Department for Business and Trade

We are the department for economic growth. We support businesses to invest, grow and export, creating jobs and opportunities across the country.



Secretary of State

 Portrait

Jonathan Reynolds
Secretary of State for Business and Trade

Shadow Ministers / Spokeperson
Liberal Democrat
Lord Fox (LD - Life peer)
Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Business)
Clive Jones (LD - Wokingham)
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Trade)
Sarah Gibson (LD - Chippenham)
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Business)

Conservative
Andrew Griffith (Con - Arundel and South Downs)
Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
Harriett Baldwin (Con - West Worcestershire)
Shadow Minister (Business and Trade)
Lord Sharpe of Epsom (Con - Life peer)
Shadow Minister (Business and Trade)
Lord Hunt of Wirral (Con - Life peer)
Shadow Minister (Business and Trade)
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
Greg Smith (Con - Mid Buckinghamshire)
Shadow Parliamentary Under Secretary (Business and Trade)
Ministers of State
Douglas Alexander (LAB - Lothian East)
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
Sarah Jones (Lab - Croydon West)
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
Baroness Gustafsson (Lab - Life peer)
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State
Jonathan Reynolds (LAB - Stalybridge and Hyde)
President of the Board of Trade
Baroness Jones of Whitchurch (Lab - Life peer)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
Gareth Thomas (LAB - Harrow West)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
Justin Madders (Lab - Ellesmere Port and Bromborough)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
There are no upcoming events identified
Debates
Monday 19th May 2025
Employment Rights Bill
Lords Chamber
Select Committee Docs
None available
Select Committee Inquiry
None available
Written Answers
Tuesday 20th May 2025
Business: Regulation
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to section 2 of her Department's policy paper …
Secondary Legislation
Monday 19th May 2025
Price Marking (Amendment) Order 2025
This Order amends articles 1(1), 2(3)(a), 2(6) and 2(9) of the Price Marking (Amendment) Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/1055) (“the 2024 …
Bills
Saturday 12th April 2025
Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act 2024-26
A Bill to make provision about powers to secure the continued and safe use of assets of a steel undertaking.
Dept. Publications
Monday 19th May 2025
16:30

Department for Business and Trade Commons Appearances

Oral Answers to Questions is a regularly scheduled appearance where the Secretary of State and junior minister will answer at the Dispatch Box questions from backbench MPs

Other Commons Chamber appearances can be:
  • Urgent Questions where the Speaker has selected a question to which a Minister must reply that day
  • Adjornment Debates a 30 minute debate attended by a Minister that concludes the day in Parliament.
  • Oral Statements informing the Commons of a significant development, where backbench MP's can then question the Minister making the statement.

Westminster Hall debates are performed in response to backbench MPs or e-petitions asking for a Minister to address a detailed issue

Written Statements are made when a current event is not sufficiently significant to require an Oral Statement, but the House is required to be informed.

Most Recent Commons Appearances by Category
May. 01
Oral Questions
May. 12
Urgent Questions
May. 14
Westminster Hall
Mar. 27
Adjournment Debate
View All Department for Business and Trade Commons Contibutions

Bills currently before Parliament

Department for Business and Trade does not have Bills currently before Parliament


Acts of Parliament created in the 2024 Parliament


A Bill to make provision about powers to secure the continued and safe use of assets of a steel undertaking.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 12th April 2025 and was enacted into law.

Department for Business and Trade - Secondary Legislation

This Order amends articles 1(1), 2(3)(a), 2(6) and 2(9) of the Price Marking (Amendment) Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/1055) (“the 2024 Amendment Order”) which amends the Price Marking Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/102) (“the 2004 Order”).
These Regulations provide the registrar with new powers and duties to annotate the register maintained under section 1080 of the Companies Act 2006 (c.46) (“the 2006 Act”), with a view to increasing transparency in line with the registrar’s objectives under section 1081A of the 2006 Act and providing clarity to people who inspect the register.
View All Department for Business and Trade Secondary Legislation

Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

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Petitions with most signatures
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Petition Debates Contributed
87,528
Petition Closed
5 May 2025
closed 2 weeks, 1 day ago

Fireworks killed our mum, Josephine Smith.
Her home was attacked using fireworks. We believe the use of fireworks after sale to the public cannot be policed.
We think all displays should be licensed and sales limited to licence holders only.

