Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Exports to European Markets

Thursday 16 June 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

  • UK exports to the EU fell by 12.4 billion in the first six months of the previous year according to research.
  • The Minister will consider publishing an analysis of the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill's implications for British exporters before Second Reading.
  • The Department works with in-country partners to interpret rules and find practical solutions for barriers faced by creative industries exporting to Europe.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend
Business & Trade
Context

UK exports to the EU fell by £12.4 billion, or 15.6%, in the first six months of last year. Businesses are setting up legal entities and warehouses within the EU due to barriers faced when exporting.

Question

Research shows UK exports to the EU fell by £12.4 billion in the first six months of last year. Businesses are being left with no option but to set up legal entities and warehouses within the EU to export, resulting in jobs being moved away from the UK. Will the Minister commit to getting back around the table to reduce the costs and red tape that businesses face when exporting to the EU?

Answer from Mike Freer

The Office for National Statistics data published yesterday showed that exports have continued to grow, month on month. For the past 12 months, exports to the UK were £650 billion, up by £53 billion. The Minister does not recognise the data provided and suggests taking disagreement with statistics to the ONS.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to reducing costs and red tape for exporting businesses

How: Disputing Data, Redirecting Criticism

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Q2 Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend
Northern Ireland Brexit Business & Trade
Context

Business groups warn that the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill risks further damage to trade and investment. The Prime Minister's poor trade deal with the EU has already damaged exports and cost jobs.

Question

Given the warnings from business groups about the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill, will Ministers commit to publishing an analysis of its implications for British exporters and those whose jobs depend on exports to European markets before Second Reading?

Answer from Mike Freer

The Minister will take away the request and discuss it with colleagues.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to publishing an analysis before Second Reading

How: Promising To Consider

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Q3 Gareth Thomas Labour (Co-op) Harrow West
Brexit Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra faces difficulties and costs due to Brexit red tape, including cabotage rules, when exporting its services in Europe.

Question

What is the Minister doing to remove Brexit red tape tied around musical industries that make it difficult and expensive for them to export their cultural wares in Europe?

Answer from Mike Freer

Creative industries are valued exporters for the UK. The Department works with partners in-country on interpreting rules and finding practical solutions for barriers resulting from new trading arrangements.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions to remove red tape affecting musical exports

How: Broad Statement About Working With Partners

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