Topical Questions

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If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. The Department for Business and Trade supports inward investment into all regions and nations of the UK, including hosting an investment summit showcasing Northern Ireland's opportunities.

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This weekend I will visit Wilko in Newcastle. Should I explain to staff there that mass redundancies and empty shopfronts are what the Conservatives mean by levelling up? The local community and staff at Wilko are concerned about the impact of administration.

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Do Ministers agree that delegates should be promoting Britain's interests, not acting against them? The PPA is a parliamentary body independent of Government but values its role in supporting a mature relationship with the EU.

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In light of Wilko's situation and bids stating town centre retail is not viable, does the Government believe their policy environment is sufficient for high streets to thrive? The loss of 12,500 jobs due to Wilko affects many families.

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Based on Ministers' answers today, this Government have simply given up on high streets. The problem demands a response from them. What is their plan?

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With Diwali this year, what confidence does she have that we will have the trade deal with India in place? The visit is an opportunity to negotiate further on the wonderful trade deal with India.

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What is the Minister doing to combat late payments for SMEs? The problem of late payments coupled with rising energy costs and other inflationary pressures make running small businesses impossible.

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In August, I was lucky to be invited to the 70th anniversary of Caterpillar being founded in my constituency. It now employs 1,300 people and exports across the world. Will my hon. Friend congratulate Caterpillar on its investment here?

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The loss of Wilko is devastating for thousands of workers who will lose their livelihoods. Will the Secretary of State confirm that she will seek answers from Wilko management about why clear warnings were ignored and the business was driven into the ground? She will meet me and the GMB trade union to assure us that those basic failures will not be repeated?

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As chair of the all-party parliamentary group for events, can I highlight the huge benefits the sector brings us in promoting trade, exports and inward investment? Will the Department do more to promote the UK worldwide as a great place to bring international events, business meetings and conferences?

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Airdrie and Shotts is home to some fantastic local businesses. Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Christie's bakery and Gin Blossoms. Small businesses across Scotland play a vital role in the local economy but are feeling the brunt of rising prices of raw materials due to import-export costs caused by Brexit. Can the Minister outline how the UK Government will compensate businesses for the damaging losses that Brexit continues to cause?

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In the period leading up to 2021, sector deals were a very effective means of boosting productivity, innovation and skills. What plans are there to review, revitalise and extend those public-private partnerships?

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We know that phoenixing, unpaid-for services rendered, puts a burden on legitimate SMEs but also burdens the taxpayer. Given that the Minister did not accept my amendment to the Economic Crime and Transparency Bill, can he explain what the Government are actually doing to prevent this practice?

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May we have an update on our proposals for a carbon border adjustment mechanism?

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Yesterday, I joined my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff West on the all-party parliamentary group on music for the launch of UK Music's impressive “Manifesto for Music”. The opportunities and risks of AI are a key issue for the industry. Will the Government commit to musicians having a voice and a place at the table for the AI summit in November?

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I notice that the Americans refer to it as the trans-Pacific partnership. Have there been any discussions with the US Administration about them eventually rejoining this partnership?

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Many small businesses still rely on high street banks like the Halifax which has just closed its doors in Denton and Reddish constituency. What can be done to ensure they have access?

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Harland & Wolff in north Devon discussed potential for UK shipbuilding jobs linked to offshore renewables. Given last week's auction round disappointment, what can be said to convince shipbuilders there is a future with service vessels?

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Despite overwhelming evidence to contrary, Ministers claim Brexit benefits. Will the Secretary of State admit any regret over Brexit?

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With UK automotive transitioning to net zero, what additional measures are being taken to ameliorate impact of cheaper and heavily subsidised Chinese imports?

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Given Great Britain's importance as an export market for agri-trade in Northern Ireland and complications due to NI protocol, what discussions has Secretary of State had with DAERA?