Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK Exports

Thursday 12 December 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Department launched Unlock Europe, a new export programme to assist UK businesses in building stronger relationships with European customers.
  • A pilot scheme was launched in Manchester to offer additional support to businesses in the north-west of England.
  • The Minister confirmed discussions with GCAP partners, including Italy, but stated this would not affect decisions regarding arms export licences to Saudi Arabia.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alex Baker Lab Aldershot
Business & Trade
Context

The MP asked about steps to increase UK business exports.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to help increase the number of businesses exporting goods and services?

Answer from Gareth Thomas

We recently launched Unlock Europe, a new export programme designed to help UK businesses build stronger relationships with European customers. Last month, in Manchester, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State launched a new pilot scheme that offers businesses in the north-west more support in selling their products and services overseas. We are determined to do more, and will bring forward further plans in due course.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details on future plans or commitments beyond stating they would be brought forward.

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Q2 Alex Baker Lab Aldershot
Business & Trade
Context

The MP highlighted the economic contribution of aerospace, defence, security and space sectors and asked about reinstating a trade show access programme.

Question

Exports from our aerospace, defence, security and space sectors contribute around £40 billion to our economy, but without additional support, many small businesses in Aldershot and Farnborough are limited in their ability to export. What can Ministers do to help them, and will the Government consider reinstating the trade show access programme?

Answer from Gareth Thomas

My hon. Friend is absolutely right that we have to do more to help small businesses in particular, and businesses in general, to export more overseas. That is one of the key, but often understated, ways in which we can deliver growth for this country. As part of our work on a new trade strategy and a small business strategy, we are looking at further proposals to help our businesses export more.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific actions or confirm plans regarding the reinstatement of the closed programme.

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Q3 Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth
Business & Trade
Context

The MP asked about potential inclusion of Saudi Arabia in the GCAP consortium.

Question

The Italian press has been reporting that the global combat air programme consortium, involving the UK, Italy and Japan, might be extended to include Saudi Arabia. Can the Minister confirm this press report? How would that affect any future decision to suspend licences to export arms to Saudi Arabia?

Answer from Gareth Thomas

We are looking at working with other GCAP partners. I was in Italy last month to discuss the further potential of GCAP, and other work that we can do with the Italians in this space, but that will not affect the issue about which the hon. Gentleman is specifically concerned.

Not addressed: Did not confirm or deny press reports and did not address the specific licensing decision concern.

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