Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Trade with Europe 2026-07-02

Thursday 2 July 2026 · 4 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

  • The Department is seeking bilateral wins like the small modular reactors deal in Sweden and pilot digital trade corridors with Germany and France.
  • The Department aims to renegotiate a reset with the EU, considering the previous Government's Brexit deal was deemed poor for British businesses.
  • The Minister campaigns for a better EU deal to ensure UK farmers can export easily into the EU and that goods from Europe can enter the UK without barriers.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Richard Baker Lab Glenrothes and Mid Fife
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The EU is a key trading partner for Scotland, accounting for almost 40% of Scotland's international exports. Trade in goods with Europe has fallen by 2% in the last year.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to increase trade with Europe?

Answer from Chris Bryant

We are seeking bilateral wins like the small modular reactors deal in Sweden and pilot digital trade corridors with Germany and France. We aim to renegotiate a reset with the EU, considering the previous Government's Brexit deal was appalling for British businesses.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address plans to align more areas of the single market or specific actions being taken while waiting for EU summit date.

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Q2 Richard Baker Lab Glenrothes and Mid Fife
Brexit Business & Trade Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Brexit has resulted in a detrimental impact on Scottish businesses, causing almost £4 billion in lost revenue annually. Businesses report that Brexit is the main cause of trade difficulties.

Question

What steps are being taken to support farmers affected by barriers caused by labour shortages, trade friction, and uncertainty over subsidies?

Answer from Chris Bryant

I am campaigning for a better EU deal to ensure UK farmers can export easily into the European Union, and goods from Europe can enter the UK without barriers. This is essential across sectors like art and farming.

Not addressed: Did not address any specific support measures or plans for Scottish farmers affected by Brexit-related issues.

How: Changing Subject To A Campaign For Better Eu Deal

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Q3 Lara Bird SNP
Brexit Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Ten years post-Brexit, businesses report trade difficulties, particularly in sectors like farming due to labour shortages, long-term uncertainty over subsidies.

Question

What is being done to support farmers impacted by barriers caused by Brexit?

Answer from Chris Bryant

Campaigning for better EU deal to ensure easy export of UK farming products into the EU. This is crucial across sectors, like arts, as explained by Tracy Emin regarding issues since Brexit.

Not addressed: Did not address any specific support measures or plans for Scottish farmers affected by Brexit-related issues.

How: Changing Subject To A Campaign For Better Eu Deal

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Q4 Sarah Olney Lib Dem Richmond Park
Defence Brexit
Context

Joining the single market could boost UK GDP by £25 billion annually. Single market membership would restore passporting rights for financial services and eliminate rules-of-origin red tape.

Question

Does the Minister agree that there is political momentum now to negotiate a new growth and defence partnership with Europe?

Answer from Chris Bryant

Agreeing in principle but not signing up to any Liberal Democrat campaign, as the party was part of creating momentum toward the Brexit referendum.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address specific plans or commitment for negotiating new growth and defence partnership.

How: Criticising The Liberal Democrats

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