Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Thursday 9 February 2023 · 14 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 11 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Daniel Zeichner (Cambridge) (Labour) inquired about the Department for International Trade's efforts to secure international student trade benefits for the UK, to which the Minister welcomed constructive engagement with industry and invited the hon. Gentleman to discuss the matter further.
  • Stephen Hammond questioned the Government's actions to secure investment and trade in high-tech companies through trade deals. The Minister highlighted the UK tech sector's leadership in Europe, with a valuation exceeding 1 trillion in 2022.
  • Antony Higginbotham inquired about the progress being made in signing state-level memorandums of understanding in the US, to which the Minister reported agreements with Indiana, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and ongoing engagement with Oklahoma, Utah, Texas, and California.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Daniel Zeichner Lab Cambridge
Business & Trade
Context

The Secretary of State for Business and Trade is in Mexico, leading negotiations to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Question

If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities as the Minister representing the Department for International Trade while the Secretary of State is abroad.

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

I am delighted to be representing the Department for International Trade, and I thank my predecessor for his work. The Department is progressing bilateral trade discussions, engaging with CPTPP countries on how to enhance ties with the UK, and continuing negotiations to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Answered
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Q2 Daniel Zeichner Lab Cambridge
Business & Trade
Context

The Government's messaging regarding international students seems inconsistent, raising concerns about how they are welcomed in the UK.

Question

Will the Minister tell us what his Department is doing to secure international student trade benefits for the UK, given their significant contribution across various constituencies?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

The Government are open to engaging constructively with industry and players across multiple Departments. The Minister invites the hon. Gentleman to invite them for a discussion on securing this trade benefit in his constituency or elsewhere, as they work closely with businesses.

Partly answered

Not addressed: While welcoming engagement, the answer did not provide specific actions taken by the Department of International Trade to secure benefits from international students.

How: We Are Open, Engaging Constructively

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Q3 Stephen Hammond Con
Business & Trade
Context

The area includes high-tech companies like GripAble, which develops solutions for neuro diseases. The Government's actions in these areas are under scrutiny.

Question

What are the Government doing to secure investment and trade in high-tech companies through their trade deals?

Answer from Nusrat Ghani

My hon. Friend promotes a fantastic business in his constituency. The UK tech sector retains the No. 1 spot in Europe, with a total valuation of over £1 trillion in 2022 and is one of the top countries for collaboration and investment in life sciences.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not specify what steps are being taken to secure trade deals specifically for high-tech companies.

How: Fantastic Business, Promotes Success

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Q4 Nick Thomas-Symonds Lab Torfaen
Business & Trade
Context

The Labour party criticizes the Government for failing to meet export targets set by previous Prime Ministers.

Question

When does the Minister expect the UK to hit its £1 trillion export target, which was promised for 2030?

Answer from Nusrat Ghani

I am new to this business and believe the £1-trillion target was set for 2030. There are seven years left until then, so I suggest patience. The UK tech sector is a great success story with continued growth.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not address why the target will be missed by 15 years as mentioned in previous statements or reports.

How: New To This Business, Suggests Patience

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Q5 Nick Thomas-Symonds Lab Torfaen
Economy Business & Trade
Context

The Labour party criticizes the Government for delivering no major trade deals such as with the US or India, while expressing dissatisfaction with existing deals like Australia.

Question

Why is it not surprising that the £1 trillion export target will be missed by 2035 according to OBR reports? Can the Minister explain why there are no trade deals delivered with major partners?

Answer from Nusrat Ghani

We represent business on this side of the House, while Labour is blamed for backing strikes. There is good news in tech investment with £20 billion attracted. PricewaterhouseCoopers predicts UK as fastest growing G7 economy by 2050.

Not addressed: The answer changed subject to criticism of Labour's industrial relations stance and economic predictions, avoiding the trade deal failure.

How: Representing Business, Criticizing Labour

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Q6 Philip Hollobone Con
Economy Business & Trade
Context

The Minister with responsibility for small businesses is visiting the North Northants Business Network in Kettering, where local businesspeople are eager to meet him.

Question

Will the Minister provide a preview of his optimistic message he will bring to small businesses during his visit?

Answer from Kevin Hollinrake

Excitement is building ahead of my visit. I am a proud champion of small businesses, which are key to economic growth. Growth has been good over the past 12 years but we want it faster. I look forward to engaging with Kettering business representatives.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide specific details on what message the Minister will bring, only general optimism.

How: Proud Champion, Engaging

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Q7 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Business & Trade
Context

The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has been in operation for almost two years with impactful decisions affecting some constituencies.

Question

Now that the Trade Remedies Authority has been in operation for almost two years and has produced its decision, can the Minister tell me what plans there are, if any, to review how it operates and the guidelines to which it works?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

I thank the hon. Lady for the constructive engagement that we have had about the TRA. We will be looking for some reform of the TRA, and I would be happy to discuss that further with her.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details on plans or timeline for review

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Q8 Antony Higginbotham
Business & Trade
Context

State-level memorandums of understanding are being signed in the US, with only three signed so far.