View All Department for Business and Trade Petitions

50 most recent Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department

14th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to remove barriers to trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The UK Internal Market Scheme enables businesses to move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland without customs proceses where products are not at risk of entering the EU.

From 1 May, new arrangements for parcels and freight movements have significantly simplified the process for providing information and moving relevant products, and the Government has also announced it will continue important Trader Support Service arrangements beyond 2026.

The Government will continue to guarantee unfettered access for Northern Ireland’s businesses to the rest of the UK market on a permanent basis, and take forward its manifesto commitment to protect the UK internal market going forward.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
12th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to section 2 of her Department's policy paper entitled New approach to ensure regulators and regulation support growth, updated on 31 March 2025, when the administrative costs of regulation baselining exercise will conclude.

The government has committed to cut the administrative costs of regulation to business by 25% by the end of this Parliament. To do this, we must determine the cumulative administrative costs of regulation which has not been done for 15 years. At that time, the exercise took approximately 18 months, which was consistent with efforts of other countries that have undertaken similar exercises.

We are working in partnership with businesses to understand their real-life experiences of regulatory compliance to establish a robust regulatory baseline. We will publish an update on this baseline exercise and our expected timelines in due course.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
12th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the individual opt-out agreement under the Working Time Regulations 1998 on levels of exploitation in low-paid employment.

A review of the impact of the Working Time Regulations on the UK labour market was undertaken by the Coalition Government in 2014. It found a decline since 1998 in the incidence of long-hours working despite the existence of the opt-out, and a general trend towards shorter working hours.

It also found that the vast majority of long-hours workers would not have wanted to work fewer than 48 hours per week if it meant less pay, and that long-hours working was generally more prevalent in high income and highly skilled occupations compared to lower income and medium and low-skilled occupations.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
12th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if they will make it their policy to not provide (a) translation and (b) interpretation for speakers of non-UK languages for services provided by their Department.

Language service needs and spend are assessed to ensure these services offer good value for money for taxpayers while maintaining high standards of service delivery.

DBT employ teams based in priority markets around the world and those teams often use local language skills to help UK businesses access opportunities to export their goods and services globally. Likewise, they will use local language skills to promote the UK to a global audience, and in particular to attract high value investment to the UK.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
14th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will publish a list of all previously controlled goods removed from the UK Strategic Export Control Lists in the last 10 years.

The Export Control Act 2002 and the Export Control Order 2008 provide the legal framework for the UK’s strategic export controls.

Through this, HM Government controls the export of a range of military and “dual-use” items in the UK Strategic Export Control Lists. Changes to the UK’s control lists are made periodically primarily to implement our obligations under multi-lateral export control regimes, but also to introduce or amend national controls.

Changes to the list are published on legislation.gov.uk.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
8th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to promote the UK business event sector.

Government recognises that the business events sector is a machine for economic growth, local prosperity and international importance, helping to enhance the UK's global reputation and foster international business relationships.

The Business Events Growth Programme (BEGP) supported across government, including by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) , and led by VisitBritain, forms part of the UK Government's commitment to grow the business events sector across Britain. Every pound invested in the programme supported £33 of revenue being generated for the British economy through new events secured, or in additional delegate spend, during the five-year review period from 2018 to 2023.

Gareth Thomas
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
6th May 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what percentage of world steel production is supplied by (1) China, and (2) the United Kingdom.

According to the World Steel Association, world crude steel production totalled 1,884 million tonnes (Mt) in 2024. Of this, China produced 1,005Mt, representing around 53% of world crude steel production. The UK produced 4Mt of crude steel, representing around 0.2% of world crude steel production.

