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Written Question
TRIPS Agreement: Coronavirus
Tuesday 16th February 2021

Asked by: Lord Clement-Jones (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)

Question to the Department for International Trade:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to publish (1) the questions put, and (2) the statements made, by the UK representative at the World Trade Organization Council for TRIPS meeting on 4 February regarding the proposed ‘Waiver from certain provisions of the TRIPS Agreement for the prevention, containment and treatment of COVID-19’ (IP/C/W/669).

Answered by Lord Grimstone of Boscobel

The UK Government has put forward no amendments to the proposal contained in WTO document IP/C/W/669 ‘Waiver from certain provisions of the TRIPS Agreement for the prevention, containment and treatment of COVID-19’


The UK has engaged in debates at the WTO TRIPS Council to promote affordable and equitable global access to COVID-19 vaccines. We respect that proceedings from informal WTO sessions are not published. However, at the 4 February session the UK sought further clarification on the parameters of the proposed waiver from waiver proponents. This remains consistent with the Government’s approach to encourage evidence-based discussions on the waiver proposal.


Written Question
TRIPS Agreement: Coronavirus
Tuesday 16th February 2021

Asked by: Lord Clement-Jones (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)

Question to the Department for International Trade:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to put forward amendments to the World Trade Organization’s proposed ‘Waiver from certain provisions of the TRIPS Agreement for the prevention, containment and treatment of COVID-19’ (IP/C/W/669).

Answered by Lord Grimstone of Boscobel

The UK Government has put forward no amendments to the proposal contained in WTO document IP/C/W/669 ‘Waiver from certain provisions of the TRIPS Agreement for the prevention, containment and treatment of COVID-19’


The UK has engaged in debates at the WTO TRIPS Council to promote affordable and equitable global access to COVID-19 vaccines. We respect that proceedings from informal WTO sessions are not published. However, at the 4 February session the UK sought further clarification on the parameters of the proposed waiver from waiver proponents. This remains consistent with the Government’s approach to encourage evidence-based discussions on the waiver proposal.


Written Question
Music: Coronavirus
Monday 22nd June 2020

Asked by: Lord Clement-Jones (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)

Question to the Department for International Trade:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure that the UK music sector remains internationally competitive (1) during, and (2) after, the COVID-19 pandemic.

Answered by Lord Grimstone of Boscobel

The Department for International Trade consistently champions the British music industry and the incredible talent which makes the sector such a great success story for the UK.

The Government has put in place unprecedented support for businesses and workers to protect them against the economic impact of COVID-19. In 2020/21, the Government is providing export support of around £1 million to UK music companies. Most of this is grant support offered to the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the UK’s music sector through the International Showcase Fund and the Music Export Growth Scheme.

During the pandemic, the Government has provided support for digital events so music companies can continue to do business with international customers. The Government is working closely with the Creative Industries Trade and Investment Board, which includes music representatives, to develop a creative industries trade and investment recovery strategy which will enable the UK music sector to maintain its strong international position.