Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Trade Envoys

Thursday 21 October 2021 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Trade envoys are strengthening commercial ties and assisting UK businesses to capitalize on global trade opportunities.
  • The UK signed an improved trade deal with Norway and Iceland on 8 July, cutting tariffs and supporting jobs.
  • The Minister is working closely with the Scottish Government on exports policies and has opened a new office to boost cooperation and exports from Scotland.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Felicity Buchan
Business & Trade
Context

The question arises from the appointment of new trade envoys and recent free trade agreements with Norway and Iceland.

Question

What progress have my Department's newly appointed trade envoys made on promoting British exports and investment?

Answer from Mike Freer

Our new trade envoys are strengthening commercial ties in their designated markets and assisting UK businesses to take full advantage of opportunities arising from our global trade and investment agenda.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific progress details or figures on export promotion efforts by the envoys.

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Q2 Felicity Buchan
Business & Trade
Context

Following the signing of a free trade agreement with Norway and Iceland, there is interest in deepening this relationship.

Question

Can my hon. Friend update the House as to how his Department is looking to deepen the relationship between the UK and Norway and Iceland?

Answer from Mike Freer

On 8 July, the UK signed the new, improved trade deal with Norway and Iceland. It is the most advanced trade deal ever signed by both countries, cutting tariffs and supporting jobs across the country.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific plans or commitments for deepening relationships beyond mentioning the existing agreement.

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Q3 Drew Hendry SNP
Scotland Business & Trade
Context

HMRC documents show a significant decline in Scottish exports over the previous year, blamed on UK government decisions post-Brexit.

Question

For the period ending June 2021, Scottish exports had decreased by 14% from the previous year. Will the Government apologise to Scottish businesses and offer compensation?

Answer from Mike Freer

My role is to work closely with the Scottish Government on their exports policies, including our new office opened to boost co-operation and exports from Scotland. I accept criticism but ask time to address the problem.

Not addressed: Did not provide an apology or offer compensation as requested; instead suggested working together in future.

How: Asked For More Time

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Q4 Drew Hendry SNP
Scotland Brexit Business & Trade
Context

Continued discussion on the decline of Scottish exports and its impact.

Question

I also welcome the ministerial team to their place, and I echo the comments over the tragic loss of our parliamentary friend and colleague, Sir David Amess. It was a senseless act. Far from promoting Scottish exports, new documents show that for June 2021, Scottish exports had decreased by 14% from the previous year due to UK government decisions post-Brexit.

Answer from Mike Freer

The food and drink sector across the whole of the UK, including Scotland, is a priority. I am happy to sit down with colleagues to work through challenges and deliver on trade opportunities.

Not addressed: Did not provide an apology or offer compensation as requested; instead changed subject to food and drink sector.

How: Changed Subject

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Q5 Marco Longhi
Business & Trade
Context

Interest in the financial services sector as a significant opportunity for UK-Brazil trade relations.

Question

Does the Minister agree that financial services represent a fantastic opportunity, not just for this country but to support Brazil in bringing in its own revenues?

Answer from Mike Freer

Financial services are a huge part of the UK economy and represent significant opportunities for working with partners, especially Brazil, to share benefits and expertise.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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