Baroness Jones of Whitchurch
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
14th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether any types of unmanned aerial vehicle engines have been removed from (a) ML10d and (b) 9A001 of the UK Strategic Export Control Lists since 2020.

Since 2020 the only changes made to the ML10d & 9A001 control entries were, respectively, to exclude aero engines originally manufactured prior to 1946 and to delete the control on aero gas turbine engines for aircraft able to cruise above Mach 1. It is considered that these changes do not substantively alter the extent of the controls that apply to engines designed for unmanned aerial vehicles.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
13th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the target to reach net zero on the number of imports of electric vehicles from China in each of the next ten years.

The Secretary of State and I regularly meet stakeholders from the Auto sector to discuss net zero related issues, including imports of electric vehicles from China. China has rapidly become a major automotive manufacturer and brings competitive challenges for the sector. Government is closely monitoring the monthly data and analysing how this impacts the UK automotive sector, especially given our ambitious policies on Zero Emission Vehicles.

To ease the transition to Electric Vehicles, we announced significant changes to the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate on 7 April, allowing for greater flexibility in meeting ZEV targets and extending the sale of hybrid vehicles.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
14th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has exempted the company RCV Engines Ltd from applying for arms export licenses for the sale of (a) engines and (b) engine parts.

The requirement for an export licence for military and dual-use goods is set out in the Export Control Order 2008. Export licence applications for all controlled goods are rigorously assessed on a case-by-case basis against strict assessment criteria, the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria.

The Export Control Joint Unit does not issue exemptions from requirements for export licences except those specifically prescribed in law (e.g. the list of controlled goods under the 2008 Order exempts any engine manufactured before 1946). Where individual licence applications include items that are not covered by the 2008 Order, exporters can be informed that no licence is required.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
13th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of US tariffs on (a) manufactured components and (b) raw materials for the domestic production of electric vehicles.

The Secretary of State and I frequently engage with stakeholders to discuss automotive sector issues, including the potential impacts of US tariffs on manufactured components and raw materials for domestic EV production. On May 8, a landmark economic deal with the US was announced, protecting jobs in key sectors such as automotive. This deal reduces tariffs on UK car exports from 27.5% to 10%, which is positive news for British car manufacturers. We are also providing additional support for the sector; the 2024 Autumn Budget allocated over £2 billion for zero-emission vehicle manufacturing and supply chains.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
13th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what discussions he has had with the bioethanol industry on the UK-US trade deal.

Whenever a trade agreement of any sort is agreed, there will be domestic impacts if our trading partners have requested further access to the UK market. That is the case for the agreement on bioethanol. Senior officials from the Department for Business and Trade have been meeting representatives of the domestic bioethanol industry, and the Secretary of State has met with bioethanol businesses. We are committed to working with the domestic bioethanol industry about their concerns.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
14th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the UK-US trade deal on the UK's bioethanol industry.

Whenever a trade agreement of any sort is agreed, there will be domestic impacts if our trading partners have requested further access to the UK market. That is the case for the agreement on bioethanol. Senior officials from the Department for Business and Trade have been meeting representatives of the domestic bioethanol industry, and the Secretary of State has met with bioethanol businesses. We are committed to working with the domestic bioethanol industry about their concerns.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
12th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to help increase (a) trade and (b) trading opportunities between the UK and Canada.

Canada is one of the UK’s closest allies and we are taking various steps to increase UK-Canada trade. Our trading relationship was worth £28 billion in 2024, up 10% in current prices on 2023, and is underpinned by the UK-Canada Trade Continuity Agreement.

The Prime Minister spoke to Prime Minister Carney on 12th May and discussed ways to increase cooperation further to deliver for working people in both the UK and Canada. This includes our discussions with Canada on their ratification of the UK’s membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Once ratified, this will provide additional benefits for UK firms seeking to do business in Canada, building on our existing bilateral trade agreement with Canada which already supports trade between our two countries.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
8th May 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effect the proposed trade deal with India will have on the prawn industry in (1) the United Kingdom, and (2) Northern Ireland.

