First elected: 4th July 2024
Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.
e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.
If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.
If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).
These initiatives were driven by Callum Anderson, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.
MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.
Callum Anderson has not been granted any Urgent Questions
Callum Anderson has not been granted any Adjournment Debates
Callum Anderson has not introduced any legislation before Parliament
Regulation of Bailiffs (Assessment and Report) Bill 2024-26
Sponsor - Luke Charters (Lab)
The UK government recognises the foundational importance of Local Resilience Forums to our national resilience. The Resilience Action Plan sets out our plans to strengthen the public sector resilience system through the roll-out of further data to support local partners to plan for and respond to risks more effectively.
The UK Government Resilience Action Plan takes an ‘all hazards’ approach, focusing on improving the general resilience of the nation to all risks, and investing in common systems and tools to respond. The wide range of specific risks the government plans for are continually assessed in the National Security Risk Assessment, which now operates on a dynamic model and incorporates challenge through a refreshed Expert Advisory Programme.
The UK Government Resilience Action Plan is underpinned by well-established Cabinet Office governance structures, including the National Security Council (Resilience), which oversee the implementation and delivery of resilience matters across UK government.
The action plan announced new assurance measures to raise resilience standards across government, refreshed expectations for Lead Government Departments will clarify roles and responsibilities, and the UK Resilience Academy will convene expert panels to scrutinise government plans and preparedness for whole-system civil emergencies.
The Cabinet Office will continue to report on resilience progress with an annual statement to Parliament on resilience.
The UK Government Resilience Action Plan is underpinned by well-established Cabinet Office governance structures, including the National Security Council (Resilience), which oversee the implementation and delivery of resilience matters across UK government.
The action plan announced new assurance measures to raise resilience standards across government, refreshed expectations for Lead Government Departments will clarify roles and responsibilities, and the UK Resilience Academy will convene expert panels to scrutinise government plans and preparedness for whole-system civil emergencies.
The Cabinet Office will continue to report on resilience progress with an annual statement to Parliament on resilience.
The UK Government Resilience Action Plan is underpinned by well-established Cabinet Office governance structures, including the National Security Council (Resilience), which oversee the implementation and delivery of resilience matters across UK government.
The action plan announced new assurance measures to raise resilience standards across government, refreshed expectations for Lead Government Departments will clarify roles and responsibilities, and the UK Resilience Academy will convene expert panels to scrutinise government plans and preparedness for whole-system civil emergencies.
The Cabinet Office will continue to report on resilience progress with an annual statement to Parliament on resilience.
The National Security and Investment (NSI) Act 2021 gives the Government power to scrutinise and intervene in acquisitions that may pose threats to national security, whilst also supporting secure and resilient growth. All sectors are within scope of the NSI Act, with acquisitions of entities related to 17 sensitive areas of the economy having to notify and receive approval from the Government before the acquisition can be completed.
The Government is taking a number of steps to ensure the continued effectiveness of the NSI Act.
The previous Government published a Call for Evidence in November 2023 and a response in April 2024. The Call for Evidence sought feedback from a wide range of stakeholders on the scope of the regime, the notification process and Government guidance and comms. The Government is currently considering its next steps, drawing on responses received.
The Government will review and produce a report on the mandatory notification areas under the NSI Act, as required by section 4 of the Notifiable Acquisitions Regulations 2021, before January 2025.
The Government will complete a Post-Implementation Review, as committed to in the NSI Act Impact Assessment, evaluating the effectiveness of the NSI Act. This is expected to be published in 2026.
The Government regularly engages with stakeholders on the NSI Act, including speaking events, meetings and feedback exercises.
The Government has published extensive guidance for businesses and investors. The NSI Act Market Guidance sets out what businesses and investors, including small and medium-sized businesses, need to be aware of and is available on GOV.UK. The guidance is kept under review to ensure it remains up to date.
The “National Security & Investment Act 2021: Annual Report 2023-2024” published in September shows that the NSI system is continuing to run well and as intended. It demonstrates that we have the powers to protect sensitive sectors whilst continuing to support investment. Analysis to date has not found evidence of the Act affecting the total volume of investment into the UK.
The UK’s approach to investment screening is in line with many other countries, including our close allies. We continue to work closely with international partners to draw on global best practice.
