Topical Questions

Question

Last week the UK agreed in principle a new trade deal worth £22 billion with Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Can you make a statement on your departmental responsibilities?

Question

Last month, Members were horrified by the outbreak of violence between Israel and Gaza. Can you set out whether British arms exports were used in any way against innocent civilians? If unable to do so, acknowledge the concern regarding potential breaches of international law.

Question

I recently had the pleasure of visiting B&B Attachments, a fantastic firm in Cramlington. For trade to be successful, we need to ensure easy mobility for business people. Currently Emiratis wanting to visit the UK on the visa waiver scheme are permitted only a single entry in six months. Will the Minister work with colleagues in the Home Office to allow multiple entries so that the UK is never at a disadvantage compared with other European countries?

Question

Happy birthday from Blyth Valley, Mr Speaker. I recently had the pleasure of visiting B&B Attachments in Cramlington. Now more than ever, we need to showcase the ability of such firms on a global stage. Does the Secretary of State agree that she is doing all she can to support and promote the achievements of our homegrown manufacturing?

Question

Given that physical trade shows are taking place in the EU as early as July and no confirmation of what support will be provided to UK exporters. Can the Minister provide clarity on when his Department will publish its trade show access programme for 2021-22? Continued delays will be disastrous for UK exporters.

Question

Rouzan, a medic, and Yasin, aged nine—only two names of many who have been affected during systematic oppression of Palestinians by Israeli Government. £80 million worth of arms licences to Israel. Lives lost, businesses attacked, homes in rubble, families torn apart yet UK still selling British-made weapons to Israel. Will the Minister clarify if it is UK policy to sell arms to those complicit in violations of international law?

Question

Happy birthday, Mr Speaker. I congratulate my right hon. Friend on securing a free trade agreement with Australia. Does she agree that an agreement will deliver for the whole of the Union, bringing huge benefits to businesses and jobs in Stockton South, and every corner of our United Kingdom?

Question

The Secretary of State will be aware that post Brexit, there have been substantial changes to checks being undertaken on products of animal origin. However, an abundance of red tape including the need for certified veterinarians to sign off dairy products rather than a dairy inspector as required by most non-EU countries is creating an additional burden and causing extensive delays to the processing of crucial consumer products. Will Ministers impress on their Cabinet colleagues the need to resolve these delays and press for a speedy resolution to facilitate efficient trade across borders?

Question

A very happy birthday to you, Mr Speaker. In Burnley and Padiham, we have world-class skills and products, and when we export those, it is phenomenally successful, but we know that businesses struggle with having the confidence and knowledge to export if they have never done it before. Could my hon. Friend set out what steps the Department for International Trade is taking to give businesses the support they need when exporting for the first time, so that we can push the “made in Burnley” message even further around the world?

Question

The International Trade Secretary described her new deal with Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein as a “major boost” for our trade, but the Norwegian Government were more realistic. They said that the deal is “not as comprehensive” as our previous arrangements, that trade would be more bureaucratic and less dynamic and that without a veterinary agreement there will be a number of trade barriers that we did not previously face. Does the Secretary of State recognise that more honest description of the deal, and will she take steps to reduce the barriers to trade that she has created for our exporters and importers?

Question

I feel somewhat inadequate that I can only say this in English, but many happy returns, Mr Speaker. Will my right hon. Friend confirm that, as and when a trade deal with the United States is agreed, the Government will not compromise on the principle that underpins the online safety Bill—that digital platforms, including American ones, must comply with the duty of care to keep their users as safe as they reasonably can—and that that will hold true whether or not the Bill has completed its legislative passage and is enforced by that point?

Question

Scotch whisky is vital in North East Fife, not just because we enjoy a wee dram, particularly on birthdays—many happy returns, Mr Speaker—but because it forms a key part of the local economy. With four independent distilleries in my constituency, the success of these businesses matters both for those in directly linked jobs and for those working in tourism and hospitality. Can the Secretary of State confirm that the Prime Minister will use his bilateral meeting with President Biden this week to agree and publish a clear road map for the permanent settlement of the Boeing-Airbus dispute, which would remove the risk of tariffs being reimposed on Scotch whisky and other sectors?