A trade deal with India will deliver on this Government’s core mission of economic growth and unlock new opportunities for businesses in every corner of the UK, including in Northern Ireland, increasing bilateral trade by £25.5bn, UK GDP by £4.8bn, and wages by £2.2bn each and every year in the long run.

We will set out further information on the sectoral impacts of this agreement in our impact assessment.

Baroness Gustafsson
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
6th May 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the importance of the United Kingdom's trading relationship with Morocco.

The UK-Morocco Association Agreement, which entered into force in January 2021, facilitates our trading relationship. HM Government is keen to strengthen trade ties with Morocco. In January 2025, Ben Coleman MP was appointed Trade Envoy for Morocco and Francophone West Africa. Total trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) between the UK and Morocco was £4.2 billion in 2024, up £0.6bn in current prices from 2023.

In March 2025, Gareth Thomas MP, Minister of State for Services, Small Business and Exports, visited Morocco with a delegation of businesses to showcase UK support for major infrastructure projects and signed a declaration of intent with the Head of the World Cup Committee to progress UK-Morocco collaboration on Morocco’s co-hosting of the Men’s Football World Cup in 2030. The UK looks forward to working with Morocco on this event and other infrastructure projects.

Baroness Gustafsson
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
6th May 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to facilitate investment in Morocco as part of the 2030 International Federation of Association Football World Cup.

The UK-Morocco Association Agreement, which entered into force in January 2021, facilitates our trading relationship. HM Government is keen to strengthen trade ties with Morocco. In January 2025, Ben Coleman MP was appointed Trade Envoy for Morocco and Francophone West Africa. Total trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) between the UK and Morocco was £4.2 billion in 2024, up £0.6bn in current prices from 2023.

In March 2025, Gareth Thomas MP, Minister of State for Services, Small Business and Exports, visited Morocco with a delegation of businesses to showcase UK support for major infrastructure projects and signed a declaration of intent with the Head of the World Cup Committee to progress UK-Morocco collaboration on Morocco’s co-hosting of the Men’s Football World Cup in 2030. The UK looks forward to working with Morocco on this event and other infrastructure projects.

Baroness Gustafsson
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
7th May 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to publish the trade agreement between the UK and India; and whether they plan to seek Parliament’s approval prior to ratification.

A summary document of the trade agreement between the UK and India is already on the Gov.uk website. This Government plans to publish the full agreement when the deal is signed, which will then be subject to the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010. The Act provides Parliament with the opportunity to scrutinise new trade agreements that are subject to ratification and, if it wishes, to resolve against them.

Additionally, any changes to UK legislation will need to be scrutinised and passed by Parliament in the usual way.

Baroness Jones of Whitchurch
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
6th May 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what is the percentage of UK steel production as a proportion of the demand for steel in the UK.

According to the World Steel Association, UK demand for finished steel products totalled 9.1 million tonnes (Mt) in 2023 (the latest year for which consumption data is available). World Steel Association data also shows that in 2024, the UK produced 4Mt of crude steel. As a proportion of domestic demand in 2023, this represented around 44%.

Baroness Jones of Whitchurch
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
9th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many incidents of battery fires on (a) converted and (b) non-converted e-bikes were reported to the Office for Product Safety and Standards in the last 12 months for which data are available.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards received reports of 161 UK e-bike fires in 2023, of which 46% were post-market conversions. Data for 2024 is being complied and will be published in due course.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
9th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 29 April 2025 to Question 45981 on Parental Leave, what the breakdown in the Other/Unknown category is between (a) the Channel Islands, (b) the Isle of Man and (c) unknown for the average length of (i) Statutory Paternity Leave, (ii) Shared Parental Leave and (iii) Statutory Maternity Leave claimed in each of the last five years.

The Department for Business and Trade do not hold this information. Information in relation to statutory parental payments are based on HMRC Real Time Information (RTI) system, HMRC do not provide further breakdown of regional information as it risks disclosing individual taxpayer information.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
13th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the British Business Bank's press release entitled British Business Bank launches £70million investment fund for Northern Ireland, published on 16 November 2023, if he will publish the criteria to determine whether the Investment Fund for Northern Ireland is successful.