The National Security and Investment (NSI) Act 2021 gives the Government power to scrutinise and intervene in acquisitions that may pose threats to national security, whilst also supporting secure and resilient growth. All sectors are within scope of the NSI Act, with acquisitions of entities related to 17 sensitive areas of the economy having to notify and receive approval from the Government before the acquisition can be completed.
The Government is taking a number of steps to ensure the continued effectiveness of the NSI Act.
The previous Government published a Call for Evidence in November 2023 and a response in April 2024. The Call for Evidence sought feedback from a wide range of stakeholders on the scope of the regime, the notification process and Government guidance and comms. The Government is currently considering its next steps, drawing on responses received.
The Government will review and produce a report on the mandatory notification areas under the NSI Act, as required by section 4 of the Notifiable Acquisitions Regulations 2021, before January 2025.
The Government will complete a Post-Implementation Review, as committed to in the NSI Act Impact Assessment, evaluating the effectiveness of the NSI Act. This is expected to be published in 2026.
The Government regularly engages with stakeholders on the NSI Act, including speaking events, meetings and feedback exercises.
The Government has published extensive guidance for businesses and investors. The NSI Act Market Guidance sets out what businesses and investors, including small and medium-sized businesses, need to be aware of and is available on GOV.UK. The guidance is kept under review to ensure it remains up to date.
The “National Security & Investment Act 2021: Annual Report 2023-2024” published in September shows that the NSI system is continuing to run well and as intended. It demonstrates that we have the powers to protect sensitive sectors whilst continuing to support investment. Analysis to date has not found evidence of the Act affecting the total volume of investment into the UK.
The UK’s approach to investment screening is in line with many other countries, including our close allies. We continue to work closely with international partners to draw on global best practice.
The National Security and Investment (NSI) Act 2021 gives the Government power to scrutinise and intervene in acquisitions that may pose threats to national security, whilst also supporting secure and resilient growth. All sectors are within scope of the NSI Act, with acquisitions of entities related to 17 sensitive areas of the economy having to notify and receive approval from the Government before the acquisition can be completed.
The Government is taking a number of steps to ensure the continued effectiveness of the NSI Act.
The previous Government published a Call for Evidence in November 2023 and a response in April 2024. The Call for Evidence sought feedback from a wide range of stakeholders on the scope of the regime, the notification process and Government guidance and comms. The Government is currently considering its next steps, drawing on responses received.
The Government will review and produce a report on the mandatory notification areas under the NSI Act, as required by section 4 of the Notifiable Acquisitions Regulations 2021, before January 2025.
The Government will complete a Post-Implementation Review, as committed to in the NSI Act Impact Assessment, evaluating the effectiveness of the NSI Act. This is expected to be published in 2026.
The Government regularly engages with stakeholders on the NSI Act, including speaking events, meetings and feedback exercises.
The Government has published extensive guidance for businesses and investors. The NSI Act Market Guidance sets out what businesses and investors, including small and medium-sized businesses, need to be aware of and is available on GOV.UK. The guidance is kept under review to ensure it remains up to date.
The “National Security & Investment Act 2021: Annual Report 2023-2024” published in September shows that the NSI system is continuing to run well and as intended. It demonstrates that we have the powers to protect sensitive sectors whilst continuing to support investment. Analysis to date has not found evidence of the Act affecting the total volume of investment into the UK.
The UK’s approach to investment screening is in line with many other countries, including our close allies. We continue to work closely with international partners to draw on global best practice.
The National Security and Investment (NSI) Act 2021 gives the Government power to scrutinise and intervene in acquisitions that may pose threats to national security, whilst also supporting secure and resilient growth. All sectors are within scope of the NSI Act, with acquisitions of entities related to 17 sensitive areas of the economy having to notify and receive approval from the Government before the acquisition can be completed.
The Government is taking a number of steps to ensure the continued effectiveness of the NSI Act.
The previous Government published a Call for Evidence in November 2023 and a response in April 2024. The Call for Evidence sought feedback from a wide range of stakeholders on the scope of the regime, the notification process and Government guidance and comms. The Government is currently considering its next steps, drawing on responses received.
The Government will review and produce a report on the mandatory notification areas under the NSI Act, as required by section 4 of the Notifiable Acquisitions Regulations 2021, before January 2025.
