Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Israel

Thursday 8 October 2020 · 3 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

  • UK-Israel trade and partnership agreement was signed to enhance relations.
  • Joint trade and investment review with GCC launched to broaden relationships.
  • New export wins totalling 1 million were recorded in a UK constituency last year.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John Howell Con
Business & Trade
Context

The MP is concerned about the steps to strengthen UK's trade relationship with Israel, referencing strong existing relations and the recent appointment of Lord Austin as a trade envoy.

Question

What steps she is taking to strengthen the UK's trade relationship with Israel. I am concerned about the progress in expanding opportunities beyond already signed agreements. Bilateral relations are strong but there's potential for more growth, especially in financial services, infrastructure and technology sectors.

Answer from Ranil Jayawardena

I am delighted that the UK-Israel trade and partnership agreement was signed, enhancing relations as we deepen our work with Israel. We have launched a joint trade and investment review with GCC to facilitate agreements and broaden trade relationships in areas like education, healthcare, food and drink. We are working with Israeli counterparts to realise opportunities in financial services, infrastructure and technology.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific progress beyond the signed agreement or concrete actions planned were provided

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Q2 Alexander Stafford
Foreign Affairs Business & Trade
Context

The MP is optimistic about the UK's role in striking deals with Israel and Gulf states, given existing strong relationships.

Question

I join my hon. Friend in congratulating Lord Austin on his appointment as a balanced and fair parliamentarian. Given our positive relationships with Israel and GCC countries, what further plans do we have for striking deals? This will be beneficial for UK exports and international relations.

Answer from Ranil Jayawardena

The UK-Israel trade partnership agreement was one of the first signed agreements. We have launched a joint trade and investment review with GCC to broaden our relationships in education, healthcare, food and drink. Recently, we secured an improvement in UAE's labelling rules allowing businesses like Grenade to continue growing.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific plans for future deals were detailed

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Q3 John Howell Con
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The MP is interested in the progress made beyond already signed agreements to expand opportunities in various sectors.

Question

It is unsurprising that Israel is one of the first countries to sign a post-Brexit trade agreement. What progress has been made in expanding those opportunities, and how do they go beyond existing agreements?

Answer from Ranil Jayawardena

Last year saw new export wins totalling £1 million in his constituency. We are very ambitious for Britain's future and there is more to do, especially in sectors such as financial services, infrastructure and technology. We are working with Israeli counterparts to realise these opportunities, including plans to host an Anglo-Israeli trade and investment conference.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific progress or concrete actions were detailed beyond general ambitions

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