The Investment Fund for Northern Ireland aims to tackle an identified funding gap by increasing the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for smaller businesses in Northern Ireland. The criteria for success includes number of investments, overall deployment of capital, amount of private sector capital leveraged, geographical spread of investments, ensuring distribution across the whole of Northern Ireland, and providing funds to firms that might not otherwise receive investment.

In addition, an interim evaluation of the fund will be commissioned during the first five years of the Fund’s operation, and we expect it to assess the gross value added, turnover growth rates, and finance additionality.

Gareth Thomas
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
13th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to support small businesses to develop cyber security investment plans.

Adoption of technologies like cybersecurity is important to protect businesses and increase productivity.

The National Cyber Security Centre publishes a range of expert guidance, including the Small Business Guide, which contains practical and affordable advice for businesses to improve their cybersecurity. Small businesses can also benefit from advice and support from the regional Cyber Resilience Centres across England and Wales, which are a police-led collaboration with government, private sector and academia.

The industry-led SME Digital Adoption Taskforce will soon publish recommendations on ways to increase SME adoption of digital technology like cybersecurity software. These will inform our upcoming SME Strategy.

Gareth Thomas
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
9th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 29 April 2025 to Question 45678 on Licensing Laws, who the members of the taskforce are; and how they were selected.

The Taskforce Terms of Reference and membership is published Terms of Reference and taskforce member list - GOV.UK

Members were selected by Department for Business and Trade, Home Office, Ministry of Housing Communities Local Government and Department for Culture Media and Sport officials. The Taskforce brings together representatives from government, industry, police and local government, including mayoral areas.

Gareth Thomas
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
8th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many bullets has been shipped to Israel since October 2023.

DBT does not hold records of final exports of strategically controlled goods, and the fact that a licence is granted does not mean that an export takes place. For specific goods export data, you should refer to HMRC.

The Government has however published extensive information relating to export licensing decisions in relation to Israel. On 10 December, an ad hoc data release was published on ‘Export control licensing management information for Israel’ (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/export-control-licensing-management-information-for-israel/israel-export-control-licensing-data-6-december-2024https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/export-control-licensing-management-information-for-israel/israel-export-control-licensing-data-6-december-2024) which provides information on export licences to Israel to 6 December 2024.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
9th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential risk of e-bike battery fires caused by products manufactured outside the (a) UK and (b) EU.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards leads a programme of activity to tackle the fire risks from unsafe lithium-ion e-bike batteries. All e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries placed on the UK market must be safe and producers are responsible for ensuring their products comply with the law. Last year, the Government published statutory guidelines on lithium-ion batteries for e-bikes, setting out the safety mechanisms they must contain.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
7th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent discussions he has had with his international counterparts on the coordination of (a) trade and (b) investment policies relating to the People’s Republic of China.

The UK regularly engages with international partners regarding trade and investment policies, both bilaterally and in multilateral fora such as the World Trade Organisation.

With regards to China specifically, the UK's overall approach is to cooperate where we can, compete where we need to, and challenge where we must. During my visit to China in April, I held frank and honest discussions with my counterparts on the opportunities and challenges in the bilateral trade relationship, including improving overall reciprocity in market access, raising UK concerns on level playing field issues and market distorting practices and discussing economic security issues.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
8th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 27 December 2024 to Question 20869 on Consumer Goods: Safety, what steps his Department is taking to support sole traders selling (a) engineering and (b) other products in meeting the requirement for an EU-based responsible person, in the context of the availability of STEM skills in the EU.

I recognise that the EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) may require changes for some businesses, including sole traders and those selling engineering products to the EU.

We have published guidance for Northern Ireland, which we regularly review, and continue to support businesses trading with the EU. Since October 2024, the UK Export Academy delivered eight free GPSR training sessions supporting over 5,000 users.

