Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Houthi Attacks: Supply Chains

Thursday 25 January 2024 · 3 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

  • Ministerial Department is monitoring the impact of disruptions to trade in the Red Sea closely.
  • The UK Government published a critical imports and supply chains strategy to support reliable and secure supply chains.
  • Concerns about extended shipping routes from the Red Sea into Europe are being noted and addressed.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Nicola Richards
Foreign Affairs Business & Trade
Context

Global shipping traffic and trade volumes are heavily reliant on the Red sea, which is facing disruptions. This has potential impacts on UK supply chains.

Question

What steps her Department is taking to help protect supply chains in the context of the disruption to trade in the Red sea?

Answer from Nusrat Ghani

My Department is monitoring the impact closely. We published the world's first ever critical imports and supply chains strategy, making the UK Government the centre for supply chain analysis and risk assessment to support reliable and secure supply chains vital for national security and essential services.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps or mechanisms to address Red Sea disruptions were not detailed

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Q2 Michael Fabricant Con
Business & Trade
Context

The UK is the eighth largest manufacturer, with Birmingham being a key centre. The question concerns advice to Andy Street about supporting businesses in overcoming difficulties.

Question

What advice is my hon. Friend giving to people such as Andy Street about what can be done to support businesses in the west midlands to overcome temporary difficulty?

Answer from Nusrat Ghani

I am happy to discuss supply chain reporting with the Mayor. We have worked with industry, including in automotive, to ensure flexibility and resilience in supply chains. Concerns about extended routes from that part of the world into Europe are noted.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific advice or actions were not detailed

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Q3 Nicola Richards
Economy Business & Trade
Context

Recent developments in the Red sea are causing concerns due to potential security issues and increased shipping costs, which could lead to inflation.

Question

Can the Minister build on her answer by reassuring businesses that we will do all we can to maintain the flow of goods?

Answer from Nusrat Ghani

The UK stands up for free navigation and takes seriously threats to shipping vessels. We note a 124% increase in freight rates, hence producing a strategy and setting up a council to work with industry for resilient supply chains.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures to mitigate cost increases were not detailed

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