Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK Trade Levels

Thursday 20 January 2022 · 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 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Official statistics show UK trade in goods with the EU has increased for three consecutive months, with November seeing a nearly 3% rise compared to 2020 levels but below 2019 levels.
  • The UK government maintains that the Union provides the strongest platform for Scottish businesses to export, with 75% of exports directed to the rest of the UK.
  • The UK Prime Minister's vaccine roll-out efforts are highlighted as crucial for international trade, with reports from Dubai indicating improved ease of doing business visits to London.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Marion Fellows SNP
Business & Trade
Context

The MP inquired about recent UK trade levels with both the European Union and other countries, noting that official statistics were requested to assess trends.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of trends in the level of UK trade with (a) the EU and (b) rest of the world?

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

Official statistics up to end of November last year show that UK trade in goods with the EU has seen three consecutive monthly increases, with November showing an increase of nearly 3%. Goods trade with the EU is now above average levels for 2020, although still below 2019 levels. UK trade in goods with non-EU countries is at record monthly levels, with recent increases due to high fuel prices globally. UK trade in services with EU and non-EU countries continues to show small increases as covid restrictions ease, but remains below pre-covid levels.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Marion Fellows SNP
Scotland Brexit
Context

The MP referenced specific data about the impact of Brexit on trade volumes between Great Britain and Ireland. The MP used this context to argue that becoming independent might open more economic opportunities for Scottish businesses.

Question

Ireland has seen goods imports from Great Britain drop by over 20% since Brexit, while goods exports to GB increased by over 20%, with Northern Ireland to the Republic trade jumping by over 64%. Does this not suggest that Scotland can access more markets as an independent state?

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

On this side of the House, we continue to know that the Union is the strongest way for Scottish businesses to export. Some 75% of exports are to the rest of the UK, and we want to ensure they have opportunities from free trade agreements globally. However, we say the best way for them to do so is to stay within the UK.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific benefits or detriments of Scottish independence on economic opportunities were not directly addressed with statistics or concrete evidence.

How: Stayed Within The Uk

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Stephen Crabb Con
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The MP noted that during Expo in Dubai, many representatives from Gulf countries highlighted how easier it has become to conduct business visits to London compared with other cities internationally.

Question

Last week at Expo in Dubai, numerous trade reps and investors told us doing business visits to London is now much easier. Does my right hon. Friend agree that such comments underline the importance of getting vaccine roll-out and easing restrictions right for our international trading position?

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

My right hon. Friend is absolutely right. The Prime Minister has taken tough decisions ensuring our economy stayed open while keeping people safe. We are world leading in vaccine production and distribution, supporting healthy economies globally. Hearing such messages is lovely; the UK stands open for business.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific impact of these decisions on trade figures was not detailed with statistics or concrete actions.

How: Taken Tough Decisions, Supporting Healthy Economies

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q4 Peter Grant SNP
Business & Trade
Context

The MP cited purchasing managers index information indicating that the UK was uniquely affected in December 2020, experiencing a drop in exports when others did not.

Question

Purchasing managers index data indicates the UK saw a fall in exports in December 2020 while no other western country experienced this. Who is responsible for this?

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

To go back to my earlier point, markets are opening up with opportunities for amazing UK businesses. The export support service and DIT team stand ready to help those who want to expand globally. Our campaign motto is “Made in the UK, Sold to the World,” supporting everyone to share their goods and services.

Not addressed: The questioner's specific query about responsibility for export decline was not addressed directly; instead, emphasis was placed on future opportunities without addressing past issues.

How: Markets Opening Up, Opportunity To Expand Globally

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email