Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Scottish Trade and Culture

Thursday 29 June 2023 · 4 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister regularly discusses with Cabinet colleagues to promote trade in Scotland and the UK.
  • Minister acknowledges issues musicians and traders face across borders and works to resolve them.
  • Minister reports positive feedback from Indian counterparts regarding Scotch Whisky Association negotiations.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Patrick Grady SNP
Culture, Media & Sport Business & Trade
Context

The MP is inquiring about the government's efforts to promote Scottish trade and cultural exports internationally.

Question

What discussions has she had with Cabinet colleagues and the Scottish Government on promoting Scottish trade and culture overseas?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

I regularly discuss with my Cabinet colleagues promoting trade in Scotland as well as the United Kingdom as a whole. Just this week I chaired a meeting of the Board of Trade that focused on trade promotion across the nations, and held discussions alongside the Secretary of State for Scotland on ensuring that the Department's work delivers for the whole UK.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific details of these discussions with Scottish Government are not provided

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Patrick Grady SNP
Scotland Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The MP is concerned about the impact of Brexit on cultural exports, particularly for musicians from Glasgow North who are facing difficulties touring in Europe.

Question

How does she think ending freedom of movement has helped to promote Scottish trade and culture overseas? Does she think it is a good thing that musicians find it more difficult to tour in Europe, and that manufacturing costs have increased due to customs issues?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

We understand there are issues across borders. My Department works closely with musicians and traders to resolve such issues, and is well placed to help constituents with their concerns if they exist in the hon. Gentleman's constituency.

Not addressed: The specific impact of ending freedom of movement on trade and culture has not been addressed

How: General Statement, Changing Subject

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Nick Thomas-Symonds Lab Torfaen
Business & Trade
Context

The MP is concerned about the potential benefits and delays in completing a free trade agreement that could have eliminated tariffs on Scotch whisky exports to India.

Question

Has the free trade agreement been completed by Diwali this year, given it was promised for last year's Diwali and negotiations are ongoing?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

Every trade agreement is bespoke to the specific country, tailored for mutual benefit. The Scotch Whisky Association reports positive feedback from Indian counterparts regarding negotiations, and we are working hard to ensure industry success.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The exact completion date has not been confirmed

How: General Statement, Changing Subject

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q4 Richard Thomson
Scotland Brexit
Context

The MP raises concerns about increased costs due to new regulations post-Brexit affecting Scotland's seafood industry.

Question

Does she accept that the form of Brexit chosen, particularly the divergence in sanitary and phytosanitary matters, is adding significant costs to Scotland's seafood sector?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

No, I do not accept that at all. The increase in costs is due to the Scottish Government's deposit return scheme and their attempts to split the UK single market.

Not addressed: The specific impact of Brexit on seafood packaging costs has been avoided

How: Criticising Opposition

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email