Clive Jones Portrait

Clive Jones

Liberal Democrat - Wokingham

8,345 (15.5%) majority - 2024 General Election

First elected: 4th July 2024

Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Trade)

(since September 2024)

Clive Jones is not a member of any APPGs
Bank Resolution (Recapitalisation) Bill [HL]
5th Feb 2025 - 11th Feb 2025


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Clive Jones has voted in 113 divisions, and never against the majority of their Party.
View All Clive Jones Division Votes

Debates during the 2024 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Lucy Powell (Labour (Co-op))
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
(14 debate interactions)
Lindsay Hoyle (Speaker)
(8 debate interactions)
Jim McMahon (Labour (Co-op))
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
(6 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Department for Business and Trade
(32 debate contributions)
Department of Health and Social Care
(24 debate contributions)
Department for Work and Pensions
(15 debate contributions)
Cabinet Office
(12 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Clive Jones's debates

Wokingham Petitions

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).

Petition Debates Contributed

Prevent independent schools from having to pay VAT on fees and incurring business rates as a result of new legislation.


Latest EDMs signed by Clive Jones

31st March 2025
Clive Jones signed this EDM on Thursday 3rd April 2025

Humanitarian response to the Myanmar earthquake

Tabled by: Monica Harding (Liberal Democrat - Esher and Walton)
That this House offers its deepest condolences to the people of Myanmar and Thailand after the devastating earthquake and tragic loss of life; recognises the work done by responders to rescue survivors from rubble, deliver food and provide urgent medical assistance; welcomes the Government’s announcement of a £10 million package …
35 signatures
(Most recent: 4 Apr 2025)
Signatures by party:
Liberal Democrat: 26
Plaid Cymru: 4
Independent: 2
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
Labour: 1
Green Party: 1
19th March 2025
Clive Jones signed this EDM as a sponsor on Monday 31st March 2025

International Space Station

Tabled by: Alex Brewer (Liberal Democrat - North East Hampshire)
That this House congratulates John McFall of North East Hampshire constituency for becoming the first person with a physical disability to be cleared to fly to the International Space Station; notes that the UK and Europe are leading the way in their commitment to open opportunities for all; celebrates John’s …
7 signatures
(Most recent: 31 Mar 2025)
Signatures by party:
Liberal Democrat: 6
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
View All Clive Jones's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Clive Jones, 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.


Clive Jones has not been granted any Urgent Questions

Clive Jones has not been granted any Adjournment Debates

1 Bill introduced by Clive Jones


A Bill to require the Secretary of State to publish a ten-year cancer strategy for England; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Monday 21st October 2024
Next Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 4th July 2025
Order Paper number: 2
(Likely to be Debated)

Clive Jones has not co-sponsored any Bills in the current parliamentary sitting


Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
13th Mar 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what estimate the UK Statistics Authority has made of the number of life science businesses in Wokingham constituency in (a) 2019, (b) 2020, (c) 2021, (d) 2022, (e) 2023 and (f) 2024; and which constituency in (i) England, (ii) the South East and (iii) Berkshire has the most life science businesses.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon gentleman or lady Parliamentary Question of 12th March is attached.

Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
7th Mar 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what estimate the UK Statistics Authority has made of the number of pubs in Wokingham constituency in January (a) 2019, (b) 2020, (c) 2021, (d) 2022, (e) 2023, (f) 2024 and (g) 2025; and which constituency in (a) England, (b) the South East and (c) Berkshire has the most pubs.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of 7th March is attached.

Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
21st Feb 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what estimate the UK Statistics Authority has made of the number of small businesses in Wokingham constituency in January (a) 2021, (b) 2022, (c) 2023, (d) 2024 and (e) 2025.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of 21st February is attached.

Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
13th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what (a) oversight and (b) governance procedures will prospective US-UK trade negotiations be subject to from (i) Parliament and (ii) external stakeholders.

Any treaty signed between the UK and the US that requires ratification will be subject to the scrutiny procedure under the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010. The CRaG process requires that a treaty, along with an Explanatory Memorandum, be laid before Parliament for 21 joint sitting days before the treaty can be ratified.

The Government will engage with external stakeholders, and it will also provide comprehensive information with Parliament, including negotiating objectives, in line with our commitment to a transparent trade policy.

