Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they had with officials in China regarding potential escalation in Taiwan during the recent visit of the Secretary of State for Business and Trade to Beijing.

Answered by Lord Leong - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The UK has consistently been clear on the continued need for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. This government has raised this issue with China several times, including at the UK-China Strategic Dialogue earlier this year.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to protect graduate and entry-level jobs.

Answered by Lord Leong - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Economic growth is the central mission of this government and is vital to giving the next generation the opportunities to thrive.

The labour market is very strong by historical and international standards, and whilst there has been a downturn in graduate vacancies over the last 12 months, the employment rate for graduates in England has remained steady over the past 10 years at around 87% on average.

In June the Government published our modern Industrial Strategy, which will support good jobs and higher incomes across the country. This outlined interventions including £1.2 billion of additional investment in skills per year by 2028-29.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what records his Department holds on the (a) meetings and (b) correspondence sent by Lord Mandelson when he was Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Department for Business and Trade do not hold any records on meetings and correspondence sent by Lord Mandelson as his mailboxes from his time as Secretary of State are held by Integrated Corporate Services (ICS) on behalf of the former Department for Business Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), who inherited the records of the former Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and former Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) following machinery of Government changes.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will bring forward legislative proposals for statutory paid bereavement leave (a) for people grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide and (b) in general.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The loss of a loved one is one of the hardest things a person can experience. This is why we have introduced a new right to bereavement leave in the Employment Rights Bill which will be available to those grieving the loss of a loved one, including to suicide.

The Bill deals with the introduction of leave only, and we will be consulting further on the detail this Autumn. However, it will be at employers' discretion to offer pay, as many already do.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to introduce legislation to enact the proposed ‘Hugh’s Law’ to extend entitlement to paid leave to the parents of seriously or terminally ill children.

Answered by Lord Leong - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The government has committed to a consultation on support for parents of seriously ill children in 2026, and will continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders as it is developed. There are currently no plans to introduce legislation prior to this consultation as this would pre-empt the outcome.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to ban the use of the chemical trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide in gel nail polish, following the decision of the EU to do so.

Answered by Lord Leong - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO) was added to the GB Mandatory Classification List (GB MCL) under the GB Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation in February 2025. As per the requirements of Article 15 of the UK Cosmetic Regulation, Government is taking steps to prohibit the use of TPO in cosmetic products in Great Britain. Full details of the amendments to the Cosmetic Regulation, including any transitional provisions, will be prepared in due course. The first stage will be to ensure no new cosmetic products containing TPO are placed on the market from August 2026.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has made an assessment of the sectoral economic impact of US tariffs.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)

My department has been assessing the impact of US tariffs on the economy. This includes sector-by-sector impact assessments and scenario modelling. We are constantly engaging directly with businesses from across all sectors to gather real time intelligence on the impact of tariffs to directly inform our discussions with the US and the ways that we support UK businesses in this rapidly changing environment.

This analysis underpinned our agreement of the Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD), which protects jobs in the automotive, steel, aluminium, pharmaceutical and aerospace sectors - sectors that employ over 320,000 people across the UK.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has conducted an impact assessment for the UK-India trade deal.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)

I refer the member for Mid Bedfordshire to the answer my predecessor gave to UIN 73978 on 5 September 2025.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to page 36 of the National Security Strategy, published on 24 June 2025, what progress he has made in unlocking investment across a range of cutting-edge technologies via the Technology Security Initiative with India.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Technology Security Initiative (TSI) is a landmark agreement aimed at strengthening UK-India collaboration on critical and emerging technologies - such as AI - to drive growth and strengthen national security in both countries. It was launched by the Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister Modi in India in July 2024. Since then, it has enabled industry, academia, and government to deliver a number of new strategic opportunities - for example, a £7 million joint research programme on Future Telecoms.

For the sixth year running, India remains the second-largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects into the UK. Last year, Indian FDI created over 6,000 jobs - with many of these in the tech sector. More than 300 Indian tech companies attended London Tech Week, with most of them expressing interest in AI, a key area within TSI.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of US tariffs on economic growth.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)

My department has been assessing the impact of US tariffs on the UK economy, in a rapidly changing global trading environment. We are constantly engaging directly with businesses from across all sectors to gather real time intelligence on the impact of tariffs to directly inform our discussions with the US. This analysis underpinned our agreement of the Economic Prosperity Deal, which protects jobs in the automotive, steel, aluminium, pharmaceutical and aerospace sectors - sectors that employ over 320,000 people across the UK.

By securing and implementing this deal, we are supporting the conditions necessary for economic growth.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many civil monetary penalties have been imposed by the Office for Trade Sanctions Implementation since October 2024.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)

None.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 4 September 2025 to Question 72359 on Economic Situation: Subversion, what progress he has made in establishing a supply chain centre.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The government has announced its intention to launch a Supply Chain Centre within the Department of Business and Trade. Work is now underway to establish the Centre, which is currently operating in shadow form. The Centre will lead work to strengthen the resilience of supply chains critical to the UK's economic growth and security, with particular emphasis on bolstering the resilience of high-growth industries identified in the Industrial Strategy.

