Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Export Target

Thursday 2 May 2024 · 6 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK exports were 862 billion in the 12 months to February 2024.
  • UK services exports reached a record 472 billion, an increase of 10%.
  • The UK is the fourth largest exporter in the world and the second biggest services exporter.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andrew Jones Con
Business & Trade
Context

None provided, question focuses on progress towards £1 trillion in annual exports.

Question

What progress has been made to support businesses reaching £1 trillion in annual exports?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

UK exports were £862 billion in the 12 months to February. UK services exports reached a record £472 billion, an increase of 10%. The Department's wealth of export support includes the UK Export Academy with over 18,000 registrations and 160 international trade advisers who help about 6,000 SMEs annually.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify how close to £1 trillion goal businesses are or if there is a specific plan in place for reaching that milestone.

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Q2 Desmond Swayne Con New Forest West
Business & Trade
Context

Acknowledges UK's position as a major exporter and seeks confirmation of its status.

Question

Are we really the fourth largest exporter in the world?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

I am pleased to tell my right hon. Friend that we are. The UK is a global exporting superpower and the world's second biggest services exporter. Services exports to the EU have increased by 36% since 2018.

Answered
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Q3 Andrew Jones Con
Business & Trade
Context

Requests more information about specific support available to SMEs.

Question

Will she give a bit more information about what support is available specifically to SMEs to help them grow and export more of their products and services?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

The Department has declared this year the year of the SME. Support includes 160 international trade advisers helping about 6,000 SMEs annually and a Help to Grow management course with 5,290 participants completed by November.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide comprehensive details on all types of support available for SMEs in exporting beyond mentioning a few programmes.

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Q4 Gerald Jones Lab Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
Business & Trade Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

References the closure of the trade show access programme, seeks an equivalent or enhanced strategy.

Question

In light of the termination of the trade show access programme, what is the Government's strategy to provide equivalent or enhanced support to ensure UK food products remain competitive within EU markets?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

We are investing in programmes like the UK Export Academy and export support service. The Department will help with specific cases if written to.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a detailed strategy or alternative programme for supporting food exports specifically.

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Q5 Gareth Thomas Labour (Co-op) Harrow West
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

References OBR figures and Aston University report, questions lack of interest in veterinary agreement.

Question

Why will she not pursue an agreement that is so obviously in Britain's national interest?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

The OBR puts out figures and we do not accept cherry-picked data. The Opposition should look at overall export growth forecasts and specific periods they are referring to, including those impacted by covid.

Not addressed: Did not provide a direct reason for lack of interest in the veterinary agreement; instead deflected towards OBR figures and general forecasts.

How: Deflecting

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Q6 Gareth Thomas Labour (Co-op) Harrow West
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

References rise in exports under previous Labour Government, questions current export performance.

Question

Is the truth not that British exporters always do better under a Labour Government?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

That is absolute rubbish. The veterinary agreement would create dynamic alignment with the EU, which is not what this country voted for in 2016. We are delivering on the referendum result; difficulties will be addressed.

How: Attacking

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