Asked by: Alberto Costa (Conservative - South Leicestershire)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, whether he plans to review the operation of the steel safeguard measures prior to the next annual review.
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 UK’s steel safeguard expired on 30 June in line with WTO rules. The Government is closely monitoring the implementation of the new steel trade measure and will continue to engage with businesses on the impacts. We will remain responsive to significant changes in circumstances and review the full measure after 12 months. This timeline has been selected to ensure there is adequate time to evaluate the measure’s effectiveness, while providing businesses with a predictable and consistent operating environment.
Asked by: Alberto Costa (Conservative - South Leicestershire)
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 impact of the revised steel safeguard quota arrangements on stock availability and supply chain resilience for UK manufacturers during the first quarter of 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)
The UK’s steel safeguard expired on 30 June in line with WTO rules. The Government is closely monitoring the implementation of the new steel trade measure and will continue to engage with businesses on the impacts, including stock availability and supply chain resilience. We will also review the full measure after 12 months. Since the measure has only been in force for two months and a transitional arrangement has been in place during the first quarter, quota utilisation patterns will take some time to adjust.
The Explanatory Memoranda to the legislation that implemented the measure set out the expected impacts on different sectors and businesses across the supply chain.
Asked by: Alberto Costa (Conservative - South Leicestershire)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, when his Department plans to publish detailed information on steel safeguard quota allocations and anticipated utilisation in advance of the implementation of those measures on 1 July 2026.
Answered by Chris Bryant - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
Details of the finalised steel trade measure quotas were published on GOV.UK on 25 June and I gave a statement on the new steel trade measure on the same day.
The steel trade measure quotas reflect the needs of the steel industry, taking account of production capacity and demand. We therefore expect quota utilisation to be significantly higher than under the existing safeguard.
Asked by: Alberto Costa (Conservative - South Leicestershire)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department will publish detailed information on steel safeguard quota allocations and anticipated utilisation in advance of the implementation of those measures on 1 July 2026.
Answered by Chris Bryant - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
Yes.
Asked by: Alberto Costa (Conservative - South Leicestershire)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what guidance is provided to exporters on demonstrating low diversion risk under the Sanctions End-Use Controls.
Answered by Chris Bryant - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) provides guidance for businesses on Sanctions End-Use Controls and countering sanctions evasion through GOV.UK, which sets out how exporters can address diversion risk.
Exporters should evidence robust due diligence, including clear understanding of the end use and end user, transparent supply chains and consistent commercial and transport documentation.
DBT continues to support exporter compliance through regularly updated guidance and proactive stakeholder engagement to ensure businesses understand their obligations.
Asked by: Alberto Costa (Conservative - South Leicestershire)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether her Department is taking steps to help support and increase the export of locally produced beer and gin to overseas markets.
Answered by Nigel Huddleston
The Department for Business & Trade provides bespoke export advice and support to our distilleries and breweries across the UK through our network of international trade advisers and dedicated sector resource in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
The Department has a dedicated workplan of export promotion activities including a strong UK presence at tradeshows such as Prowein in Germany in March, educational webinars and inward buyer visits.
We work in close partnership with trade associations such as the Wine and Spirits Trade Association and the British Beer and Pub Association to help drinks exporters to capitalise on the enormous global demand for British food and drink whilst we work to open new markets for their products.