The Centre will be formally launched in 2026, with more detail on these plans to be shared in due course.

.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 4 September 2025 to Question 72359 on Economic Situation: Subversion, what progress he has made on establishing an Economic Security Advisory Service.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Economic Security Advisory Service (ESAS) will streamline government expertise and guidance to help protect UK business competitiveness against economic security risks and threats. The Service is being piloted during the current financial year, with the ambition to scale up over the Spending Review period. To date, extensive engagement with industry and partners in the UK and overseas is being used to develop a digital offer, which will sit alongside bespoke sector specific support.

We will continue to monitor progress and draw on industry feedback to ensure that the Service meets user needs.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what action they are taking to improve the quality and consistency of sorted scrap metal to meet future demand for electric arc furnace steelmaking in the UK.

Answered by Lord Leong - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government recognises that the UK steel industry's shift towards electric arc furnaces will significantly elevate the importance of high-quality scrap as a material for UK steelmaking. Consequently, the Government is committed to securing an ample supply of high-quality scrap, while also ensuring the market remains fair and beneficial for all stakeholders. We are actively listening to the perspectives of all involved parties and will be exploring various options to address this issue.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, which Minister has responsibility for the Post Office.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

Departmental Ministerial portfolios can be found at Department for Business and Trade - GOV.UK

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to support The National Archives to establish an economic operator within the European Union under the terms of the Windsor Framework to ensure it can sell merchandise to people in Northern Ireland.

Answered by Lord Leong - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The National Archives shop operates on a self-funding commercial basis and aims to resume sales to Northern Ireland in the future.

Some GB based businesses have faced changes due to the updated EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR). We have issued guidance, will keep this under review and continue to engage businesses directly to ensure we are supporting them to trade freely within the UK and with the EU. DBT signposts businesses to verified external service providers specialising in GPSR.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support rural pubs in North East Hampshire constituency.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Government recognises the vital role that rural pubs, including those in North East Hampshire constituency play in supporting local communities.

In April, the Government established the Licensing Taskforce, bringing together representatives from the hospitality industry to help shape reform. The Government’s response published on 31 July sets out proposals for a new National Licensing Policy Framework designed to simplify outdated licensing rules and protect long-standing venues from noise complaints.

We’re reforming the business rates system to support high streets, including permanently lower rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties with a rateable value under £500,000. We’ve also launched a Hospitality Support Scheme to co-fund projects aligned with DBT and Hospitality Sector Council priorities such as Pub is The Hub to encourage local investment.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to ensure that rural hospitality businesses are adequately supported in the context of (a) rising wholesale food prices, (b) energy costs, (c) increased (i) wage and (ii) NIC pressures and (d) insurance premiums.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

Government fully recognises the importance of hospitality businesses in rural communities, that’s why we’re providing support through a range of measures to ease pressures.

We continue to monitor key agricultural commodities and work with the hospitality sector, supported by the UK Agriculture Market Monitoring Group, which tracks prices, supply, inputs, trade, and recent developments.  The Zero Carbon Services Hospitality trial offers free energy and carbon-reduction advice. We will introduce permanently lower business rates for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure properties with a rateable value under £500,000. The Employment Allowance has been increased to £10,500, meaning 865,000 employers will pay no National Insurance Contributions enabling businesses to employ up to four full-time staff on the National Living Wage without incurring employer NIC costs. While insurers make commercial decisions based on risk assessments, the Financial Conduct Authority requires firms to offer fair value and monitors compliance, acting where necessary.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, when he last conducted an assessment of the Open General Import Licence criteria to ensure that the Import Licences do not permit the importation of illegal settlement goods from the Occupied West Bank.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Government keeps the Open General Import Licence under review to ensure it aligns with UK trade and national security priorities, and our international obligations. Goods from illegal Israeli settlements are not eligible for preferential treatment under UK trade agreements. The Government’s overseas business risk guidance outlines the risks of economic activity in settlements and advises businesses to seek legal advice. The Government does not encourage or support such activity, and its guidance enables businesses to make informed decisions.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has conducted an assessment of the potential impact of the Israeli E1 settlement plan on the requirement under the Open General Impost Licence not to import goods from the illegally Occupied West Bank.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The UK strongly opposes the Israeli government's E1 settlement plans, which would divide a future Palestinian state in two and mark a flagrant breach of international law. The Israeli government must reverse this decision. Goods from illegal Israeli settlements are not eligible for preferential treatment under UK trade agreements. The Government’s overseas business risk guidance outlines the risks of economic activity in settlements and advises businesses to seek legal advice. The Government does not encourage or support such activity, and its guidance enables businesses to make informed decisions.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will confirm that the Open General Import License does not permit the importation of illegal Settlement Goods from the Occupied West Bank.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Open General Import Licence does not prohibit the importation of goods from the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Goods from illegal Israeli settlements are not eligible for preferential treatment under UK trade agreements. The Government’s overseas business risk guidance outlines the risks of economic activity in settlements and advises businesses to seek legal advice. The Government does not encourage or support such activity, and its guidance enables businesses to make informed decisions.