The Government will complete a Post-Implementation Review, as committed to in the NSI Act Impact Assessment, evaluating the effectiveness of the NSI Act. This is expected to be published in 2026.
The Government regularly engages with stakeholders on the NSI Act, including speaking events, meetings and feedback exercises.
The Government has published extensive guidance for businesses and investors. The NSI Act Market Guidance sets out what businesses and investors, including small and medium-sized businesses, need to be aware of and is available on GOV.UK. The guidance is kept under review to ensure it remains up to date.
The “National Security & Investment Act 2021: Annual Report 2023-2024” published in September shows that the NSI system is continuing to run well and as intended. It demonstrates that we have the powers to protect sensitive sectors whilst continuing to support investment. Analysis to date has not found evidence of the Act affecting the total volume of investment into the UK.
The UK’s approach to investment screening is in line with many other countries, including our close allies. We continue to work closely with international partners to draw on global best practice.
The National Security and Investment (NSI) Act 2021 gives the Government power to scrutinise and intervene in acquisitions that may pose threats to national security, whilst also supporting secure and resilient growth. All sectors are within scope of the NSI Act, with acquisitions of entities related to 17 sensitive areas of the economy having to notify and receive approval from the Government before the acquisition can be completed.
The Government is taking a number of steps to ensure the continued effectiveness of the NSI Act.
The previous Government published a Call for Evidence in November 2023 and a response in April 2024. The Call for Evidence sought feedback from a wide range of stakeholders on the scope of the regime, the notification process and Government guidance and comms. The Government is currently considering its next steps, drawing on responses received.
The Government will review and produce a report on the mandatory notification areas under the NSI Act, as required by section 4 of the Notifiable Acquisitions Regulations 2021, before January 2025.
The Government will complete a Post-Implementation Review, as committed to in the NSI Act Impact Assessment, evaluating the effectiveness of the NSI Act. This is expected to be published in 2026.
The Government regularly engages with stakeholders on the NSI Act, including speaking events, meetings and feedback exercises.
The Government has published extensive guidance for businesses and investors. The NSI Act Market Guidance sets out what businesses and investors, including small and medium-sized businesses, need to be aware of and is available on GOV.UK. The guidance is kept under review to ensure it remains up to date.
The “National Security & Investment Act 2021: Annual Report 2023-2024” published in September shows that the NSI system is continuing to run well and as intended. It demonstrates that we have the powers to protect sensitive sectors whilst continuing to support investment. Analysis to date has not found evidence of the Act affecting the total volume of investment into the UK.
The UK’s approach to investment screening is in line with many other countries, including our close allies. We continue to work closely with international partners to draw on global best practice.
The National Security and Investment (NSI) Act 2021 gives the Government power to scrutinise and intervene in acquisitions that may pose threats to national security, whilst also supporting secure and resilient growth. All sectors are within scope of the NSI Act, with acquisitions of entities related to 17 sensitive areas of the economy having to notify and receive approval from the Government before the acquisition can be completed.
The Government is taking a number of steps to ensure the continued effectiveness of the NSI Act.
The previous Government published a Call for Evidence in November 2023 and a response in April 2024. The Call for Evidence sought feedback from a wide range of stakeholders on the scope of the regime, the notification process and Government guidance and comms. The Government is currently considering its next steps, drawing on responses received.
The Government will review and produce a report on the mandatory notification areas under the NSI Act, as required by section 4 of the Notifiable Acquisitions Regulations 2021, before January 2025.
The Government will complete a Post-Implementation Review, as committed to in the NSI Act Impact Assessment, evaluating the effectiveness of the NSI Act. This is expected to be published in 2026.
The Government regularly engages with stakeholders on the NSI Act, including speaking events, meetings and feedback exercises.
The Government has published extensive guidance for businesses and investors. The NSI Act Market Guidance sets out what businesses and investors, including small and medium-sized businesses, need to be aware of and is available on GOV.UK. The guidance is kept under review to ensure it remains up to date.
The “National Security & Investment Act 2021: Annual Report 2023-2024” published in September shows that the NSI system is continuing to run well and as intended. It demonstrates that we have the powers to protect sensitive sectors whilst continuing to support investment. Analysis to date has not found evidence of the Act affecting the total volume of investment into the UK.
The UK’s approach to investment screening is in line with many other countries, including our close allies. We continue to work closely with international partners to draw on global best practice.
