Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, whether he will publish updated modelling of the potential economic benefits to the UK pharmaceutical sector of mutual recognition of GMP inspections and batch testing with the EU.
Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Government recognises the potential benefits of reducing unnecessary duplication in the regulation of medicines traded between the UK and the European Union. The UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement already provides for mutual recognition of inspections of manufacturing facilities for good manufacturing practice. The Government has no current plans to publish updated modelling of the potential economic benefits of extending mutual recognition to pharmaceutical batch testing. We continue to consider available evidence and engage with industry and European partners on reducing barriers to trade while maintaining patient safety.
Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what recent estimate he has made of the annual value of UK electric vehicle exports to the EU that would not meet the rules of origin due from 1 January 2027.
Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Stricter rules of origin for electric vehicles and their batteries are due to come into force under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement on 1 January 2027. We continue to engage closely with automotive manufacturers and the wider supply chain to assess readiness for these changes and the potential impacts on UK-EU trade. We understand there are challenges for exporters in meeting these new rules, given constraints on the availability of key battery materials and components. We share industry concerns and are working with the European Commission to address this issue and to find a solution which maintains tariff-free trade.
Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what impact assessment she has made of EU CBAM charges on UK exports in 2026 and 2027, by sector.
Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Government is closely monitoring the impact of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism on UK exporters. EU CBAM charges have applied since January 2026, although the obligation to purchase certificates rests with EU importers. Certificates relating to 2026 imports are not due until September 2027. Costs to UK exporters will depend on commercial factors and the operation of the regime, which continues to evolve. It is therefore too early to reliably assess impacts by sector. The Government is negotiating with the EU on linking our Emissions Trading Systems, which would facilitate mutual CBAM exemptions.
Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential economic impact of the proposed EU Industrial Accelerator Act on UK automotive and chemicals exports.
Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
My department is looking closely at the proposed measures in the EU’s Industrial Accelerator Act and is engaging with industry leaders and the EU institutions. The UK and EU have highly integrated industrial ecosystems, particularly in the automotive and chemicals sectors, with supply chains that support manufacturing, investment and growth across both markets. We will continue to assess the potential economic impacts for the UK chemical and automotive sectors while the proposal progresses through the EU’s legislative system.
Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what impact assessment he has made of the rules of origin due from 1 January 2027 on UK electric vehicle exports to the EU.
Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Stricter rules of origin for electric vehicles and their batteries are due to come into force in 2027, where UK-EU trade risks facing 10% tariffs if rules are not met. We continue to assess the potential impact of these changes through ongoing engagement with automotive manufacturers, battery producers and the wider supply chain. Industry has highlighted challenges related to sourcing compliant batteries and key battery materials, reflecting the continued development of the European supply chain. We understand and share industry’s concerns and will continue to engage with the European Commission to find a solution that maintains tariff-free trade.
Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, how many relocations of public limited companies’ operational headquarters from the UK to EU member states his Department has recorded in each calendar year since 2015.
Answered by Jim McMahon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
No such estimate has been made. The national notional council tax level is used to calculate resource adjustment, a measure which accounts for the different council tax raising ability between local authorities based on the number and band of properties. To fully account for ability to raise council tax, following consultation, the government set the notional level at the average level of council tax in England.
The council tax level assumed for each of the six councils in calculating their Core Spending Power for 2026-27 to 2028-29 is based on the actual Band D level for each council in 2025-26. The actual level of council tax remains a local decision for individual councils, taking into consideration a range of local factors including the impact on taxpayers.
Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, whether he has discussions with the European Commission on the potential impact of the proposed EU Industrial Accelerator Act on the level of UK jobs in the automotive sector.
Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
My department is looking carefully at the proposed measures in the EU’s Industrial Accelerator Act. Where these measures, as currently drafted, could disadvantage the UK’s automotive sector, or UK-EU integrated automotive supply chains, the Secretary of State, Minister Sarwar, and I have and are continuing to engage positively with EU member states, Commission counterparts, and MEPs. The Secretary of State and I continue to engage industry to assess potential impacts to business, including job numbers.
Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the level of support available to fathers when a mother requires an extended period of recovery following childbirth in Surrey Heath constituency.
Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)
The Government recognises the current system could do more to support the many dads and partners who want to be more actively involved in supporting their partner and take on a more equal role in caring for their children.
That is why we are currently undertaking a Review of the Parental Leave and Pay system. This will conclude in early 2027 with a set of findings in which the Government will outline next steps for taking any potential reforms forward to implementation.
All current Parental Leave and Pay entitlements are in scope of the Review, including Paternity Leave and Pay.
Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what estimate the Department has made of the number of UK jobs transferred to EU member states through the relocation of public limited companies’ operational headquarters since 2015.
Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
While the Department does not hold the specific information requested, it maintains regular engagement with businesses and representative organisations and monitors a range of economic indicators to inform policy and support economic growth. Being bolder in our relationship with the EU is an important part of the Government's agenda, to deliver good growth in every postcode of our country.
Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, how many public limited companies the Department has recorded as citing EU market access as a reason for relocating their operational headquarters from the UK to the EU since 2015.
Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
While the Department does not hold the specific information requested, it maintains regular engagement with businesses and representative organisations and monitors a range of economic indicators to inform policy and support economic growth. Being bolder in our relationship with the EU is an important part of the Government's agenda, to deliver good growth in every postcode of our country.