Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Thursday 29 June 2023 · 16 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

  • Nadia Whittome inquired about potential risks of a merger between Three and Vodafone, which could raise UK mobile phone bills by up to 300 a year. The Secretary of State responded by emphasizing the role of the independent Competition and Markets Authority in assessing such mergers.
  • Laurence Robertson questioned the Government's efforts to enhance trade with Morocco, noting that bilateral trade was about 3.1 billion in 2022, a nearly 50% increase from 2021.
  • Jonathan Reynolds raised concerns about the delay in the audit reform Bill and its potential impact on the business sector, to which the Government responded that they are supportive of reform and are taking measures through secondary legislation.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Nadia Whittome Lab Nottingham East
Business & Trade
Context

Recent research suggests that a potential merger between Three and Vodafone could increase UK mobile phone bills by up to £300 annually.

Question

Recent research by a former chief competition economist to the European Commission—shared with me by Unite the union—estimates that average UK mobile phone bills could rise by up to £300 a year in the case of a merger between Three and Vodafone. Is the Secretary of State aware of that risk, and will her Department be taking any action to prevent such a merger, which would be disastrous for competition in the mobile network operator sector?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

The hon. Lady will know that we have an independent regulator, the Competition and Markets Authority, which would look at cases such as the one she raises and make a call on whether it would be harmful or beneficial to the UK economy. I trust the CMA—it has been doing a good job so far—and I look forward to seeing its read-outs on forthcoming mergers and proposals by large businesses in our country.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific risk of mobile phone bills rising was not addressed, only mentioned as something the CMA would consider.

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Q2 Laurence Robertson Con
Business & Trade
Context

Morocco is seeking to increase its trade and business relations with the United Kingdom.

Question

Morocco is very much looking to do more trade and business with the United Kingdom. What are the Government doing to enable that country to do so?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

The UK is absolutely committed to enhancing trade with Morocco. In 2022 we did about £3.1 billion-worth of bilateral trade—up nearly 50% on 2021—and we are using our association agreement with Morocco to boost that even further. In February I visited Morocco and met my counterpart to discuss how we can maximise trade, including by tackling barriers in priority areas such as education, renewable energy and infrastructure. We are also supporting British businesses to take advantage of the significant opportunities in Morocco, including through £4.5 billion of available finance through the excellent UK Export Finance.

Answered
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Q3 Jonathan Reynolds Labour (Co-op) Stalybridge and Hyde
Business Compliance Parliamentary Procedure
Context

The audit reform Bill was promised in the Queen's Speech over a year ago, yet has not been published despite widespread agreement on the need for reform.

Question

It is now over 12 months since the audit reform Bill was promised in what was then the Queen's Speech, and it is over two years since the Business Department's final consultation on these matters closed. There is widespread agreement on the need for reform, which began following the devastating collapse of Carillion five years ago, yet the draft Bill has not even been published, despite Parliament regularly rising early due to the Government's light agenda. Does the Secretary of State support reform, and does she accept the recommendations of the Kingman review, the Brydon review and the CMA market study? If she does, when will we finally see some action?

Answer from Kevin Hollinrake

We do support reform and are keen to take forward primary legislation when parliamentary time allows. In the meantime, there are measures that we can take through secondary legislation, which we are taking forward. We are also looking to take forward insolvency reform, which is something else that we committed to do.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The timeline for action was not specified, only mentioned as being dependent on parliamentary time availability.

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Q4 Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire
Foreign Affairs Business & Trade
Context

The Abraham accords have provided opportunities for increased trade and cooperation between the UK, Israel, and other countries in the Middle East.

Question

The Abraham accords have ushered in unparalleled opportunities by lowering trade barriers in the middle east, so how can my hon. Friend maximise the trade potential of the 2030 road map for UK-Israel bilateral relations by engaging with the wider region?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

Through our road map, the UK and Israel reaffirmed the historical significance of the Abraham accords—which have the potential to bring about advancements to security, co-existence, peace and prosperity for the region—and our commitment to work together to deepen and expand those developments, building on the progress of the Negev summit in March 2022. Through the Britain-Israeli investment group, we will also combine UK and Israeli expertise to help solve regional technology and sustainability issues right across the world.