The Government will work with relevant select committees to ensure proper parliamentary scrutiny of any trade negotiations between the UK and the US.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
13th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what are the criteria by which it would be determined whether any prospective trade treaty between the UK and the US that does not deal with substantially all trade would be subject to scrutiny under the Constitutional Reform and Government Act 2010.

Part 2 of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 is the statutory framework for the parliamentary scrutiny of all legally binding international agreements, regardless of the extent to which the relevant international agreement deals with trade, either substantially or in part. The criteria for an international agreement being subject to the provisions of the Act is set out in sections 23 and 25 of the Act.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
13th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department plans to publish a Strategic Approach document for prospective US trade negotiations.

As the Prime Minister said on 27 February, we’ve decided to work with the United States on a new economic deal with advanced technology at its core. We will set out more details as discussions evolve.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
10th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what representations he has made to the (a) US Department of Commerce and (b) Office of the US Trade Representative on (i) digital services tax, (ii) value added tax and (iii) other regulatory issues relevant to the US proposals for reciprocal tariffs.

The Secretary of State has been having regular, constructive conversations with the US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, to make the case for stronger UK-US trade that benefits both our countries.

We will continue to work with the US and highlight the importance of free and open trade, and we will always do what is in the national interest for our economy, businesses and the British people.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
10th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the end of the US tariff rate quota on UK steel and aluminium exports from 12 March 2025 on (a) economic growth and (b) levels of exports in quarter (i) one and (ii) two of 2025.

My Department continues to engage closely with the industries affected by the US’ termination of its tariff rate quotas on steel and aluminium and to assess the potential impact on UK exports. We are resolute in our support for the UK steel and aluminium industry, which is vital to the UK economy. We have committed up to £2.5 billion to rebuild the steel sector. Our upcoming Steel Strategy will be published in the Spring. We will continue to make the case for a UK exemption to these tariffs.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
10th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent discussions he has had with his Indian counterpart on free trade negotiations with that country.

The Business and Trade Secretary travelled to New Delhi in February where he engaged closely with his counterpart, Minister Goyal, to relaunch and progress negotiations towards a deal that delivers on our mutual interests of economic growth.

Following from this they are continuing to work together closely to direct negotiating teams, capitalise on the positive momentum, and secure a deal that strengthens our trade and investment relationship.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
10th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the Harrington Review of Foreign Direct Investment, published on 22 November 2023, what recent progress his Department has made on implementing (a) the recommendation on a concierge service for new investors and (b) other recommendations.

The Government is continuing to deliver on the recommendations set out in the Harrington Review. That includes launching our new, modern Industrial Strategy, that will set out our vision for growth. In parallel, we are expanding the Office for Investment (OfI) which will continue to provide a concierge service for strategically important businesses and investors, with additional commercial capability, and will have a presence across the country, to work with Mayors and Devolved Administrations so that investors have access to the most attractive and commercially credible opportunities in our nations and regions.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many meetings Ministers in his Department had with trade bodies on the EU Regulation on General Product Safety before those regulations came into force.

Ministerial colleagues and I regularly engage with businesses and business representative organisations. Further, officials in my Department have been in contact with businesses and trade bodies in anticipation of the EU GPSR's entry into force and continue to engage with them. This allows businesses to raise questions directly with the Government.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
21st Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many meetings Ministers in his Department had on the EU Regulation on General Product Safety before those regulations came into force.

Ministerial colleagues and I regularly engage with businesses and business representative organisations. Further, officials in my Department have been in contact with businesses and trade bodies in anticipation of the EU GPSR's entry into force and continue to engage with them. This allows businesses to raise questions directly with the Government.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
21st Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has made an impact assessment for the EU Regulation on General Product Safety.

Our assessment of the impact of the updated GPSR remains that it largely formalises how businesses are operating in the UK and that where businesses need to make changes, in most cases, they are already adapting to continue trading with the EU. The measures are therefore likely to have limited impact in practice. We have provided guidance, which we will keep under review, and are engaging businesses directly to ensure they are supported to trade freely across the UK and with the EU.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
21st Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how much his Department has spent on increasing awareness of the EU Regulation on General Product Safety.

The Department has received more than 500 queries on the new GPSR since June 2024, with the majority coming in December 2024. Officials have responded to these queries in a timely manner.

