Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK-Europe Trade

Thursday 1 May 2025 · 2 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

  • UK Government values the defence relationship with Sweden and recognizes the importance of defence industrial partnerships between the UK and Swedish companies.
  • The Secretary of State will visit a farm in East Lothian to demonstrate awareness of the importance of food and agriculture to the Scottish economy.
  • Labour's manifesto committed to maintaining important standards in food and agriculture.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Graeme Downie Lab Dunfermline and Dollar
Defence Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP highlighted Babcock's pursuit of a partnership with Saab to build corvettes for Sweden. This would involve significant work at Rosyth dockyard in the UK, securing jobs.

Question

Given the significance of this deal to my constituency and shipbuilding in the UK, will the Minister confirm its importance to our relationship with Sweden, and do all that he can to support and champion this vital defence industrial partnership?

Answer from The Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security (Mr Douglas Alexander)

Having worked closely with former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, I am fully aware of Rosyth dockyard’s economic significance. The Government value the defence relationship with Sweden and recognise the importance of defence industrial partnerships between the UK and Swedish companies. They contribute greatly to our defence and growth objectives.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask for confirmation of the deal's importance was not directly addressed, only a general assurance given.

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Q2 Chris Law SNP Dundee Central
Brexit Business & Trade Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The MP raised concerns about the UK potentially lowering its quality standards in future trade deals to align with US demands, which could jeopardise Scotland’s £15 billion food and drink industry.

Question

Will the Secretary of State guarantee that Scotland’s food and drink industry will not be jeopardised through desperation to satisfy Donald Trump?

Answer from The Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security (Mr Douglas Alexander)

I assure the hon. Gentleman that I am fully aware of the importance of food and agriculture to the Scottish economy, as evidenced by my visit tomorrow to a farm in East Lothian. Labour’s manifesto at the last general election committed us to maintaining important standards.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask for a guarantee was not directly addressed; instead, reference to previous commitments made by Labour was provided.

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