DBT's Export Support Service are now signposting businesses to verified external service providers specialising in GPSR via the Export Support Directory. These are paid for providers, so businesses should perform due diligence before entering commercial relationships.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
12th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of increasing the Autonomous Tariff Quota on the domestic sugar beet industry.

The Government recognises the importance of the domestic sugar beet industry and is carefully considering the potential impacts of any changes to the Autonomous Tariff Quota (ATQ) on raw cane sugar following an engagement exercise which closed in March 2025.

We will aim to strike the right balance between supporting our domestic sugar beet and raw cane refining industries, alongside a range of other factors including the UK’s wider strategic trade objectives. The outcome of this review will be announced in due course.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
30th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to support van manufacturers in the context of US tariffs.

A landmark economic deal with the US, announced on 8 May, protects jobs in key sectors including automotive, directly supporting over 320,000 jobs across the UK. The Government also continues to support van manufacturing through the Automotive Transformation Fund, aiming to build a competitive electric vehicle supply chain. The 2024 Autumn Budget allocated over £2 billion for zero-emission vehicle manufacturing and supply chains, including £120 million to extend the Plug-in Van Grant (PIVG) until 2025/26. In addition, following the recent ZEV support consultation, fine levels for vans will also decrease by £3,000 to £15,000, and a bidirectional mechanism will be implemented for credit exchange between car and van schemes.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
9th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent assessment his Department has made of Royal Mail’s compliance with its Universal Service Obligation in areas experiencing delivery delays of 7 to 10 days between mail deliveries.

It is for Ofcom, as the independent regulator of postal services, to set and monitor Royal Mail’s service standards, and to decide how to use its powers to investigate and take enforcement action.

In December 2024, following its investigation of Royal Mail’s performance in the 2023-24 financial year, Ofcom fined the company £10.5m because of its failure to significantly improve service levels. The government expects that Ofcom will continue to closely monitor Royal Mail’s performance and its action plan to improve its quality of service.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
9th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he has taken to hold Royal Mail accountable when local delivery services fall below the standard expected under its regulatory obligations.

It is for Ofcom, as the independent regulator of postal services, to set and monitor Royal Mail’s service standards, and to decide how to use its powers to investigate and take enforcement action.

In December 2024, following its investigation of Royal Mail’s performance in the 2023-24 financial year, Ofcom fined the company £10.5m because of its failure to significantly improve service levels. The government expects that Ofcom will continue to closely monitor Royal Mail’s performance and its action plan to improve its quality of service.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
7th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of increasing the (a) funding, (b) resources and (c) powers available to the Groceries Code Adjudicator.

The Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) determines the level of funding and resources he needs to discharge his functions. Subject to Ministerial consent, the GCA imposes an annual levy on the 14 large retailers regulated by the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (the Code) to fund his work.

The government is currently undertaking the fourth statutory review on the effectiveness of the GCA in enforcing the Code. If stakeholders believe there are additional powers that would increase the GCA’s effectiveness, they will be able to share their views through the public consultation that the government will issue shortly to support the statutory review process.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
8th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Employment Rights Bill on the vehicle manufacturing industry.

On Monday 21 October, the Government published a comprehensive package of analysis on the impact of the Employment Rights Bill. This package provides analysis of the potential sectoral impacts of the Bill.

It shows the majority of employees will benefit from new protections in the Bill and our assessment finds that workers in low-paying sectors, including social care, hospitality, retail, transport, and some manufacturing sectors will benefit the most.

The Bill will also deliver wider benefits for the business environment by improving wellbeing, incentivising higher productivity, and creating a more level playing field for good employers. This could have a positive knock-on impact on productivity and growth.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
8th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he plans to consult stakeholders on (a) alignment with international reporting standards and (b) the potential impact on companies as part of the first two UK Sustainability Reporting Standards, expected in Q1 2025.

