Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

SMEs: European Trade

Thursday 21 May 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

Key points

  • Ben Maguire asked about steps the Department is taking to help SMEs trade with European nations.
  • Ben raised concerns over a constituent's art business experiencing a significant drop in European sales post-Brexit.
  • The Minister responded by stating they maintain the UK's position as the second-largest art market and highlighted the success of Tarquin's Cornish Gin internationally.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ben Maguire Lib Dem North Cornwall
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

Small and medium-sized enterprises in North Cornwall have seen a decline in European trade post-Brexit, with tariffs impacting sales to both Europe and the US.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to help small and medium-sized businesses trade with European nations. I am concerned about my constituent Hannah Willow's art businesses which saw European sales drop from 30% to 10% post-Brexit, and now face further customs duty on items under €150 entering the EU. Will the Government negotiate a bespoke customs union as proposed by Liberal Democrats?

Answer from Chris Bryant

I am not going to take any ideas from the Lib Dems on this matter. We maintain our position as the second-largest art market in the world by negotiating better agreements, including with the EU. Tarquin's Cornish Gin is doing well and winning awards internationally.

Not addressed: Negotiating a bespoke customs union for small businesses

How: I Am Not Going To Take Any Ideas From The Lib [K Dems On This Matter

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Q2 Ben Maguire Lib Dem North Cornwall
Business & Trade
Context

Art businesses in North Cornwall have seen a significant decline in European sales due to tariffs post-Brexit, with further impact from the removal of de minimis threshold for imports.

Question

I welcome reducing red tape but I need details. Hannah Willow's art businesses saw 30% of their European sales drop to 10%. 10%. Tariffs on trade led to a decline in US exports by 20%, and starting July, items under €150 entering the EU will incur customs duty and a flat fee per item. Will the Government negotiate a bespoke customs union as proposed by Liberal Democrats?

Answer from Chris Bryant

I am not going to take any ideas from the Lib Dems on this matter. We maintain our position as the second-largest art market in the world by negotiating better agreements, including with the EU. Tarquin's Cornish Gin is doing well and winning awards internationally.

Not addressed: Negotiating a bespoke customs union for small businesses

How: I Am Not Going To Take Any Ideas From The Lib [K Dems On This Matter

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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