The Department has not undertaken a further economic impact assessment following the launch of the DCTS. The Scheme provides UK businesses with the opportunity to diversify supply chains and reduce import costs by sourcing from DCTS countries, which benefit from duty-free access on an average of 94% of goods exported to the UK. We routinely monitor trade flows and utilisation of the Scheme, which shows that over £16 billion in UK imports has benefitted from tariff savings since the DCTS launched in June 2023. We also welcome feedback from businesses and beneficiaries on the operation of the Scheme.
The Department has not undertaken a quantitative assessment of the future long-term tariff revenue impact of the DCTS. Before launching the DCTS, the Department estimated based on historical trade patterns, annual tariff savings of up to £770 million to UK imports, benefitting UK businesses and consumers. The Scheme's primary objective is to support trade-led growth and poverty reduction in developing countries. Any long-term impact on UK tariff revenue is expected to be modest and proportionate to the development benefits it delivers.
We are committed to our trading relationships across the continent of Africa, founded on partnerships and respect, to deliver mutual long-term benefit. Recent UK-Africa consultations demonstrated that African partners want increased trade with countries like the UK, and within the continent. Trade has the potential to drive growth. The UK provides duty-free, or virtually duty-free, market access for goods from 48 countries in Africa through our Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) and network of Economic Partnership Agreements. The UK also continues to support African partners to boost intra-African trade and prosperity through the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.
The Developing Countries Trading Scheme entered into force in June 2023 following thorough consultation and analysis. This included consultation with private sector stakeholders on UK market sensitivities. Seasonal tariffs were subsequently removed for four products (strawberries, cucumbers, artichokes, and wilkings) for imports from Enhanced Preferences countries. Where there is a risk to UK competitiveness, tariffs have been retained. The Government keeps trade preferences under review and may amend them in line with strategic trade priorities.
UK Export Finance (UKEF) support is conditional on the inclusion of UK content. This should usually be at least 20% of the portion of the support provided by UKEF. In this instance, UKEF has issued a guarantee to commercial lenders to help secure new export opportunities for the UK, which in turn support jobs across the UK, both in those businesses with which the project contracts directly, and in their supply chains. While there will be significant UK content, above the 20% threshold, we cannot comment on individual contracts for reasons of commercial sensitivity.
UKEF support is based on confirmed contracts for the provision of specialised services and components to support the construction project. UKEF is aware of several UK sub-contractors who are bidding for roles within the various construction contracts , but such selection is an ongoing process throughout the build phase.
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) tracks UK investment in various ways, including through its global network and central platform, DataHub, which monitors all Office for Investment (OfI) projects. This includes investments announced on 11 July during the UK-France Summit and the UK-France Industrial Strategy Partnership.
DRIVE35 will ensure the UK remains at the forefront of zero-emission vehicle manufacturing It will support the latest research and development, accelerate commercial scale up, and unlock capital investment in zero emission vehicles, batteries, and the wider supply chain. This will help in strengthening UK supply chain resilience, and boost competitiveness in the sector.
DRIVE35 is delivered through the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) and Innovate UK, part of UKRI.
DRIVE35 programme funding dispersed by the programme’s delivery partners is monitored in line with Cabinet Office Grant Functional Standards to ensure compliance with grant conditions and alignment with delivery requirements and the programme’s objectives. This includes undertaking effective assurance of the delivery activities undertaken by delivery partners.
DRIVE35 will ensure the UK remains at the forefront of zero-emission vehicle manufacturing. It will support the latest R&D in strategic vehicle technologies, accelerate their commercial scale-up, and unlock investment across all aspects of automotive electrification, enabling a holistic transition to next-generation electric vehicle technologies. All DRIVE35 competitions are open to SMEs.
Managing Public Money sets out expectations for all public services, including money spent procuring any goods and services. The standards are honesty, impartiality, openness, accountability, accuracy, fairness, integrity, transparency, objectivity, and reliability. All should be carried out in the spirit of, as well as to the letter of the law, in the public interest, to high ethical standards and achieving value for money.
It also sets out that there shall be adequate reporting arrangements to provide assurance to the board, the Accounting Officer and ultimately ministers about what is being achieved, to what standards and with what effect. Monitoring and evaluation are part of the development and planning of any intervention from the start. They are important to ensure successful implementation and the responsible, transparent management of public resources.
