Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Supply Chain Security 2026-07-02

Thursday 2 July 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

  • Cabinet colleagues assess UK supply chains' security in response to recent global shocks, including wars and potential super El Nio events.
  • Ministers prepare for El Nio risks by closely monitoring the situation and implementing resilient policies across all sectors.
  • Department for Business and Trade coordinates with the defence sector to produce a growth-driving inputs list for SMEs' future growth.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chris Hinchliff Lab North East Hertfordshire
Economy Energy Business & Trade Environment
Context

The MP notes the vulnerability of UK economy to global supply chain shocks, citing impacts from wars and extreme weather events like El Niño.

Question

What assessment have Cabinet colleagues made with regard to the adequacy of UK supply chains' security in light of recent shocks such as wars affecting food, fuel, fertiliser prices, and potential super El Niño event disrupting fish stocks, agriculture, and timber supplies?

Answer from Chris Bryant

We believe the El Niño has already started, we closely monitor it, and try to ensure resilient policies in all sectors. The supply chain centre will help anticipate future risks, identify inputs needed by UK, build domestic resilience, and foster global partnerships.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific preparation steps for El Niño event not detailed

How: Under Review

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Q2 Chris Hinchliff Lab North East Hertfordshire
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The MP highlights the potential impacts of El Niño on global heating, extreme weather, fish stocks, and timber supplies.

Question

How are Ministers preparing for the risks posed by a super El Niño event to agriculture and fisheries?

Answer from Chris Bryant

We closely monitor El Niño, aware of potential issues. We aim to have resilient policies in every sector including agriculture and fisheries. The supply chain centre will help anticipate future supply risks.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps for mitigation not detailed

How: Under Review

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Q3 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Northern Ireland Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The MP notes increased costs, administrative burdens, disruptions to supply chains and delays caused by the Windsor framework affecting businesses trading into Northern Ireland.

Question

Will the Minister consider further steps to reduce these burdens and ensure smooth trade into Northern Ireland given potential negative economic consequences?

Answer from Chris Bryant

We are always looking at reducing burdens for businesses trading into Northern Ireland, considering all our international relationships including the EU and trans-Pacific partnership. We aim to ensure supply chain resilience.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps not detailed

How: Working With Partners

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Q4 Gareth Davies Con Grantham and Bourne
Defence Business & Trade
Context

The MP highlights the importance of UK SMEs in national defence supply chains, mentioning the Defence Office for Small Business Growth.

Question

How is the Minister coordinating with the Department for Business and Trade to support SMEs in defence supply chains?

Answer from Chris Bryant

We are knitting together policies such as trade, critical minerals, small business, and industrial strategies. A growth-driving inputs list is produced for the first time specifying elements vital for SMEs' future growth.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific assistance not detailed

How: Broad Statement

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Q5 Gareth Davies Con Grantham and Bourne
Defence Business & Trade
Context

The MP is grateful for the previous comprehensive answer but considers it less of an answer to his question.

Question

How will a defence SME benefit from the support provided by the Department?

Answer from Chris Bryant

We introduced steel trade measures earlier this week. A defence investment plan aims to deliver jobs across the UK, ensuring production in the UK rather than relying on imports.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific benefits not detailed

How: Broad Statement

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