Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew Selous Excerpts

Wednesday 21st June 2023 Commons Chamber

[Chris Heaton-Harris]

I can do that, 100%. The hon. Gentleman is completely right.

[Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con)]

9. What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to promote Northern Ireland businesses overseas.

[Robbie Moore (Keighley) (Con)]

11. What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to promote Northern Ireland businesses overseas.

[The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (Mr Steve Baker)]

As a result of the Windsor framework, Northern Ireland will be in the unique position of being part of the UK internal market as of right, having privileged access to the EU market, being under UK services regulation, and having access to the free trade agreements to which we are acceding. In addition, I have led trade missions with Invest Northern Ireland to Canada and South Korea to promote brilliant Northern Ireland businesses overseas, and will take further similar steps.

[Andrew Selous]

What will be the benefit to businesses in Northern Ireland of working with the UK Export Academy?

[Mr Baker]

I am very grateful to my hon. Friend for highlighting the UK Export Academy, brought forward by the Department for Business and Trade. To illustrate its success, I would point to Lowden Guitars, which takes its products from its factory in County Down to customers in Australia. I encourage businesses across Northern Ireland, and indeed across the UK, to use the Export Academy, as he implicitly suggests.