Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Global Exports: Tech Start-ups

Thursday 5 March 2020 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • A new GREAT campaign has been launched to promote UK tech capabilities globally.
  • A delegation led by the Under-Secretary promoted UK tech at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
  • The UK aims to strike new data and digital agreements with other nations, including the US and Japan, to support tech start-ups.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Gagan Mohindra Con South West Hertfordshire
Business & Trade
Context

The question comes after the UK's departure from the European Union, focusing on how to support technology companies in expanding their exports.

Question

What recent steps have been taken to support UK tech start-ups to export globally since leaving the EU?

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

Following our departure from the European Union, a new GREAT campaign has been launched that promotes UK tech capabilities across various sectors. A delegation led by the Under-Secretary recently promoted UK tech at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific steps taken to support UK tech start-ups for global export, only mentioned a campaign and promotion event.

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Q2 Saqib Bhatti Con Meriden and Solihull East
Business & Trade
Context

The question seeks to ensure that the west midlands' technology sector can grow and innovate successfully.

Question

What are the Secretary of State and Ministers doing to ensure that tech start-ups in the West Midlands, particularly in Birmingham, are able to fulfill their potential?

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

Birmingham has a large tech sector outside London with firms specializing in FinTech, games, health-tech and cyber-security. Last year saw UK tech investment grow faster than any other nation, emphasizing the need to stay at the forefront of opportunities for our tech industry.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify actions being taken for west midlands start-ups, only highlighted achievements in UK tech sector.

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Q3 Gagan Mohindra Con South West Hertfordshire
Science & Technology Business & Trade
Context

Following the global investment growth of UK tech start-ups, the question asks for further actions to build on this success.

Question

Celebrating last year's rapid growth in UK tech start-up investments globally, what are the next steps being taken by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to build on this achievement?

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

After leaving the EU, there is an opportunity to strike new data and digital agreements with other nations. The US FTA and Japan are being considered for advanced data chapters, positioning the UK as a global powerhouse in technology.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific steps beyond mentioning potential trade deals.

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Q4 Ruth Cadbury Lab Brentford and Isleworth
Brexit Science & Technology Business & Trade
Context

The UK tech sector is globally leading but faces risks from Brexit. The Department's decision to cut funding for the Tradeshow Access Programme has been criticized.

Question

Despite being a global leader in technology, the UK tech sector faces challenges due to Brexit. With recent criticisms of cuts to the tradeshow access programme which helps entrepreneurs reach international clients, what long-term funding guarantees will be provided to SMEs and start-ups through TAP?

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

Disagreeing with the premise of cutting TAP, she states that leaving the EU allows setting UK rules in tech fields like AI and blockchain. New free trade agreements aim to help SMEs sell globally through new chapters on e-commerce at the WTO.

Not addressed: Did not address the specific funding questions or TAP cuts, instead focusing on regulatory independence post-Brexit.

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