Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Exports from Devolved Nations to the EU

Thursday 9 February 2023 · 5 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

  • Gavin Newlands inquired about steps to increase exports from devolved nations to the EU, noting challenges businesses face post-Brexit and a 2.2 billion slump in Scottish exports.
  • David Mundell raised concerns about planned restrictions on whisky advertising in Scotland, arguing this would harm job creation and exports.
  • Richard Thomson questioned how current policies strengthen the case for the Union, to which the response highlighted a five-point growth strategy and a 25% increase in UK exports to the EU.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Gavin Newlands SNP
Scotland Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The questioner is concerned about the effectiveness of government export support for businesses in devolved nations, particularly Scotland.

Question

What steps her Department is taking to help increase exports from the devolved nations to the EU. The Institute of Directors found that 47% of businesses find trade after Brexit challenging and only a third envisage opportunities from it; Scottish exports have slumped by £2.2 billion due to Brexit.

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

We are supporting businesses through our export support service, including the Export Academy and trade offices in Edinburgh. Businesses like Lynkeos Technology have won contracts with Department assistance.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address whether Brexit is economic vandalism or provide specific data on effectiveness of current measures for Scottish businesses.

How: Changing To A More Positive Outlook

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Q2 Gavin Newlands SNP
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The questioner cited data from the Institute of Directors indicating that 47% of businesses find trade after Brexit challenging, with Scottish exports slumping by £2.2 billion.

Question

Does the Minister agree that Brexit is an act of state-sanctioned economic vandalism?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

The hon. Gentleman's view is nonsense; Department support for businesses includes trade offices in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, focusing on export opportunities worldwide.

Not addressed: Did not directly address whether Brexit is economic vandalism or provide specific data on effectiveness of current measures for Scottish businesses.

How: Stating The Answer Was Nonsense

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Q3 David Mundell Con Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Scotland Business & Trade
Context

The Scottish Government is planning restrictions on advertising of whisky, impacting jobs and exports to the EU.

Question

Is the Minister aware that the Scottish Government are planning to bring forward draconian restrictions on the advertising of whisky and other drinks? Not only will that cost jobs in Scotland but it will make it much more difficult for the industry to export to the EU and elsewhere.

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

My right hon. Friend makes an important point; we are seeking opportunities to support businesses through trade deals, reducing tariffs, and exporting more overseas. We will continue to back UK businesses.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific commitments or data on how the Government plans to mitigate adverse impacts of advertising restrictions.

How: Looking Forward

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Q4 Richard Thomson
Economy Scotland Brexit
Context

The latest data from HMRC shows that between July and September last year, exports from Scotland to the EU slumped by 5%. The questioner seeks explanation for this trend.

Question

Will the Minister explain for an expectant nation exactly how that is in any way strengthening the case for the Union?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

Certain sectors are suffering due to the global pandemic; we have articulated a five-point strategy for growth. UK exports to the EU were up by 25% in current prices over the last 12-month period.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific measures or data addressing Scotland's export slump specifically, only mentioning overall UK trends.

How: Referencing Global Pandemic Impact

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Q5 Richard Thomson
Economy Scotland Brexit
Context

The questioner cited the Institute for Fiscal Studies stating that Brexit is an economic own goal, and a former Brexit Secretary agreeing there have been no economic benefits.

Question

Is it not surely time for voters in Scotland to be given the choice between continued British economic decline or a prosperous, independent European future?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

This Government will focus on opportunities like the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership. We should talk up the British economy.

Not addressed: Did not address the economic benefits of Brexit or UK economic decline, instead focusing on future opportunities.

How: Changing To Future Opportunities

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