Overseas Commercial Interests 2021-06-15
2021-06-15
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises in the context of the Prime Minister announcing a free trade agreement with Australia which is expected to benefit British businesses.
What diplomatic steps are being taken to advance the commercial interests of the UK overseas, given that the Prime Minister has announced a free trade agreement with Australia?
My hon. Friend asks a very timely question, as the Prime Minister has today announced a free trade agreement with Australia, which will bring fantastic opportunities for British businesses from all over the United Kingdom. The FCDO has co-ordinated the transition of 150 key international agreements in which the UK previously participated as a member of the EU, including supporting the Department for International Trade to agree bilateral trade agreements with 67 non-EU countries, plus the European Union.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
English Wine Week is approaching, prompting the questioner to seek assurances that embassies and high commissions will promote English wine.
Ahead of English Wine Week next week, would the Minister give me his personal assurance that he will do everything in his power to ensure that our embassies and our high commissions around the world do all they can to promote and showcase this growing and successful English product?
I could not agree more, and I know my hon. Friend and I do our best to support this fantastic industry. The quality of our sparkling wines in particular are superb, not least those from north Yorkshire vineyards, including the Yorkshire Heart vineyard in Nun Monkton and the Dunesforde vineyard in Upper Dunsforth. There should be no excuse for our embassies, high commissions, and consulates not stocking British projects, including our wines. I am sure all our ambassadors and high commissioners are watching, so I would ask them to make sure that their cellars are stocked up with British produce, including our fantastic British wines.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific personal assurance not provided; instead general support stated without concrete actions or timelines
There Should Be No Excuse For Our Embassies, High Commissions And Consulates Not Stocking British Projects
I Am Sure All Our Ambassadors And High Commissioners Are Watching
Response accuracy