Answered
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Q5 Richard Thomson
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The EU has adopted a free trade agreement with New Zealand that includes provisions on sustainable food systems, gender equality, and fossil fuel subsidies reforms.

Question

This week, the European Council adopted the EU's free trade agreement with New Zealand, which includes dedicated sustainable food systems chapters, a dedicated trade and gender equality article, and a provision on trade and fossil fuel subsidies reforms. Can the Secretary of State explain why our trade deal with New Zealand, if it is so good, fell so far short on those issues?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

I think the hon. Gentleman will find that, actually, the trade deal we negotiated with New Zealand makes things cheaper for our consumers, not more expensive, it is less protectionist and it is helping to improve relations between us and New Zealand. I disagree with his assessment of the EU-New Zealand free trade agreement: we looked at it and were actually quite pleased with what we got.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific provisions mentioned by the hon. Gentleman (sustainable food systems, gender equality, fossil fuel subsidies) were not addressed in detail.

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Q6 Siobhan Baillie
Transport Energy Business & Trade
Context

The EU and the USA have recognised hydrogen combustion engines as zero emission, but the UK has not, which affects eligibility for automotive transformation funding.

Question

I am concerned that the UK is being left behind on hydrogen internal combustion engines. The EU and the USA are now recognising hydrogen combustion engines as zero emission, but the UK is refusing, which means that the automotive transformation fund for industrialising the technology is not available. I am working with brilliant companies such as BorgWarner in Stonehouse and the Renewable Hydrogen Alliance to raise this issue. I have spoken to the Secretary of State for Transport and I am raising it with the Prime Minister; I hope that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business and Trade will use her brilliant brains on this matter too.

Answer from Nusrat Ghani

I hope that my hon. Friend will allow me to use my brain to help unlock this with the Department for Transport. We have the automotive transformation fund and the Advanced Propulsion Centre, so we are doing a huge amount of work in this space to ensure that we are not only on the cutting edge of electric zero-emission vehicles, but looking at what the opportunities are for hydrogen. We do not want to be left behind anywhere in this space, but we do need to align ourselves with the rest of our Departments, and I will do so.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific support requested was acknowledged but no concrete actions were committed to beyond 'using brains' and alignment discussions.

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Q7 Marion Fellows SNP
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The Fresh Produce Consortium warned that post-Brexit import charges are hurting small and medium-sized enterprises. Food prices have risen due to these changes.

Question

The Fresh Produce Consortium recently noted that post-Brexit import charges will hit SMEs hardest, driving up food prices. Does the Minister acknowledge this impact on producers struggling with high operating costs?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

The UK conducts trade deals in its economic interests. These include opportunities for SMEs to trade globally, particularly with south Asia, Africa, and South America.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific impact of trade deals on food prices and small producers

How: Under Review

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Q8 Richard Graham Con
Business & Trade
Context

Over a third of the value in Airbus sales comes from the UK but is recorded as French due to final assembly location.

Question

What can be done to ensure that the value of UK exports, especially to Asia-Pacific, is recognized considering many parts are manufactured here?

Answer from Nusrat Ghani

The Department is aware of the importance of recognizing UK contributions. A large deal with IndiGo will create jobs, and efforts are being made to highlight UK investment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps for accurate export recognition

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Q9 Chris Stephens SNP
Employment
Context

The Scottish Government will include workers' rights in their constitution, while only seven out of fifty-three Taylor review recommendations are legislated by the UK.

Question

When will this Government legislate on the remaining 46 recommendations from the Taylor Review that they have not yet enacted?

Answer from Kevin Hollinrake

Reforms are being pursued, including a private Member's Bill with rights to flexible working and predictable terms and conditions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Timeline for legislating remaining Taylor Review recommendations

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Q10 Philip Hollobone Con
Business & Trade
Context

Kettering is a major centre for bespoke gentlemen's footwear with firms such as Loake, Cheaney, and Gaziano & Girling.