Government has been raising awareness of the regulation through its own channels as well as through trusted stakeholders, which falls under standard operating costs for the Department. We have published guidance on GPSR in Northern Ireland, which we will keep under review, and continue to engage directly with businesses.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
21st Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many enquiries his Department has received on the EU Regulation on General Product Safety in each month between June 2024 and January 2025.

The Department has received more than 500 queries on the new GPSR since June 2024, with the majority coming in December 2024. Officials have responded to these queries in a timely manner.

Government has been raising awareness of the regulation through its own channels as well as through trusted stakeholders, which falls under standard operating costs for the Department. We have published guidance on GPSR in Northern Ireland, which we will keep under review, and continue to engage directly with businesses.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
21st Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how much time staff in his Department have spent dealing with enquiries on the EU Regulation on General Product Safety in each month between June 2024 and January 2025.

The Department has received more than 500 queries on the new GPSR since June 2024, with the majority coming in December 2024. Officials have responded to these queries in a timely manner.

Government has been raising awareness of the regulation through its own channels as well as through trusted stakeholders, which falls under standard operating costs for the Department. We have published guidance on GPSR in Northern Ireland, which we will keep under review, and continue to engage directly with businesses.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
3rd Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, which groups his Department will consult for its biennial monitoring reports on the (a) UK-Australia and (b) UK-New Zealand free trade agreements.

The Department for Business and Trade engages with and recognises the need to understand a range of stakeholder perspectives in its aims to monitor Free Trade Agreements, including Australia and New Zealand.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
3rd Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, which parts of the (a) UK-Australia and (b) UK-New Zealand trade agreements will be monitored as part of the biennial monitoring reports on those treaties.

The Department is currently considering our approach to FTA monitoring, and we will provide an update on this in due course to align with the Trade Strategy.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
17th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to provide employment protections for (a) young cancer patients and (b) their families.

It is important that people with cancer are supported to return to, or remain in work, if that is what they choose to do. Workers with cancer and their carers are protected from employment discrimination under the Equality Act 2010. Their family members or friends may also be entitled to up to a week of unpaid carer’s leave to support them. We are reviewing implementation of carer’s leave and are exploring whether additional support may be needed.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
12th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of EU Regulation on General Product Safety (2023/988) on small businesses.

The updated GPSR largely formalises how many businesses are already operating in the UK and the measures are therefore likely to have limited impact. However, we understand that for some businesses, the regulation will require changes, and we take any concerns very seriously.

Government is supporting small businesses to understand the regulation. We have published guidance on GPSR in Northern Ireland, which we will keep under review, and we are continuing to engage directly with businesses. Firms exporting to the EU should note that EU guidance is now available and may also wish to contact the Government’s Export Support Service.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
12th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department has taken to support small businesses with meeting the requirements of the EU Regulation on General Product Safety (2023/988).

The updated GPSR largely formalises how many businesses are already operating in the UK and the measures are therefore likely to have limited impact. However, we understand that for some businesses, the regulation will require changes, and we take any concerns very seriously.

Government is supporting small businesses to understand the regulation. We have published guidance on GPSR in Northern Ireland, which we will keep under review, and we are continuing to engage directly with businesses. Firms exporting to the EU should note that EU guidance is now available and may also wish to contact the Government’s Export Support Service.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
12th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make it his policy to include human rights clauses in trade agreements.

The UK is a leading advocate for human rights around the world. This work takes place separately to negotiations on Free Trade Agreements.

While aspects of trade policy can provide the opportunity to address other issues in our bilateral relationships, Free Trade Agreements are not generally the most effective or targeted tool to advance human rights issues.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
12th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 31 October 2024 on Question 11149 on Trade Agreements: Parliamentary Scrutiny, if he will announce his plans for scrutiny arrangements of trade deals prior to the conclusion of the negotiations of those deals.

The Government will continue to fulfil commitments set out under the current scrutiny framework for free trade agreements (FTAs).

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
12th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 11 November 2024 to Question 12540 on Trade Agreements: Gulf Cooperation Council, whether his Department has made an assessment of the extent to which the supply chains of Gulf Cooperation Council member states use forced labour.

The UK remains committed to eradicating forced labour in global supply chains, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 8.7, and commitments made through the G7. No company should have forced labour in its supply chains.

Trade deals like the UK-GCC FTA will be aligned with the trade and industrial strategies. This Government is committed to working with international partners to ensure global supply chains are free from human and labour rights abuses.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
12th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 28 October 2024 to Question 10718 on Trade Agreements, whether he plans to include labour rights protections in prospective trade agreements.

