Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jeff Smith and Ranil Jayawardena

Thursday 21st July 2022 Commons Chamber

[Mr Jayawardena]

We decide on future deals based on the potential benefit to our economy, economic trends and whether we can negotiate a quality agreement supporting the British people and the British national interest. Closer engagement is how we increase our influence around the world and support higher standards, including with countries that might have rights that differ from ours. The United Kingdom will not compromise on our high labour standards, and we will continue to work hard to maintain those standards through our free trade agreement programme.

[Jeff Smith (Manchester, Withington) (Lab)]

4. What assessment she has made of the adequacy of the transparency requirements for UK arms exports.

--- Later in debate ---

[Jeff Smith]

In February, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs issued its biggest ever fine of £2.7 million for breach of the arms exports controls. HMRC has refused to publish any details so we do not know who was fined, the name of the company, the military goods exported or where they ended up. How does the Minister expect us to have any faith or confidence in our arms export controls when they are so shrouded in secrecy?

[Mr Jayawardena]

The hon. Gentleman refers to HMRC which does not fall under my Department, but I will ensure that the relevant Minister provides him with an answer.