Question

Will free trade agreements and efforts to reduce barriers help the local shoe industry in Kettering grow further?

Answer from Kevin Hollinrake

The Loake shop was visited, and there are export opportunities through free trade agreements.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions to support local shoe industry growth

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Q11 Darren Jones Lab Bristol North West
Economy
Context

The Government have bailed out energy and water companies, leaving taxpayers responsible.

Question

Will the Secretary of State commit to a review of financial resilience across all regulated sectors and present findings?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

Regulators are conducting reviews, and Government is working closely with them.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to presenting specific review findings

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Q12 Patrick Grady SNP
Scotland Brexit
Context

The Secretary previously denied negative impacts, but critics argue it's like denying the earth is round.

Question

If not negative, does she think Brexit has been positive or neutral for the Scottish seafood industry?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

The hon. Member can have his opinion; UK is using its independent trade policy to negotiate with countries around the world and deliver for Scotland.

Not addressed: Specific impact of Brexit on Scottish seafood industry

How: Re-Litigate, Catastrophic Decisions

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Q13 Barry Sheerman Lab
Economy Foreign Affairs
Context

Many businesses are concerned about Chinese subterfuge and espionage.

Question

Is the Secretary of State aware of Chinese Government influence on our economy, and does she share concerns over their tactics?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

China is a pragmatic partner; we are aware of economic challenges it poses globally, but we work to help China improve.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific concerns about Chinese influence in UK economy

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Q14 Tim Farron Lib Dem Westmorland and Lonsdale
Climate Energy
Context

The question arises from concerns about the environmental impact and economic viability of a proposed coalmine in west Cumbria, which is seen as conflicting with efforts to decarbonise steel production.

Question

How does it help UK Steel to decarbonise, or help the UK to reclaim its position of global leadership in reducing climate emissions, to support the opening of a sure-to-be-doomed new coalmine in west Cumbria?

Answer from Nusrat Ghani

I do not think the hon. Gentleman has ever had a positive story to tell about his region, let alone his constituency. We have a positive story on steel, and we have the same challenges as most countries in trying to deal with decarbonisation. We have issues around energy costs that we have been providing all our advanced manufacturing sectors with, and we want to ensure that we diversify our access to different forms of energy.

Not addressed: The environmental impact and economic viability of the proposed coalmine were not addressed.

How: I Do Not Think The Hon. Gentleman Has Ever Had A Positive Story To Tell About His Region, Let Alone His Constituency.

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Q15 Alan Brown SNP
Brexit Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The question stems from the ongoing debate over Brexit's effects on various sectors in Scotland, particularly agriculture and seafood. There are concerns that many businesses have not seen positive outcomes.

Question

Going back to Brexit, can the Secretary of State name one Scottish sheep farmer who is happy with the Brexit deal, or any seafood producers and exporters that she spoke to who are happy with Brexit? Can she name any Scottish farming sectors that are happy with Brexit?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

It is not my job to memorise names of Scottish businesses, and just as I said in response to a previous question, SNP Members are not serious. Perhaps if they stood up and actually represented their businesses in trying to make use of all the opportunities we have, they would be in a better place.

Not addressed: The answer does not provide any specific examples of Scottish businesses benefiting from Brexit or discuss its impact.

How: It Is Not My Job To Memorise Names Of Scottish Businesses, Snp Members Are Not Serious

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Q16 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Business & Trade
Context

Concerns about ensuring that trade agreements promote ethical business practices and human rights, particularly in the context of increased trade relations with Africa.

Question

When it comes to increasing trade with African countries, what steps are being taken to ensure that increased trade is carried out with companies that take human rights seriously and are ethically aware in the treatment of their workers?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

We are an advocate around the world for human rights. That is something that the Government take seriously and discuss across Government, including with trading partners with whom, as I said, we can have frank conversations. Through other bodies and institutions, including the work done by the Commonwealth, we continue to have those frank conversations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not provide specific steps or measures for ensuring ethical trade practices.

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