The Government will shortly publish a consultation covering the endorsement of International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) Standards. It will seek views on UK versions of the ISSB Standards, which will be known as UK Sustainability Reporting Standards, including on the costs and benefits of reporting against those Standards. The Government will take endorsement decisions later this year, following the consultation.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
7th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on businesses’ reliance on gas for profitable commercial operations.

The Secretary of State works closely with all of Cabinet, discussing a wide range of issues. He is committed to this Government's growth mission and ensuring the UK is a place where businesses can thrive.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
8th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many shipments under commodity code 87 10 00 00 were made to Israel since October 2023.

DBT does not hold records of final exports of strategically controlled goods, and the fact that a licence is granted does not mean that an export takes place. For specific goods export data, you should refer to HMRC.

The Government has however published extensive information relating to export licensing decisions in relation to Israel. On 10 December, an ad hoc data release was published on ‘Export control licensing management information for Israel’ (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/export-control-licensing-management-information-for-israel/israel-export-control-licensing-data-6-december-2024https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/export-control-licensing-management-information-for-israel/israel-export-control-licensing-data-6-december-2024) which provides information on export licences to Israel to 6 December 2024.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
12th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make it his policy to prohibit the import of chlorine-washed poultry in trade deals.

Our approach to trade deals ensures all agri-food products must comply with our sanitary and phytosanitary standards and wider import requirements to be placed on the UK market. There is no import ban in the UK on dairy products from cows treated with bovine somatotropin, however consignments must be accompanied by animal and public health certification and come from approved countries and establishments. We will not change this in any trade deal.

The UK prohibits the use of artificial growth hormones, beta-agonists such as ractopamine and anything other than potable water to decontaminate poultry carcasses in both domestic production and imported meat products.

We will continue to maintain our existing high standards for animal health and food hygiene, ensuring that imported products comply with our import requirements.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
12th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make it his policy to prohibit the import of hormone-treated beef in trade deals.

Our approach to trade deals ensures all agri-food products must comply with our sanitary and phytosanitary standards and wider import requirements to be placed on the UK market. There is no import ban in the UK on dairy products from cows treated with bovine somatotropin, however consignments must be accompanied by animal and public health certification and come from approved countries and establishments. We will not change this in any trade deal.

The UK prohibits the use of artificial growth hormones, beta-agonists such as ractopamine and anything other than potable water to decontaminate poultry carcasses in both domestic production and imported meat products.

We will continue to maintain our existing high standards for animal health and food hygiene, ensuring that imported products comply with our import requirements.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
12th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make it his policy to prohibit the import of ractopamine-treated pork in trade deals.

Our approach to trade deals ensures all agri-food products must comply with our sanitary and phytosanitary standards and wider import requirements to be placed on the UK market. There is no import ban in the UK on dairy products from cows treated with bovine somatotropin, however consignments must be accompanied by animal and public health certification and come from approved countries and establishments. We will not change this in any trade deal.

The UK prohibits the use of artificial growth hormones, beta-agonists such as ractopamine and anything other than potable water to decontaminate poultry carcasses in both domestic production and imported meat products.

We will continue to maintain our existing high standards for animal health and food hygiene, ensuring that imported products comply with our import requirements.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
12th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make it his policy to prohibit the import of Bovine Somatotropin-treated dairy products in trade deals.

Our approach to trade deals ensures all agri-food products must comply with our sanitary and phytosanitary standards and wider import requirements to be placed on the UK market. There is no import ban in the UK on dairy products from cows treated with bovine somatotropin, however consignments must be accompanied by animal and public health certification and come from approved countries and establishments. We will not change this in any trade deal.

The UK prohibits the use of artificial growth hormones, beta-agonists such as ractopamine and anything other than potable water to decontaminate poultry carcasses in both domestic production and imported meat products.

We will continue to maintain our existing high standards for animal health and food hygiene, ensuring that imported products comply with our import requirements.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
8th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many shipments of military items have been made from the UK to Israel since October 2023.

DBT does not hold records of final exports of strategically controlled goods, and the fact that a licence is granted does not mean that an export takes place. For specific goods export data, you should refer to HMRC.