The Government will protect our labour standards in new trade agreements. To date, we have secured chapters on labour in FTAs with Australia and New Zealand, and within CPTPP. The UK also has labour provisions in a range of other agreements.  We will continue to work internationally to strengthen workers’ rights and enhance labour standards globally.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
12th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to his Answer on 24 October 2024 to Question 8573 on Trade, if he will publish his trade strategy prior to the conclusion of trade negotiations.

As recently outlined in the Chancellors budget, we intend to publish the Trade Strategy in the Spring.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
12th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 28 October 2024 to Question 10718 on Trade Agreements, what opportunities he plans to provide to parliamentarians to scrutinise proposed free trade agreements.

As well as meeting our statutory obligations under CRaG, the Government will continue to provide additional information and time to support parliamentary scrutiny of FTAs. This includes running a call for evidence on proposed new negotiations, publishing negotiating objectives and publishing regular updates throughout negotiations. Following signature of a new FTA, the Government will publish the full treaty text along with an Impact Assessment and explanatory memorandum and allow a reasonable period of time for Parliament to consider the agreement before commencing the formal CRaG scrutiny period.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
5th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make it his policy to increase the variety of ownership amongst large breweries in the public sector.

The Government recognises that competition drives better consumer outcomes, productivity, innovation and, ultimately, economic growth. The Competition and Markets Authority is the UK’s independent competition authority charged with upholding and promoting competition.

The Government wants to work with the hospitality industry, including the pub sector, to identify the barriers to brewers accessing their local markets, particularly where there is consumer demand, for example in tourist areas, and to look at options for overcoming those barriers.

Through the Hospitality Sector Council, we are addressing strategic issues for the sector related to high street regeneration, skills, sustainability, and productivity.

Gareth Thomas
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
5th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to increase competition in the (a) pub and (b) breweries sector in Wokingham constituency.

The Government recognises that competition drives better consumer outcomes, productivity, innovation and, ultimately, economic growth. The Competition and Markets Authority is the UK’s independent competition authority charged with upholding and promoting competition.

The Government wants to work with the hospitality industry, including the pub sector, to identify the barriers to small brewers accessing their local markets, particularly where there is consumer demand, for example in tourist areas, and to look at options for overcoming those barriers. The Government will also consult on ways to encourage small brewers to retain and expand their access to UK pubs, maximising drinkers’ choice and local economies, including through provisions to enable more ‘guest beers’

Through the Hospitality Sector Council, we are addressing strategic issues for the sector related to high street regeneration, skills, sustainability, and productivity.

Gareth Thomas
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
5th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to help promote the growth of independent brewers in Wokingham constituency.

The government will consult on ways to ensure that independent brewers can retain and expand their access to UK pubs, and maximise drinkers’ choice, including through provisions to enable ‘guest beers’.

In recognition of the economic and cultural importance of pubs, and the wider “on trade”, the Government is reducing alcohol duty on qualifying draught products – approximately 60% of the alcoholic drinks sold in pubs. This represents an overall reduction in duty bills of over £85m a year.

This Government remains committed to helping small businesses and independent brewers thrive and will be publishing our Small Business Strategy next year. This will set out our vision for all small businesses, from boosting scale-ups to growing the co-operative economy. Support is also available via the Business Support Service, Gov.uk and the network of local Growth Hubs across England. The Government-backed British Business Bank also improves access to finance to help businesses grow.

Businesses who want to start exporting or expand into new markets can access support through our digital GREAT.gov.uk platform and Export Support Service. We are supporting businesses to build their exporting knowledge and capability through our online Export Academy programme and series of ‘peer to peer’ networking events around the UK.

Additionally, The Department for Business and Trade has a network of international trade advisers offering one to one support across England including Wokingham where we directly support three local craft breweries in the area.

Gareth Thomas
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
4th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will include dispute settlement mechanisms on (a) human rights and (b) labour into any Free Trade Agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council.

We do not comment on the details of live negotiations.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
4th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of a Free Trade Agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council on human rights in member states of that council.

We’re proud of the UK’s role as a leading human rights advocate worldwide. This work takes place separately to trade negotiations, but growing our trading relationships is one way to promote British values abroad while boosting our economy. The GCC is an economically and strategically important group of countries and an ambitious trade deal is firmly in the UK’s national interest, helping to achieve the highest sustained growth in the G7.