As stated in the public consultation document at the end of last month, the Government is considering plans that will allow Ministers to designate certain UK specific services, works or goods as nationally important to protecting UK national security - as part of our Plan for Change to secure Britain's future. The government is not inviting public consultation on this proposal but will engage with relevant national security stakeholders as necessary.
The £500 million programme of investment for entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups is a new initiative by the British Business Bank which has not yet opened for applications. This includes a £400m Investor Pathways Capital initiative, an addition of £50m in the Invest in Women Taskforce and an addition of £50m in the female-led funds that are aligned with the eight growth-driving sectors of the Industrial Strategy.
All Bank programmes, delivery partners and Fund Managers are subject to robust standards of monitoring, reporting, and independent evaluation with oversight by the Bank's investment committee and DBT. Performance of delivery partners is monitored, and the distribution of finance is tracked, including by diversity characteristics such as sex and ethnicity and a programme of early assessments, interim and final evaluations.
The £500 million programme of investment for entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups is a new initiative by the British Business Bank which has not yet opened for applications. This includes a £400m Investor Pathways Capital initiative, an addition of £50m in the Invest in Women Taskforce and an addition of £50m in the female-led funds that are aligned with the eight growth-driving sectors of the Industrial Strategy.
All Bank programmes, delivery partners and Fund Managers are subject to robust standards of monitoring, reporting, and independent evaluation with oversight by the Bank's investment committee and DBT. Performance of delivery partners is monitored, and the distribution of finance is tracked, including by diversity characteristics such as sex and ethnicity and a programme of early assessments, interim and final evaluations.
The new funding for entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups will be fairly distributed across the UK. Since the British Business Bank's founding, the Bank has backed businesses in all nations and regions of the UK, helping to deliver significant economic impacts.
The 10 Year Impact Report shows that 84% of the supported businesses have been based outside of London. The estimated GVA impact from the Bank's support reaches or exceeds £1bn in each and every nation and region. This is accompanied by tens of thousands of jobs being supported in each nation and region as well as boosting economically significant job creation.
Japan is an important economic partner, with more than 1,200 Japanese owned companies in the UK, supporting over 150,000 jobs across the UK
On 7 March, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds visited Tokyo for the inaugural UK-Japan Economic 2+2 Dialogue. The two Secretaries of State were accompanied by a UK business delegation and met representatives of Japanese business and industry
On 9 July, Minister for Investment Poppy Gustafsson travelled to Tokyo and met with Japanese businesses to support further Japanese investment into the UK. During the visit, Sumitomo Corporation announced its aim to facilitate £7.5 billion of investment into key UK infrastructure and clean energy projects by 2035. Department for Business and Trade officials are monitoring the implementation of these projects closely.
Japan is an important economic partner, with more than 1,200 Japanese owned companies in the UK, supporting over 150,000 jobs across the UK
On 7 March, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds visited Tokyo for the inaugural UK-Japan Economic 2+2 Dialogue. The two Secretaries of State were accompanied by a UK business delegation and met representatives of Japanese business and industry
On 9 July, Minister for Investment Poppy Gustafsson travelled to Tokyo and met with Japanese businesses to support further Japanese investment into the UK. During the visit, Sumitomo Corporation announced its aim to facilitate £7.5 billion of investment into key UK infrastructure and clean energy projects by 2035. Department for Business and Trade officials are monitoring the implementation of these projects closely.
As set out in the UK’s Trade Strategy, flexible trading arrangements and partnerships, such as the UK-Taiwan Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP), are a valuable part of our toolkit.
The Investment Pillar of the ETP, along with the Digital Trade and Energy & Net Zero Pillars, sets out commitments on our respective trade and investment environments and frameworks. Our cooperation through the ETP will support trade and investment across all sectors, especially in the growth driving sectors outlined in the Modern Industrial Strategy. In particular, we will be focusing our implementation activities on complementary strengths between the UK and Taiwan, including in Advanced Manufacturing, Offshore Wind and Digital Infrastructure.
My department will keep businesses informed as we work with Taiwan to deliver our commitments under the ETP.
As set out in the UK’s Trade Strategy, flexible trading arrangements and partnerships, such as the UK-Taiwan Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP), are a valuable part of our toolkit.
