recognition of negative impact was not given
Redirecting To Available Support
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
Single invoice showing new charges for a small importer in Inverness, including duty, admin fees and customs fees.
A single invoice shows many new charges from the UK Government, running to hundreds of pounds. The largest charge is titled “Customs Add”. Does the Minister know how much the Treasury is raking in? Will they call for any of it to be returned?
The hon. Gentleman's pain is shared, but Scotland remaining in the Union gives a single one-stop shop advantage to British businesses seeking international trade.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific questions about customs charges and Treasury collections were not addressed
Discussed Benefits Of Staying In Union
Response accuracy