Strengthening our trading relationships increases UK influence, enabling open discussions with partners on a range of issues. Our close relationship with our partners in the Gulf allows us to discuss important issues such as human rights at official and Ministerial level.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
4th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, for what reason his Department is pursuing a multilateral free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council rather than bilateral agreements with the member states.

The UK and GCC Member States have agreed to negotiate a GCC-wide FTA, reflecting the opportunities this presents to increase trade and investment with all parties. The GCC is equivalent to the UK’s 9th largest trading partner.

During the Call for Input launched in advance of negotiations and subsequently, businesses and stakeholders expressed a preference for a UK-GCC FTA. An FTA will enable UK businesses to benefit from preferential access with all six GCC markets, unlocking new opportunities and giving them an advantage over international competitors.

We are committed to further deepening the bilateral trade and investment relationship through formal and informal dialogue with Gulf partners.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
31st Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether UK Export Finance is taking steps to support companies in Wokingham constituency sell their goods and services overseas.

In its role as the UK’s export credit agency, UK Export Finance has a range of products designed to support exporters or businesses with export potential. In 2023/24, UKEF provided £8.8 billion in support for UK exports, including the extension of a £200,000 General Export Facility for a company based in Wokingham. UKEF’s full product suite can be found at: www.ukexportfinance.gov.uk/products-and-services/.

UKEF also has a network of export finance managers around the whole country who are valuable points of contact for local businesses and can provide information on the range of support available. Contact details for the EFMs can be found at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/find-an-export-finance-manager.

Businesses in Wokingham and across the country seeking to sell overseas can also access support from the Department and Business and Trade, such as our network of International Trade Advisors and guidance on GREAT.GOV.UK

Gareth Thomas
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
30th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent assessment he has made of the potential economic impact of a free trade agreement with India on the egg industry in the UK.

The first mission of this Government is to drive economic growth, Free Trade Agreements have a critical role to play in delivering that mission.

The Secretary of State announced the Government’s intention to deliver the UK’s Free Trade Agreement programme, including India in July 2024. Our trade programme is driven by stakeholder engagement, including with egg producers and their representative organisations.

In line with our parliamentary commitments, we will publish an independently scrutinised Impact Assessment once the agreement has been signed which will cover the economic impacts of the deal.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
24th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 17 October 2024 to Question 8571 on Trade Agreements: Parliamentary Scrutiny, what options he is considering for wider scrutiny arrangements for trade agreements.

The Government is considering all aspects of this issue. All arrangements must be proportionate and in line with the UK’s overarching constitutional framework. We need to balance effective parliamentary scrutiny whilst still ensuring the Government can negotiate effectively in the UK’s best interest.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
21st Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make it his policy to negotiate mutual recognition of conformity assessment results between the European Union and the United Kingdom.

This Government is committed to working with the EU to identify areas where we can strengthen cooperation for mutual benefit and realise the potential of the UK-EU relationship by tackling unnecessary barriers to trade to support growth in the UK and Europe.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
21st Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make it his policy to foster collaboration between (a) UK regulatory authorities and (b) relevant EU agencies on (i) expertise, (ii) data and (iii) best practices for manufactured goods (A) regulation and (B) safety.

This Government values strong UK-EU trading relations and recognises the importance of regulatory cooperation to maximising the benefits from our trade relationship, including ensuring consumer safety. The UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) provides a basis for cooperation in respect of manufactured goods. The TCA's sectoral working groups facilitate mutual information exchange and discussion of regulatory developments in motor vehicles and parts, medicinal and organic products. This Government is also committed to advancing discussions on systematic exchange of data on unsafe non-food products as outlined in the TCA and looks forward to exploring further opportunities for UK-EU collaboration.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
21st Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of maintaining regulatory alignment with the European Union.

The Government continues to follow EU regulatory developments with interest and engages regularly with the EU on key regulatory developments, including through TCA structures such as the Trade Specialised Committees. I can confirm that my officials will consider the impact of UK regulatory changes through impact assessments or proportionate analysis.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
21st Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make it his policy to require the Board of Trade to produce an annual trade report which assesses the UK's trade policy developments.

The Department for Business and Trade is currently reviewing the Board of Trade and a decision on appointments and future direction of the Board will be made soon.

