Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Global Trade

Thursday 3 November 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 Department removed 192 trade barriers across 79 countries in the last financial year.
  • The removal of 45 barriers is estimated to provide a 5 billion benefit to businesses over five years.
  • The Government aims to target another 100 barriers with a potential export opportunity value of 20 billion.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ian Levy
Business & Trade
Context

The MP questioned the steps taken to reduce barriers to global trade for British businesses, referencing specific efforts and potential economic benefits.

Question

What steps her Department is taking to reduce barriers to global trade for British businesses. In the last financial year alone, we have removed 192 barriers across 79 countries. The removal of just 45 of those barriers is estimated to be worth £5 billion to businesses over five years.

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

The Department has removed 192 trade barriers across 79 countries in the last financial year, estimating a £5 billion benefit over five years. The Government aims to target another 100 barriers on their most wanted list with potential for export opportunities worth £20 billion.

Answered
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Q2 Ian Levy
Business & Trade
Context

The MP welcomed the team to the Front Bench, highlighting his right hon. Friend's visit to the port of Blyth and its importance in renewable energy exports.

Question

Will the Minister meet me to look at how we can smooth the way to a more efficient trading platform and drive exports around the world? The port of Blyth is at the heart of international trade, but if we are to continue to trade competitively on a global scale, we must look at the bureaucracy surrounding export licences.

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

My hon. Friend is absolutely right to highlight the expertise in renewable energy sectors in the UK, and I am extremely mindful of the need to process export licences as swiftly as possible. I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to understand in more detail the specific issues that he is facing.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Meeting specifics

How: Will Meet, As Soon As Possible

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Q3 Patrick Grady SNP
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The MP questioned the impact of hard Brexit on trade, specifically highlighting challenges faced by touring musicians trying to take merchandise to Europe.

Question

Is it not the case that the Tories' hard Brexit has actually increased trade barriers at a range of levels? Touring musicians based in my constituency are facing difficulties taking their merchandise to Europe due to trade regulations. They either cannot sell or have to source locally, which impacts UK producers.

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

We do have an arrangement with the EU now. I am familiar with the issues raised, particularly from my time at DCMS, and know that individual countries are being engaged for progress, most recently with Spain and Greece. We aim to unlock barriers sector by sector.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures for touring musicians

How: Engaging With, Sector By Sector

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