The Investment Pillar of the ETP, along with the Digital Trade and Energy & Net Zero Pillars, sets out commitments on our respective trade and investment environments and frameworks. Our cooperation through the ETP will support trade and investment across all sectors, especially in the growth driving sectors outlined in the Modern Industrial Strategy. In particular, we will be focusing our implementation activities on complementary strengths between the UK and Taiwan, including in Advanced Manufacturing, Offshore Wind and Digital Infrastructure.
My department will keep businesses informed as we work with Taiwan to deliver our commitments under the ETP.
In addition to its suite of products to help SMEs export, UK Export Finance (UKEF) has a network of Export Finance Managers (EFMs) around the whole of the UK who can provide information to exporters of all sizes on a range of subjects, including trading across a range of markets. The EFMs’ contact details can be found at: Find an Export Finance Manager - GOV.UK
The Department for Business and Trade maintains a strong relationship with Taiwan and in particular, a shared ambition to grow trade. The full range of UKEF products and services is available to support potential exporters to Taiwan, and for longer-term contracts, local currency financing is available. UKEF works with DBT officials based in the British Office in Taipei, and has supported many transactions in Taiwan in recent years, and on specifically on 10 July announced it is providing a guarantee for a major offshore wind farm. This will allow four exporters across the UK to secure contracts, and will support jobs across the UK’s renewable energy supply chain.
The Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act gives the Government the power to direct British Steel, and its workforce, to keep the blast furnaces running safely. Our priorities remain continuing production, stabilising operations and remedying critical health and safety issues.
Competition between British Steel and other UK producers is limited, as they typically manufacture different types of steel products and serve distinct markets. The intervention is narrowly targeted and temporary, aimed at safeguarding national capability rather than conferring a commercial advantage. An impact assessment will be published in due course, following Regulatory Policy Committee scrutiny.
During the development of the Special Measures Act my department ensured that the Government’s actions were and remain consistent with our obligations under international trade and subsidy control agreements. We remain mindful of those obligations as we work on determining the best long-term future for the company.
On 16 June, we announced concrete progress towards the implementation of the UK-US trade deal as agreed on 8 May.
The US Executive Order confirmed that the US will put in place the agreed quota for car exports to the US, reducing US tariffs from 27.5% to 10%. The UK will lay legislation to create our agreed beef and ethanol quotas in line with US implementation.
The government remains focused on making sure British businesses can secure the benefits of the deal as soon as possible.
The Economic Prosperity Deal and any implementing legislation will be presented to Parliament in due course.
On 16 June, we announced concrete progress towards the implementation of the UK-US trade deal as agreed on 8 May.
The US Executive Order confirmed that the US will put in place the agreed quota for car exports to the US, reducing US tariffs from 27.5% to 10%. The UK will lay legislation to create our agreed beef and ethanol quotas in line with US implementation.
The government remains focused on making sure British businesses can secure the benefits of the deal as soon as possible.
The Economic Prosperity Deal and any implementing legislation will be presented to Parliament in due course.
As part of the US deal, we have agreed new reciprocal market access on beef – with UK farmers given a guaranteed quota for 13,000 metric tonnes of beef exports at a very low tariff rate (for example, 4.4 cents per kg on many products).
For the first time ever, this will open up exclusive access for UK beef farmers to the US market. This is a major opportunity for British farmers to sell their high-quality British beef to a market of over 300 million people, helping farmers grow their business.
The Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement Joint Committee which met on 03/06/2025, did not include decisions specific to food and drinks exports; no assessment has therefore been made of its impact on food and drink exporters from Buckinghamshire.
The Joint Statement (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/australia-uk-free-trade-agreement-joint-committee-statement) issued following the committee provides an overview of the discussion undertaken as part of the Joint Committee.
The total value of UK exports of food and drink products to Australia was £429.5m in 2024, up 8.9% on 2023.
On 16 June the US confirmed that certain UK aerospace products will no longer be subject to US tariffs. This deal is a win for the UK's world-class aerospace sector which was facing additional 10% tariffs, helping make companies more competitive and allowing them to continue to be at the cutting edge of innovation. The removal of US tariffs helps suppliers continue to do business in the US and deliver growth in the UK.
The Small Business Commissioner has played a crucial role in helping small businesses get paid on time since the role was introduced in 2016. However, this Government is aware of the challenges that small businesses continue to face with regards to late payment.
