Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

British Industries

Thursday 31 March 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 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The GREAT campaign showcases British industries internationally and partners with the private sector to promote trade and investment.
  • We have put in place mitigations to manage the impact on UK businesses and workers due to sanctions against Russia.
  • Our missions around the world are home to some of our best salespeople who promote UK businesses globally.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Stephen Hammond Con
Business & Trade
Context

The question stems from concerns about promoting UK businesses abroad.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to promote British industries around the world. The GREAT campaign showcases all four corners of our nation and our thriving industries, but there are concerns about whether enough is being done to support British firms globally.

Answer from Nigel Adams

The GREAT campaign showcases British industries internationally and partners with the private sector to promote trade and investment. Since its launch in 2011, it has had an average return-on-investment ratio of more than 15:1 to the UK economy.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address specific actions or resources being allocated for embassies and consulates to support British businesses.

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Q2 James Sunderland
Foreign Affairs Business & Trade
Context

Concerns about the potential negative impact of sanctions against Russia on UK firms operating in Bracknell, a hub for tech industries.

Question

Can the Minister confirm what we are doing to make sure that the sanctions against Russia do not negatively impact British businesses in Bracknell and beyond. The area is known as the silicon valley of the Thames Valley with many overseas businesses and local firms concerned about potential trade disruptions.

Answer from Nigel Adams

We have put in place mitigations to manage the impact on UK businesses and workers. We are also issuing appropriate licences to allow certain businesses to continue operations and pay staff, despite sanctions against Russia.

Answered
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Q3 Stephen Hammond Con
Business & Trade
Context

Concerns about the effectiveness of non-governmental organizations in supporting UK companies abroad.

Question

I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer. Many UK companies find it difficult to access support from UK non-governmental organisations. Can he reassure me that embassies, consulates and those bodies are getting proper resources and prioritisation to help UK businesses win in global markets?

Answer from Nigel Adams

Our missions around the world are home to some of our best salespeople who promote UK businesses. We have programmes under way to ensure that they continue doing their job effectively.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify concrete resources or prioritisation given to embassies and consulates for supporting British firms.

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