Gareth Thomas
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
10th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he plans to take to ensure that Parliament has meaningful powers to (a) scrutinise trade negotiations as they progress and (b) (i) debate and (ii) vote on trade treaties ahead of ratification.

The Government is committed to supporting parliamentary scrutiny of the UK’s trade agreements, balancing the need for robust scrutiny with the need to ensure we can negotiate effectively in the UK’s best interests.

Free trade agreements are subject to parliamentary scrutiny under the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010, prior to ratification.

The Department for Business and Trade is currently considering wider scrutiny arrangements for trade agreements, to ensure they are fit for purpose.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
10th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, which stakeholders his Department plans to consult during the development of his proposed trade strategy.

We recognise the importance of stakeholder engagement, which will play a crucial role in the development of the trade strategy. We will share further details on stakeholders' involvement in due course.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
10th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he plans to make the strengthening of UK climate commitments a priority during the negotiation of free trade agreements.

This Government is committed to being an international leader on environmental issues, including tackling climate change, achieving net zero and delivering growth.

The FTAs with Australia, New Zealand and CPTPP include binding commitments such as non-derogation from their environmental laws, and affirm international environment and climate commitments including the Paris Agreement. The UK is committed to promoting high environmental standards and deepening cooperation with trade partners on climate and environment issues.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
4th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to support the construction industry in (a) Berkshire and (b) the UK.

Our priorities to support growth and investment in the construction sector across the UK include: maximising economic benefits of HMG investment in construction and infrastructure; helping industry become more productive and sustainable, encouraging adoption of new technologies, decarbonisation and greater investment in its workforce; working to improve the business environment including payment practices; and supporting trade and investment in construction products and services.

The Government is working with the construction industry to build capacity and capability to deliver its infrastructure and built environment commitments. The introduction of Skills England will be crucial to providing high quality training for construction workers.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
3rd Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on data sharing to identify households eligible for energy social tariffs.

The department is working closely with other government departments, including the Department for Work and Pensions, to understand how we can better use and share data to better target support at customers that need help. I am also leading a working group with Energy UK and other stakeholders to consider how we can take further sustained action on improving affordability and accessibility of energy.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
28th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing (a) VAT reductions or grants and (b) other financial incentives to encourage the adoption of heat battery technology in UK households as part of the Government’s Warm Homes Plan.

VAT treatment is the responsibility of the Treasury, and they keep all taxes under review. Installations of qualifying energy-saving materials (ESMs) can benefit from zero rated VAT, until April 2027, and the Department continues to engage with the Treasury and HMRC regarding ESMs.

Heat batteries are a promising technology but they are also less efficient than heat pumps and will use more energy to meet the same heating demand. We will continue to review our position on heat batteries in Government grant programmes as the supporting evidence base develops, through studies like the Homes for Net Zero Trial.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
28th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to improve public awareness and consumer advice on the benefits of heat battery technology as part of the Government’s Warm Homes Plan.

Heat batteries are a promising technology because they utilise time-of-use tariffs, do not require outside space, and can be cheaper to install than heat pumps in some circumstances. However, they are also less efficient than heat pumps and will therefore use more energy to meet the same heating demand.

The Department is exploring, through studies like the Homes for Net Zero Trial, the role heat batteries could play in the future. We will continue to review our position on heat batteries as the supporting evidence base develops.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
28th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential contribution of heat battery technology to the Warm Homes Plan; and what steps he is taking to support the (a) development and (b) deployment of heat batteries in domestic heating systems.

Heat batteries are a promising technology because they utilise time-of-use tariffs, do not require outside space, and can be cheaper to install than heat pumps in some circumstances. However, they are also less efficient than heat pumps and will therefore use more energy to meet the same heating demand.

The Department is exploring, through studies like the Homes for Net Zero Trial, the role heat batteries could play in the future. We will continue to review our position on heat batteries as the supporting evidence base develops.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
28th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of heat batteries on (a) peak electricity demand and (b) grid flexibility in the UK energy system.

Heat batteries are a promising technology because they utilise time-of-use tariffs and do not require outside space. However, they are also less efficient than heat pumps and will therefore use more energy to meet the same heating demand, which could impact peak electricity demand


The Department is exploring, through studies like the Homes for Net Zero Trial, the role heat batteries could play in the future.

Kerry McCarthy
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)