Question

It is brilliant to see that state-level memorandums of understanding are being signed in the US, but with only three so far, it is clear that we can go further to cement that important trading relationship. What progress are we making with other states, and when can we expect further MOUs to be signed?

Answer from Kevin Hollinrake

Absolutely. We have agreed MOUs with Indiana, North Carolina and, most recently, South Carolina. We are actively engaging with other states, including Oklahoma, Utah, Texas and California, and I look forward to updating the House on further progress.

Answered
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Q9 Kate Osamor Labour (Co-op) Edmonton and Winchmore Hill
Foreign Affairs Business & Trade
Context

The Government are set to undertake a second round of trade negotiations with Israel in the spring. Israel applies our current agreement to the Occupied Palestinian Territories, against EU negotiator's original intentions.

Question

I understand that the Government are set to undertake a second round of trade negotiations with Israel in the spring. Israel applies our current agreement to the Occupied Palestinian Territories, against the EU negotiator's original intentions. Have the Government considered how they will go about preventing any repeat of that situation and preventing illegal settlements from benefiting from the prospective deal?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

We are progressing with the free trade agreement with Israel. We are excited about the opportunities it presents, particularly because of the focus on science, technology and innovation. I understand the point that the hon. Lady is raising. I think some of it cuts across other Departments, but I will write to her.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific measures or timeline for preventing illegal settlements in future deals

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Q10 Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire
Business & Trade Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The global dairy market is forecast to grow by about 2%.

Question

The global dairy market is forecast to be growing in the region of 2%, so can my hon. Friend outline what steps his Department is taking to ensure that our world-class British dairy products are at the front of the queue to benefit from that growth?

Answer from Kevin Hollinrake

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Food and drink is our largest manufacturing sector—larger than aerospace and automotive put together. He is right to point out the opportunities for dairy in our free-trade negotiations, and that will be taken forward as the negotiations progress.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific steps or timeline

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Q11 Emma Lewell Lab South Shields
Defence Business & Trade
Context

Banks and insurers are using environmental, social and governance criteria to block companies that work in the defence industry.

Question

Banks and insurers are using environmental, social and governance criteria to block companies that work in the defence industry, stifling jobs, skills, innovation and UK exports. Why have the Government done nothing about that?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

The hon. Lady raises an important point, but we are trying to work across all sectors—industry by industry and sector by sector. We have clear processes, particularly when it relates to arms. We will continue to seek opportunities for fair trade across the world.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific action or timeline

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Q12 Mark Eastwood
Business & Trade
Context

The questioner is interested in reducing tariff barriers with Pakistan.

Question

What action does my hon. Friend intend to take to reduce tariff barriers with developing countries, such as Pakistan?

Answer from Nusrat Ghani

Pakistan already has a preferential trading relationship with the UK through our generalised scheme of preferences. This will be replaced by the developing countries trading scheme, and Pakistan will continue to benefit from duty-free exports to the UK and the removal of tariffs on 156 products.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific actions or timeline beyond existing schemes

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Q13 Alison Thewliss SNP
Immigration Brexit
Context

Edusport Academy, based in Scotland, has struggled due to Brexit-related visa restrictions.

Question

Edusport Academy, based in my constituency, was set up in 2011 and had a thriving business prior to Brexit. It brings young sports people over to Scotland, combining sport and English language training. Since Brexit, Edusport has struggled to make the business work due to restrictions put in place by the Home Office. Will the Minister meet me and Edusport to discuss how we can make this business work and continue to thrive?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

As I have said, we will continue to work with the EU to try to reduce barriers that do exist. I cannot make a promise on behalf of the Home Office, but I note what the hon. Lady has said, and I will try to facilitate the appropriate meeting with the appropriate Minister for her.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to specific meeting or timeline

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Q14 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Northern Ireland Business & Trade
Context

The Northern Ireland protocol has impacted imports and exports fairness in Northern Ireland.

Question

The fairness of imports and exports in Northern Ireland is hindered by the impacts of the Northern Ireland protocol. What steps are being taken to ensure that the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill, which is sitting in the House of Lords like the Mary Celeste, as others have said, passes smoothly and efficiently to reinforce trading fairness for businesses in Northern Ireland?

Answer from Nusrat Ghani

Northern Ireland plays a full part in all our trading agreements, and I believe that a Northern Irish machinery exporter is involved in the Australia deal. My hon. Friend and I have spoken quite a bit about the Northern Ireland protocol in respect of the Bill I took through recently, and he will be aware of the sensitive discussions that have taken place with the Administration to ensure everything can be as smooth as possible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific steps or timeline for bill passage

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