Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

SME Trade with EU

Thursday 20 January 2022 · 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

  • Sarah Green asked about support for SMEs trading with the EU, highlighting a family business facing new rule issues.
  • The Export Support Service is available to assist businesses with EU trade issues, though no commitment was made to reopen or expand the SME Brexit support fund.
  • Gareth Thomas questioned when Ministers would try harder to help businesses navigate EU market access issues post-Brexit.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sarah Green Lib Dem Chesham and Amersham
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

SMEs in Chesham are facing difficulties due to new trade rules introduced this month, following last year's contradictory guidance on trading with Europe.

Question

What support is her Department providing to SMEs that trade with the EU? After addressing last year's contradictory guidance, a family-run business in Chesham faces immediate problems with new rules. They seek clarity and support from the Government's new rules, requesting reopening and expanding the SME Brexit support fund.

Answer from Mike Freer

The Export Support Service (ESS) is available online and by telephone, providing assistance to businesses struggling with EU trade. It will continue to provide support, but no commitment was made regarding reopening or expanding the SME Brexit support fund.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Reopening and expanding the SME Brexit support fund

How: The Ess Is There To Help Traders

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Q2 Sarah Green Lib Dem Chesham and Amersham
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

A family-run business in Chesham is struggling with new trade rules introduced this month, despite having addressed last year's contradictory guidance.

Question

Given the difficulties faced by a local family-run business due to new EU trade rules, will the Minister clarify these new rules for thousands of UK businesses struggling to trade with Europe and work with colleagues in BEIS to reopen and expand the SME Brexit support fund?

Answer from Mike Freer

The Export Support Service is available online and by telephone, but no commitment was made regarding reopening or expanding the SME Brexit support fund.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Reopening and expanding the SME Brexit support fund

How: The Ess Is There To Help Traders

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Q3 Gareth Thomas Labour (Co-op) Harrow West
Brexit
Context

Businesses are facing difficulties in accessing EU markets, and business groups have proposed practical solutions such as negotiating a veterinary agreement, mutual recognition, and shared customs advice.

Question

Given the growing list of companies facing difficulties in accessing EU markets and the practical suggestions from business groups, when will Ministers try harder to help businesses make Brexit work?

Answer from Mike Freer

We have proposed solutions and are waiting for a response from the EU.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Implementing practical suggestions from business groups

How: As Far As I Know, We Have Suggested Solutions

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