Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Trade with Europe

Thursday 12 March 2026 · 5 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 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK-EU collaboration is vital for growth and security, with 46% of the UK's total trade with the EU.
  • The UK is supporting businesses like Hobgoblin Music in Worthing by tackling barriers to trade and working on business mobility and recognition of professional services.
  • The UK's trade with newer EU member states has increased over the last 12 months, supporting companies like Rolls-Royce in the Czech Republic and negotiating a trade agreement with Switzerland.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 James Asser Lab West Ham and Beckton
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

James Asser is concerned about the steps needed to increase trade ties with Europe, particularly after years of difficult relations.

Question

What steps is the Secretary of State taking to increase trade ties with Europe?

Answer from Peter Kyle

UK-EU collaboration is vital for growth and security, with 46% of the UK's total trade with the EU. In recent weeks, a new competition co-operation agreement was signed, and constructive meetings with Commissioners Ribera, Mînzatu and Virkkunen have been held.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps not detailed, only general statements about collaboration

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Q2 Tom Rutland Lab East Worthing and Shoreham
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

Tom Rutland highlights the Labour Government's efforts to repair relations with the EU and improve trade for businesses such as Worthing's Hobgoblin Music.

Question

Will the Secretary of State update the House on the work being done to ensure that businesses like Worthing's Hobgoblin Music can benefit from the reset in relations with the European Union?

Answer from Peter Kyle

The reset relationship with the EU has been fundamental and has delivered for businesses right across Britain, including Hobgoblin in Worthing. We are tackling barriers to trade and working with the EU on business mobility and recognition of professional services.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions not detailed, only general statements about tackling barriers

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Q3 James Asser Lab West Ham and Beckton
Business & Trade
Context

James Asser highlights the importance of trading with newer markets in eastern Europe, particularly in the energy and tech sectors, mentioning the work of the UK-Bulgarian chamber of commerce.

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree that we need to look at trading with newer markets in eastern Europe, which are keen to create trade, particularly when we have active business communities from those countries in the UK that are keen to build a partnership?

Answer from Peter Kyle

Our trade with every one of the newer EU member states has increased over the last 12 months. We are supporting Rolls-Royce in the Czech Republic, have won orders for Airbus aircraft from Polish Airlines, and are negotiating a trade agreement with Switzerland.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No direct agreement given, only examples of trade relationships

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Q4 Vikki Slade Lib Dem Mid Dorset and North Poole
Transport
Context

Vikki Slade discusses the 90/180-day rule which has led to cancelled events and job losses in the road haulage sector, particularly in the music sector.

Question

Will the Secretary of State look at finding a way to help professional drivers, particularly those in the music sector, keep the show on the road?

Answer from Peter Kyle

We are aware of those issues and they are part of our negotiations. We will see what we can do for the sector into the future.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific commitment given, only a vague promise to look at it

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Q5 Clive Jones Lib Dem Wokingham
Business & Trade
Context

Clive Jones highlights the difficulties faced by businesses in Wokingham due to red tape and lost trade relationships in Europe.

Question

What are the Government doing to develop and strengthen trade with Europe, so that businesses in Wokingham can start to grow again? Agreeing a bespoke customs union would be a really good start.

Answer from Peter Kyle

This Government are pledging to reduce the burden on business by 25%. We are very aware of the issue of regulation and barriers to trade, and I mentioned it in my meetings with three EU commissioners.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific action given, only a commitment to reduce burdens

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