Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK-EU Trade

Thursday 23 April 2026 · 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 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial negotiations with the EU aim to drive investment, jobs, and growth for the UK.
  • The Minister criticised alternative parties' approaches to UK-EU trade as unrealistic or dangerous.
  • The Minister assured continued focus on electricity trading negotiations for energy security and to reduce household bills.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rachel Blake Labour (Co-op) Cities of London and Westminster
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The question arises from ongoing negotiations between the UK and the EU regarding trade.

Question

What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to increase trade with the EU. This question addresses the need for pragmatic approaches in negotiations, contrasting them with ideological positions of other parties and criticising a perceived lack of realism in alternative policies.

Answer from Nick Thomas-Symonds

We are taking forward negotiations with the EU to drive investment, jobs and growth for the UK pragmatically. On ideological grounds, the Conservatives and Reform would undo it all, and Green party foreign policy—let us be frank—is a dangerous fantasy.

Not addressed: Specific steps towards increasing trade with the EU

How: Criticising Other Parties, Discussing Ideological Positions

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Rachel Blake Labour (Co-op) Cities of London and Westminster
Economy Energy
Context

The question addresses the need for a comprehensive economic assessment beyond specific sectors to ensure delivery on commitments at an upcoming summit.

Question

I wish you a very happy St George's day, Mr Speaker. The Cities of London and Westminster hold many celebrations for St George's day. We heard significant movement earlier today regarding energy. What economic assessment has been made beyond food and drink, the youth experience scheme, Erasmus and the emissions trading system to make sure that, at the forthcoming summit, we deliver on our commitments?

Answer from Nick Thomas-Symonds

My hon. Friend can be assured that we will continue to drive forward to deliver on our commitment. The electricity trading negotiations are absolutely vital, not only for energy security but to bear down on household bills.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Comprehensive economic assessment beyond specific sectors

How: Focusing Solely On Electricity Trading

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email