Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Trade with the EU

Thursday 21 July 2022 · 7 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 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government initiatives like Export Academy and export champions scheme are in place to support businesses.
  • The Brexit support fund worth 38 million helps SMEs overcome barriers created by Brexit.
  • Minister willing to discuss concerns about barriers for language schools with Department for Education.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rupa Huq Lab Ealing Central and Acton
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

There has been a significant drop in UK exports to the EU, affecting various sectors. Research from the London School of Economics shows a 30% decrease in variety of goods sold by small businesses.

Question

What steps does the Government plan to take to help increase trade with the EU? Concerned about the impact on smaller businesses due to increased costs of administration and the lack of support for SMEs. Research indicates an 80% drop in business for language schools exporting English language education services.

Answer from Andrew Griffith

The Government seeks a good trading relationship with EU partners. Exports have increased by over 17% since May 2022 compared to pre-Brexit levels. Initiatives like Export Academy and export champions scheme are in place to support businesses.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps for SMEs and the language education sector were not detailed

How: General Statement About Increasing Exports Without Specifics

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Q2 Helen Hayes Lab Dulwich and West Norwood
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

A significant drop in trade relationships between UK SMEs and the EU, with increased costs of administration. Research indicates a decrease of 30% in the variety of goods sold.

Question

Research by the London School of Economics shows a huge drop in trade relations between UK SMEs and the EU due to Brexit's impact on smaller businesses unable to afford rising administrative costs. How many applied for the Brexit support fund and how successful were they?

Answer from Andrew Griffith

The Government supports SMEs through initiatives like internationalisation programmes and the £38 million Brexit support fund, which helps overcome barriers put in place by a protectionist EU. The hon. Member did not support the EU trade agreement.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific figures for applications and success rates were not provided

How: Redirecting Criticism, Deflecting With Lack Of Support For Previous Deal

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Q3 Rupa Huq Lab Ealing Central and Acton
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

Language schools are collapsing due to a significant drop in business, moving instead to Malta and Ireland. Before 2019, there were more language schools in Ealing.

Question

The English language is our biggest export, but language schools teaching teenagers over the summer months are collapsing with an 80% drop in business. Will officials sit down to discuss removing barriers for these lucrative businesses?

Answer from Andrew Griffith

Education is a great opportunity, with English as the lingua franca. The Minister is happy to talk to colleagues in the Department for Education about the hon. Lady's concerns.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions or meetings were not committed to

How: General Statement On Opportunities

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Q4 Dean Russell
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

Opportunities for trade extend beyond just the EU, with potential deals across the globe.

Question

As we look to the future, does my hon. Friend agree that it goes beyond the EU, as do the opportunities for trade around the world?

Answer from Andrew Griffith

My hon. Friend is right. The Government seeks trade deals with countries such as those in the comprehensive and progressive trans-Pacific partnership, Gulf, India, Canada, and others, focusing on SME chapters and preferences within them.

Answered
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Q5 Nick Thomas-Symonds Lab Torfaen
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

UK trade in food, feed and drink with the EU and non-EU countries has been steadily falling since 2019. The value of British exports increased.

Question

The tonnage of UK trade in food, feed and drink with both the EU and non-EU countries has fallen since 2019. Does the Minister accept that they have failed to make Brexit work?

Answer from Andrew Griffith

The value of British exports increased, and the Department is focused on growing markets, more exporters obtaining prices for their exports. The hon. Member supports the EU agreement but not post-Brexit immigration policy.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific failure in making Brexit work was denied without concrete reasons

How: Acknowledging Value Increase

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Q6 Drew Hendry SNP
Scotland Brexit Business & Trade
Context

Scottish exports of fruit, vegetables, dairy and eggs to the EU have fallen due to a lack of workers.

Question

Thanks to Westminster's hostile post-Brexit immigration policy, our lack of workers means that Scottish exports are down by 53% for fruits and veggies and 33% for dairy and eggs. Is it time for UK Government to stand aside and give powers over immigration to the Scottish Government?

Answer from Andrew Griffith

The Department's Edinburgh team promotes exporters from Scotland. The hon. Gentleman can avail himself of the Export Support Service helpline for assistance with exporting.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific recognition of negative impact was not given

How: Redirecting To Available Support

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Q7 Drew Hendry SNP
Taxation Brexit
Context

Single invoice showing new charges for a small importer in Inverness, including duty, admin fees and customs fees.

Question

A single invoice shows many new charges from the UK Government, running to hundreds of pounds. The largest charge is titled “Customs Add”. Does the Minister know how much the Treasury is raking in? Will they call for any of it to be returned?

Answer from Andrew Griffith

The hon. Gentleman's pain is shared, but Scotland remaining in the Union gives a single one-stop shop advantage to British businesses seeking international trade.

Not addressed: Specific questions about customs charges and Treasury collections were not addressed

How: Discussed Benefits Of Staying In Union

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