Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK trade performance is the worst on record, with lost output estimated at £100 billion annually. The government claims to have secured £800 billion in new free trade deals, but most are roll-overs of existing agreements.
What steps she is taking to increase exports? I am concerned about UK trade performance being the worst on record and businesses in my constituency overburdened with red tape. Lost output is estimated at £100 billion a year. Most post-Brexit trade deals are roll-overs, not new agreements. How can businesses improve growth and trade with the EU?
I thank the hon. Gentleman for that question, but I am afraid what he says is simply not true: the Japan deal was not a roll-over; neither were those with Australia and New Zealand; the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership discussions we are in right now will not lead to a roll-over; and a deal with India will not be a roll-over. Trade with the EU in the year up to June was up by about 18% and worth £652.6 billion. We are committed to growing our exports around the world, supporting British exporters to sell fantastic British goods and services into new markets, but also continuing to sell into the EU very effectively.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner specifically asked about roll-over deals and how businesses in Bedford can improve growth with the EU, but the answer focused on refuting claims about roll-overs without providing specific actions for businesses.
Refute Claims
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Farmers are concerned about the upcoming free trade agreement with Canada and the trans-Pacific trade agreement.
Will he please invite the Secretary of State to meet me and other colleagues representing agricultural constituencies to discuss those concerns?
I thank my right hon. Friend for his question and for bringing to my attention that it will also be a new agreement between Canada and ourselves, which I forgot to mention in my earlier answer. We are pursuing an ambitious and comprehensive free trade agreement with Canada that builds on our existing trading relationship, already worth £23 billion. We have been clear that the new agreement must work for British exporters, including those in agriculture and food and drink industries.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked to meet the Secretary of State but received a statement about free trade agreements instead of a commitment to arrange a meeting.
Refuse Direct Action
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Social Market Foundation report indicates that UK goods exports were 21% lower by mid-2022 than at the end of 2019. The Institute of Directors recommends monitoring and publishing the effectiveness of government support for businesses.
Will the Minister now commit to a recommendation from the Institute of Directors to monitor and publish the impact of Government assistance?
This Department and, in fact, this entire Government are committed to growing our exports. We are rolling out our export support service, making export champions more visible and available across all nations and regions of the UK. We are supporting SMEs getting into exporting and those companies that already export.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for a commitment to monitoring and publishing impact but received a broad statement about growing exports without specifics on the requested monitoring and publication.
General Principles
Response accuracy