We urge the UK Government to cancel the UK-India Free Trade Agreement as punishment for India buying Russian oil, which we believe is helping fund Russia’s war against Ukraine. We believe the FTA should only be renewed if India halts all purchases of Russian oil.

I call on the Government to assess and regulate the impact of generative AI on employment opportunities for disabled people—particularly those with profound physical disabilities who rely on desk-based roles.

We want the Government to require hotel booking platforms to give full refunds for cancellations made 2 days before check-in. We think this would help protect UK consumers and ensure fair treatment.

Introduce a law banning children under 16 from buying high-caffeine products like gum, supplements, excluding drinks, with strict age checks and safe placement in stores

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Found: extraordinary meeting of its Automotive Components Section, which was attended by Department for Business and Trade

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Found: the House of Commons to examine the expenditure, administration, and policy of the Department for Business and Trade

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Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will provide a breakdown of Government spending on advertising via social media platforms broken down by Department, over the last 12 months.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

As with any media planning approach, channels are selected based on their ability to engage with relevant audiences in alignment with the government's strategic objectives.

The Cabinet Office is consistently tracking and reviewing spending on communications to ensure efficiency and that the appropriate strategy is implemented. We will not spend more than is needed to be effective and ensure best value for the taxpayer.

Please see the breakdown below of spend on social media broken down by department between 1st August 2024 and 31st July 2025.

Please note that this may not be the complete spend as the Cabinet Office does not centrally manage Departmental social media spend directly.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 25 June 2025 to Question 60209 on Carers, on how many occasions there has been a cross-Government meeting since July 2024.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Unpaid carers play a vital role and can access support from adult and children’s social care and the National Health Service, as well as through benefits, employers, schools, colleges, and universities. However, we know that too often systems are disjointed, difficult to navigate, and don’t appropriately identify and communicate with carers.

The Government is determined to work together to provide carers of all ages with the recognition and support they deserve.

Ministers from the Department of Health and Social Care, the Department for Work and Pensions, the Department for Business and Trade, and the Department for Education have convened twice this year to discuss support for unpaid carers and consider opportunities to provide further recognition and support. These are early meetings of a group exploring further ways in which carers can be supported, and as such it does not have a statutory remit.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 25 June 2025 to Question 60209 on Carers, what the outcomes were of the cross-Government meeting.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Unpaid carers play a vital role and can access support from adult and children’s social care and the National Health Service, as well as through benefits, employers, schools, colleges, and universities. However, we know that too often systems are disjointed, difficult to navigate, and don’t appropriately identify and communicate with carers.

The Government is determined to work together to provide carers of all ages with the recognition and support they deserve.

Ministers from the Department of Health and Social Care, the Department for Work and Pensions, the Department for Business and Trade, and the Department for Education have convened twice this year to discuss support for unpaid carers and consider opportunities to provide further recognition and support. These are early meetings of a group exploring further ways in which carers can be supported, and as such it does not have a statutory remit.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 25 June 2025 to Question 60209 on Carers, who attends the cross-Government meetings.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Unpaid carers play a vital role and can access support from adult and children’s social care and the National Health Service, as well as through benefits, employers, schools, colleges, and universities. However, we know that too often systems are disjointed, difficult to navigate, and don’t appropriately identify and communicate with carers.

The Government is determined to work together to provide carers of all ages with the recognition and support they deserve.

Ministers from the Department of Health and Social Care, the Department for Work and Pensions, the Department for Business and Trade, and the Department for Education have convened twice this year to discuss support for unpaid carers and consider opportunities to provide further recognition and support. These are early meetings of a group exploring further ways in which carers can be supported, and as such it does not have a statutory remit.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 25 June 2025 to Question 60209 on Carers, whether the cross-Government meeting has a statutory remit.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Unpaid carers play a vital role and can access support from adult and children’s social care and the National Health Service, as well as through benefits, employers, schools, colleges, and universities. However, we know that too often systems are disjointed, difficult to navigate, and don’t appropriately identify and communicate with carers.

The Government is determined to work together to provide carers of all ages with the recognition and support they deserve.

Ministers from the Department of Health and Social Care, the Department for Work and Pensions, the Department for Business and Trade, and the Department for Education have convened twice this year to discuss support for unpaid carers and consider opportunities to provide further recognition and support. These are early meetings of a group exploring further ways in which carers can be supported, and as such it does not have a statutory remit.

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Found: The TRA is an arm’s length body of the Department for Business and Trade.

Found: Out of hours  For any out of hours media enquiries, please contact the Department for Business and Trade

Found: State for Economic Security at the Cabinet Office and Minister for Industry at the Department for Business and Trade

Found: The TRA is an arm’s length body of the Department for Business and Trade.  

Found: Out of hours  For any out of hours media enquiries, please contact the Department for Business and Trade

Found: Out of hours  For any out of hours media enquiries, please contact the Department for Business and Trade

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