Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Trade and Export Promotion

Thursday 3 March 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 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • My Department has a strong package of support for British exporters, including campaigns and financial offers to encourage exports.
  • I am more than happy to meet to look at the specifics and liaise with the Scottish Government on any Scottish matters.
  • The Department's work on green energy and renewables is at the heart of the export strategy, linking constituents and companies with global opportunities.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Neale Hanvey
Business & Trade
Context

The MP questioned the government's efforts to promote UK business trade and exports.

Question

What further steps she is taking to promote trade and exports for UK businesses. My Department has a strong package of support for British exporters, as I have reiterated several times already this morning, so that they can take advantage of the markets that we are opening through our free trade agreements.

Answer from Mike Freer

My Department has a strong package of support for British exporters, as I have reiterated several times already this morning. This includes encouraging businesses to export through the “Made in the UK, Sold to the World” campaign, our world-leading UK Export Finance offer and on-the-ground support in the UK and overseas.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific steps being taken to promote trade were not detailed beyond general statements about existing initiatives.

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Q2 Neale Hanvey
Scotland Business & Trade
Context

The MP raised concerns about UK connectivity being concentrated in England, particularly affecting Scottish businesses with export goods.

Question

UK connectivity is concentrated in England, presenting a challenge to Scottish businesses. The impact of carbon and haulage costs at the port of Dover on perishable export goods was highlighted. Does the Minister agree that reviewing port infrastructure and reintroducing ferry links from Scotland to Europe is urgent? Will he meet me to discuss this situation?

Answer from Mike Freer

I am more than happy to meet the hon. Gentleman to look at the specifics and where necessary to liaise with the Scottish Government on any specific Scottish matters.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The urgency of reviewing port infrastructure was not addressed directly, and no concrete timeline or plans were given for the meeting.

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Q3 Martin Vickers Con Brigg and Immingham
Climate Business & Trade
Context

The MP highlighted the success of the renewable energy sector in his constituency with many well-paid jobs.

Question

The renewable energy sector has been a success story, particularly in my constituency. What are the Minister and his Department doing to ensure more exports from this sector?

Answer from Mike Freer

First, may I thank my hon. Friend for his work as one of the Prime Minister's trade envoys? The Department's work on green energy and renewables is at the heart of the export strategy, and we are happy to link up constituents or companies with global opportunities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific measures were detailed for exporting more from the renewable sector beyond general support statements.

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Q4 Ruth Cadbury Lab Brentford and Isleworth
Business & Trade
Context

The MP raised concerns about the commitment to cover 80% of UK trade with free trade agreements, citing scrutiny needed for protecting British interests.

Question

Promoting trade must protect British interests. The 2019 Conservative manifesto committed to covering 80% of UK trade with FTAs. Concerns raised by the Farmers Union about meat on or off the bone show scrutiny required. Does the Secretary of State worry about a broken manifesto promise and undermining UK interests?

Answer from Mike Freer

No, we are confident in delivering world-beating FTAs. We liaise with bodies such as the NFU to ensure their concerns are represented in FTAs and celebrate opening up new markets for exporting British products.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The concern about not meeting the manifesto commitment was not directly addressed, only stating confidence without specifics on how this will be achieved.

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