Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Bob Blackman and Liam Fox

Thursday 23rd March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con)]

1. What steps he is taking to strengthen the trade relationship in medical research and development with Israel.

[The Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade (Dr Liam Fox)]

As we begin our questions today, it is appropriate that we recommit ourselves to the values that this Parliament represents. Those who carry out such wicked and depraved actions as we saw yesterday can never triumph in our country. We must ensure that it is not violence, hatred or division, but decency, goodness and tolerance that prevail in our country.

The United Kingdom and Israel have a strong and important trading relationship, with nearly £5 billion in bilateral trade last year. We will continue to liaise closely on strengthening our trading links, including in important sectors such as medical research and development. The Life Sciences Organisation within the Department for International Trade currently supports companies wishing to export to Israel from the earliest stages of research and development through to manufactured medicines and medical devices.

[Bob Blackman]

I join you, Mr Speaker, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State in expressing sincere condolences to the victims of the terrible atrocity yesterday, and particularly to the family of PC Keith Palmer, who died so that we can carry out our democratic duties.

I thank my right hon. Friend for his answer. Companies in the Israeli economy are responsible for more than 100 million prescription drugs consumed in this country every year, and one has recently launched the ReWalk device, whereby people are encouraged to develop. Will he set out what further plans he has to ensure that we benefit from Israel’s pharmaceutical industry?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Bob Blackman and Liam Fox

Thursday 15th December 2016 Commons Chamber

[Dr Fox]

The Government take very seriously their environmental obligations and will continue to do so.

[Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con)]

T4. On Monday, I was delighted to hear my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announce that she wanted to take the trade relationship with Israel to the next level—our key ally in the middle east and strong trading partner. Can my right hon. Friend set out the steps that he is taking to ensure that we put in place a new trade deal with Israel, so that we can cement that commitment by the Prime Minister?