Asked by: Chris Law (Scottish National Party - Dundee Central)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many shipments under commodity code 87 10 00 00 were made to Israel since October 2023.
Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
DBT does not hold records of final exports of strategically controlled goods, and the fact that a licence is granted does not mean that an export takes place. For specific goods export data, you should refer to HMRC.
The Government has however published extensive information relating to export licensing decisions in relation to Israel. On 10 December, an ad hoc data release was published on ‘Export control licensing management information for Israel’ (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/export-control-licensing-management-information-for-israel/israel-export-control-licensing-data-6-december-2024https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/export-control-licensing-management-information-for-israel/israel-export-control-licensing-data-6-december-2024) which provides information on export licences to Israel to 6 December 2024.
Asked by: Chris Law (Scottish National Party - Dundee Central)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many shipments of military items have been made from the UK to Israel since October 2023.
Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
DBT does not hold records of final exports of strategically controlled goods, and the fact that a licence is granted does not mean that an export takes place. For specific goods export data, you should refer to HMRC.
The Government has however published extensive information relating to export licensing decisions in relation to Israel. On 10 December, an ad hoc data release was published on ‘Export control licensing management information for Israel’ (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/export-control-licensing-management-information-for-israel/israel-export-control-licensing-data-6-december-2024https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/export-control-licensing-management-information-for-israel/israel-export-control-licensing-data-6-december-2024) which provides information on export licences to Israel to 6 December 2024.
Asked by: Chris Law (Scottish National Party - Dundee Central)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many bullets has been shipped to Israel since October 2023.
Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
DBT does not hold records of final exports of strategically controlled goods, and the fact that a licence is granted does not mean that an export takes place. For specific goods export data, you should refer to HMRC.
The Government has however published extensive information relating to export licensing decisions in relation to Israel. On 10 December, an ad hoc data release was published on ‘Export control licensing management information for Israel’ (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/export-control-licensing-management-information-for-israel/israel-export-control-licensing-data-6-december-2024https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/export-control-licensing-management-information-for-israel/israel-export-control-licensing-data-6-december-2024) which provides information on export licences to Israel to 6 December 2024.
Asked by: Chris Law (Scottish National Party - Dundee Central)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for UK-Israel trade of Israel’s policies on (a) democratic principles and (b) human rights.
Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
The UK is a leading advocate for human rights around the world; we remain committed to the promotion of universal human rights. The UK Government urges all countries, including Israel, to adhere to democratic principles and uphold human rights in line with international law. We believe that having strong diplomatic and economic relationships with partners allows us to have frank discussions on important issues.
Asked by: Chris Law (Scottish National Party - Dundee Central)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has considered suspending the UK-Israel trade and partnership agreement.
Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
We believe that having strong diplomatic and economic relationships with partners allows us to have frank discussions on important issues. The UK Government continues to work with our allies and partners, including across the region, to find a path towards permanent peace.
Asked by: Chris Law (Scottish National Party - Dundee Central)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will meet with representatives from the Worker Support Centre to discuss reports of alleged non-payment of wages for workers on the Seasonal Worker Visa.
Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
We appreciate the valuable work the Worker Support Centre (WSC) does in supporting workers.
The Department acknowledges the challenges for seasonal workers published in the WSC’s Annual report.
I have asked officials to ensure that the WSC are given the opportunity to input their expertise as we move forward with the implementation of the Fair Work Agency.
Asked by: Chris Law (Scottish National Party - Dundee Central)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will meet with representatives from the Worker Support Centre to discuss their 2024 Annual Report, published on 14 February 2025.
Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
We appreciate the valuable work the Worker Support Centre (WSC) does in supporting workers.
The Department acknowledges the challenges for seasonal workers published in the WSC’s Annual report.
I have asked officials to ensure that the WSC are given the opportunity to input their expertise as we move forward with the implementation of the Fair Work Agency.
Asked by: Chris Law (Scottish National Party - Dundee Central)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, (a) when and (b) where the next round of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with Israel will take place.
Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
On 29 July 2024, the Secretary of State announced the Government’s intention to deliver negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council, India, Israel, South Korea, Switzerland, and Turkey. The Government continues its review of the objectives for these negotiations with Israel.
We welcome the 15 January 2025 announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Asked by: Chris Law (Scottish National Party - Dundee Central)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he plans to take with Cabinet colleagues to (a) engage and (b) consult with people with multiple sclerosis when developing new employment rights legislation.
Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
The Government has been clear that it will consult extensively with a wide range of stakeholders when developing new employment rights legislation. That will include those representing people with multiple sclerosis.
The Government has set out its immediate priorities for reforming employment law in the Plan to Make Work Pay. The Plan includes a number of measures which may help people with multiple sclerosis and other health conditions at work - including making sure people can benefit from flexible working and ensuring flexibility is a genuine default.
Asked by: Chris Law (Scottish National Party - Dundee Central)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he plans to take through new employment rights legislation to help tackle challenges for people with (a) multiple sclerosis and (b) other fluctuating conditions in the workplace.
Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
The Government has been clear that it will consult extensively with a wide range of stakeholders when developing new employment rights legislation. That will include those representing people with multiple sclerosis.
The Government has set out its immediate priorities for reforming employment law in the Plan to Make Work Pay. The Plan includes a number of measures which may help people with multiple sclerosis and other health conditions at work - including making sure people can benefit from flexible working and ensuring flexibility is a genuine default.