The Government has however published extensive information relating to export licensing decisions in relation to Israel. On 10 December, an ad hoc data release was published on ‘Export control licensing management information for Israel’ (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/export-control-licensing-management-information-for-israel/israel-export-control-licensing-data-6-december-2024https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/export-control-licensing-management-information-for-israel/israel-export-control-licensing-data-6-december-2024) which provides information on export licences to Israel to 6 December 2024.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
8th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the UK-US trade agreement on the UK (a) steel and (b) aluminium sectors.

This government is determined to look after the country's national interest. That's why we have concluded a landmark economic deal with the United States, making the UK the first country to reach an agreement with President Trump. For steel and aluminium, the US has committed to remove the 25% Section 232 tariffs currently faced by UK exporters, by applying a quota system.

UK Steel and ALFED, who represent the UK steel and aluminium industries respectively, have both publicly welcomed the deal.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
30th Apr 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch on 16 April (HL6564), whether they plan to insist on a loosening of impediments to access of the UK financial services sector to the United States financial services sector in seeking a new trade agreement with the United States.

On 8 May the UK government announced a landmark economic deal with the US, making the UK the first country to reach an agreement with President Trump. We are continuing talks which will look at increasing digital trade, access for our world-leading services industries and improving supply chains.

The US and the UK are each other's largest single country trading partners for financial services. Following discussions between the Chancellor and US Treasury Secretary Bessent, we agreed to use the upcoming Financial Regulatory Working Group (FRWG) to discuss collaboration on digital assets, including to support the use and responsible growth of digital assets, and the proposals put forward by the Commissioner on the Security and Exchange Commission for a transatlantic sandbox for digital securities.

Baroness Jones of Whitchurch
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
13th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to support small businesses to develop AI investment plans.

Adoption of new digital technology, including AI, can help businesses become more productive – but we know Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) sometimes need additional help and support to do so.

The AI Opportunities Action Plan set out a vision for AI to drive economic growth, including through investment. InnovateUK’s BridgeAI programme helps businesses in high growth potential sectors harness AI, offering funding opportunities and expert advice.

To go further, the industry-led SME Digital Adoption Taskforce will soon be publishing their final recommendations on ways to help SMEs adopt productivity-enhancing digital technology, which will inform our upcoming SME Strategy.

Gareth Thomas
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
8th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what progress he has made towards publishing the Small Business Command Paper.

The Government will publish its SME Strategy later this year. The Strategy will set out the Government’s ambition to champion entrepreneurship, create an environment for SMEs to thrive and support them in their growth ambition.

Gareth Thomas
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
7th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to ensure that UK businesses trading with China are not complicit in the use of forced labour.

No company in the UK should have forced labour in its supply chains. The UK recognises the importance of ensuring UK businesses are not complicit in forced labour, in line with the UN Guiding Principle on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.

Under Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, commercial businesses operating in the UK with a turnover of £36m or more must report annually on their steps to prevent modern slavery in their supply chains. The Home Office has published new statutory guidance, providing more practical and comprehensive advice for businesses to enhance their fight against modern slavery.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
12th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what information his Department holds on whether goods originating from Israeli settlements are labelled as originating from within Israel’s pre-1967 borders.

The overseas business risk guidance, available on gov.uk, provides information for UK operators on how goods from Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories should be labelled. Where there are doubts about the declared origin of goods, HMRC will undertake checks to verify the origin of those goods to ensure compliance.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
12th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has undertaken (a) investigations and (b) enforcement measures as a result of goods originating from Israeli settlements being labelled as originating from within Israel’s pre-1967 borders.

The UK Government has a clear position that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal under international law. Goods produced in these settlements are not entitled to benefit from preferential tariff treatment under the UK’s current trade agreements with the Palestinian Authority and Government of Israel.

Where there are doubts about the declared origin of goods, HMRC will undertake checks to verify the origin of those goods to ensure compliance.

The overseas business risk guidance, available on gov.uk, provides information for UK operators on how goods from Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories should be labelled.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)