The Government is committed to consulting on proposals that would increase the powers available to the Small Business Commissioner in order to improve its effectiveness in tackling late payments and poor payment practices. The consultation outcome will be published shortly.
My Department welcomes the opportunities that come from the Government’s recent announcements on trade arrangements with the USA, alongside those from our longstanding defence cooperation agreements, which support our growth ambitions. We work directly with British Industry and trade associations to provide appropriate support to UK business including the aerospace sector, to access opportunities, including at trade shows in the US and globally, such as the recent Paris Air Show and DSEI later this year.
Businesses in shallower finance markets outside London and the South East are less likely to be able to access growth capital, meaning high-potential businesses may be forced to relocate or else accept slower growth. The British Business Bank’s Nations and Regions Investment Funds help close the gap by providing finance for businesses to invest and grow across the UK, meaning the growth and jobs created by businesses benefit local communities. In the longer term, the Funds will create more dynamic ecosystems made up of investment-savvy business owners and private investors who know there are good investment propositions available.
The estimated equity finance gap (the difference between actual equity investment and potential equity investment) for all but established companies was £7.5 billion in 2021. [1] There is an equity finance gap in every region and nation of the UK; London has the largest absolute equity finance gap, while Yorkshire and Humber has the largest relative gap. [2] The British Business Bank is helping to close that gap through its Nations and Regions Investment Funds and the Regional Angels Programme, which also attract additional private investment for businesses outside London and the South East.
[1] Supporting Innovative Start-Up and Growing Businesses: Equity Finance Provision through the Pandemic: Interim Report by Marek Kacer, Nick Wilson :: SSRN (DBT commissioned and funded)
[2] Equity Finance and the UK Regions (BEIS research paper)
The British Business Bank's finance programmes, including the Start Up Loans scheme, help SMEs in Buckingham and Bletchley to access the finance they need.
Together with the Treasury, my department launched a call for evidence on SME access to finance to assess existing policies and identify barriers. The call aims to improve access to finance and support SME growth. We are considering the responses we have received and will announce further measures in due course.
The Department for Business and Trade works across Africa offering direct support to UK businesses looking to expand their business in the region. This includes a dedicated team that advises UK businesses entering markets about doing business and investment environment. DBT focuses on markets, sectors, and deals where the UK has a competitive edge.
The Government is taking forward a new Industrial Strategy Partnership with Japan to support all UK businesses, including those from Buckingham and Bletchley through joint initiatives in innovation, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing and furthering our economic security partnership in support of growth, jobs and access to essential goods and services needed for the UK's future prosperity.
The Government is also supporting businesses in taking advantage of the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership in a variety of ways, from online export guidance to events with local chambers and trade associations.
The Department for Business and Trade has significantly increased trade and investment opportunities for food and drink producers through several trade agreements, including the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and the UK-India Free Trade Agreement. These agreements will open new export markets for businesses in Buckinghamshire and across the UK.
Businesses can also benefit from the expanded Office for Investment, which will make it easier for top investors to work with government with the ability to originate and execute major deals, develop commercially attractive investment propositions in partnership with local political leaders and market the UK to investors around the world.
The UK-India FTA is estimated to increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion, and UK GDP by £4.8 billion each and every year in the long term.
As part of this agreement, India will cut tariffs on a number of advanced manufacturing goods such as automotives, electrical circuits, high-end optical products, and medical devices.
We will set out further information on the sectoral impacts of this agreement in our Impact Assessment.
The 2022 Qatar-UK Strategic Investment Partnership is a long-term framework through which the two countries collaborate across a number of key UK industries, creating jobs and growth through investment, including in sectors vital for clean growth and decarbonisation through technology and innovation. December 2024’s announcement from Qatar to invest £1bn in UK climate technology demonstrates the strength of the arrangement’s potential impact.
As part of the UK-UAE Sovereign Investment Partnership, the Office for Investment has worked with Emirati investors to explore investment opportunities across the UK and UAE investment can be found across the UK, driving growth and prosperity across key sectors to the mutual benefit of both countries.
These investments include offshore wind in Scotland and advanced material research in North-West England. An expanded Office for Investment is working to make the UK the first choice for investment and the best place in the world to do business, turning regional growth plans into clear and commercially credible pipelines of investment opportunities.