Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the application for a new site for the embassy of China.
Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
I refer the noble Lord to the answer I gave on 11 March 2025 to question HL5338.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether it remains their intention that the Northern Ireland Assembly and Northern Ireland local government elections will be held on the same day in 2027.
Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The dates on which Northern Ireland local elections and Northern Ireland Assembly elections are to be held are set out in legislation. The Government does not intend to change the date of the 2027 elections.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential impact on the UK of the imposition by the United States of tariffs on EU countries: and what effect they may have on trade in Northern Ireland.
Answered by Baroness Gustafsson - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
The Department for Business and Trade continues to engage closely with the UK industries affected by the US’ imposition of tariffs on the EU. We will always act in the best interests of all UK businesses which of course includes those in Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland is part of the customs territory of the United Kingdom and internal market. This is confirmed by Article 4 of the Windsor Framework. Accordingly, Northern Irish goods have the same access to the US market, and face the same tariffs, as goods from elsewhere in the UK.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether, in the light of the imposition of widespread trade tariffs by the United States of America, they will now establish a dedicated unit to research and promote import substitution in the United Kingdom.
Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
We are disappointed by these tariffs and aware of the significant impact they may have on UK industry and consumers. The UK is keeping all options open in response and will not hesitate to act in national interest. We are seeking the views of UK businesses as part of a wider request for input on potential tariff response options. Officials continue to work closely with the Trade Remedies Authority to assess the possible trade diversion impact from these US measures. We will continue to engage and support domestic industries and consumers on this matter.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask His Majesty's Government how they intend to protect the United Kingdom from potential ‘dumping’ by countries adversely affected by the imposition of trade tariffs by the United States of America.
Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
In preparation for any US tariffs, departmental officials were assessing the potential impacts of trade diversion on UK industry. The extent of US tariffs became clear on 3 April. Officials continue to work closely with the Trade Remedies Authority to assess the possible trade diversion impacts from these US measures. Where imports are being dumped into the UK, causing injury to UK producers, either UK industry or the Secretary of State can apply to the Trade Remedies Authority for an anti-dumping investigation. This government will not hesitate to act to protect UK industry should we need to do so.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to impose retaliatory tariffs on the United States of America following the unilateral imposition of tariffs on the United Kingdom.
Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
We remain committed to discussions with the US on a wider economic deal that works for both the UK and the US, but nothing is off the table and the government will do what is necessary to defend the UK’s national interest. Should our negotiations not be successful, we have a range of tools at our disposal. As such, on 3 April the government launched a Request for Input from businesses to help inform our response to US tariffs. Once the Request for Input closes, the Government will reflect on the feedback and consider how best to respond.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the trade implications for the United Kingdom by the imposition of differential tariffs between the United Kingdom and the European Union.
Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
We will always act in the best interests of businesses across the UK. As the Prime Minister said on 2 April, we will look closely at the details of any retaliatory tariffs, if they are announced by the EU, and any impact these might have on businesses. Where goods moving to Northern Ireland do not enter the EU, businesses can claim a full reimbursement of any EU duties paid. The Secretary of State for Business and Trade spoke to the Northern Ireland Executive on 3 April, and we are committed to working together in the interests of everybody in Northern Ireland.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the implications for the Windsor Framework of differential levels of tariffs imposed by the United States of America on the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
Northern Ireland is a part of the United Kingdom customs territory and internal market. As such, Northern Ireland exporters will face 10% US tariffs like exporters elsewhere in the UK
We continue to closely monitor the impact on Northern Ireland of any tariffs. This government will always act in the best interests of all UK businesses which of course includes those in Northern Ireland.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to review the operation of the Motability scheme, in the light of reports of increased levels of misuse of that scheme.
Answered by Baroness Sherlock - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
Motability Foundation is a registered charity regulated by the Charity Commission so is wholly responsible for the terms and the administration of the Motability Scheme. The Scheme is delivered by Motability Operations which is an independent commercial company under contract to the charity. Any misuse of a scheme vehicle is a matter for Motability, and they will take action as appropriate.
The Department takes benefit fraud extremely seriously, as has been underlined by our campaign to warn people of the consequences of trying to defraud the benefits system. People who suspect benefit fraud can ring the National Benefit Fraud Hotline number on 0800 854 4400 to report in confidence any information which would help the Department’s officials in their investigations.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with European and other allies with a view to updating the 1951 Refugee Convention.
Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)
The Government remains committed to ensuring that all asylum and human rights claims are carefully considered in accordance with our international obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention. This means that we do not remove anyone who faces persecution or serious harm on return to their country of origin.