Asked by: Helen Maguire (Liberal Democrat - Epsom and Ewell)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of conducting a formal review of mandatory testing, clearer labelling and targeted restrictions on high-exposure plastic baby products.
Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Government takes the safety of baby products seriously and has robust regulations requiring that all products placed on the UK market are safe, with specific controls addressing chemical exposure from plastic baby products. These requirements are kept under review.
The Government's consultation on reforming the core Product Safety Framework closed on 23 June 2026. We are considering all feedback received including any evidence presented on the regulation of these products. The Government also launched a Call for Evidence on toy safety on 6 July, to ensure protections keep pace with emerging risks.
Asked by: Helen Maguire (Liberal Democrat - Epsom and Ewell)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department assessed the implications for the UK's sanctions policy of importing jet fuel from the Jamnagar refinery in India; and what assessment has he made of the UK's need for that fuel shipment; what consideration was given to alternative non-Russian-linked sources of supply; and on what basis any licence or authorisation relating to that shipment was approved.
Answered by Chris Bryant - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
On 20 May 2026, the UK introduced a new sanctions package to further target Russian revenues and degrade its ability to wage its illegal war in Ukraine and for the first time processed oil products refined from Russian crude in third countries have been banned. The UK Government published an Impact Assessment alongside the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2026, available on legislation.gov.uk.
Alongside this, a general trade licence, including for jet fuel processed in third countries from Russian crude, was issued to support a managed and phased implementation of complex restrictions, and to provide targeted, temporary flexibility to safeguard UK energy supply and global market stability.
The Government will continue to review the licence every two weeks. This involves continually assessing its impact on energy supply, market conditions and other relevant considerations, against our objective to revoke the licence as soon as is practicable. As part of this process, we have since set an end date of 1 January 2027.
The Secretary of State will consider each application for a trade licence on a case-by-case basis, with key consideration given to whether the proposed activity is consistent with the purposes of the sanctions as specified in Regulation 4 of the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. The Secretary of State must act within the statutory framework Parliament has approved, the licensing power is exercised in a targeted and proportionate way.
Asked by: Helen Maguire (Liberal Democrat - Epsom and Ewell)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how his Department is working with colleagues in the Government Equalities Office to support women working in the night time economy.
Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)
The Department for Business and Trade works across Government and with industry to support the hospitality and night-time economy, a major employer of women across the UK.
Through the Employment Rights Act, we are strengthening protections and improving job quality for workers, including women, across sectors like hospitality. This includes measures to tackle insecure work, enhance protections for those on low or variable hours, and ensure fairer working conditions. The Act also introduces stronger safeguards on workplace rights, including action on harassment and improved access to flexible working and family-related leave. Alongside regular engagement with sector bodies, these measures will help women access, remain and progress in good quality jobs across the night-time economy.
Additionally, the Government is committed to tackling violence against women and girls and improving safety in public spaces, including at night, through delivery of the Freedom from Violence and Abuse cross-government strategy, which brings together action across policing, public services, industry and communities.
Asked by: Helen Maguire (Liberal Democrat - Epsom and Ewell)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what alternatives are available for company directors unable to use One Login.
Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Individuals who are required to verify are encouraged to use GOV.UK One Login where possible. This offers several routes, including using photo ID, answering online security questions, or attending a Post Office with appropriate documents. Where an individual is unable to complete verification using any One Login route, they can instead use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), such as an accountant or solicitor, to verify their identity on their behalf. ACSPs must meet Companies House’s identity verification standard. Companies House also provides tailored support or reasonable adjustment.
Asked by: Helen Maguire (Liberal Democrat - Epsom and Ewell)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what alternatives are available for company directors unable to use One Login.
Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
Asked by: Helen Maguire (Liberal Democrat - Epsom and Ewell)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether the One Login programme is compliant with the National Cyber Security Centre's Cyber Assessment Framework.
Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
It has not proved possible to respond to the Hon Member in the time available before Prorogation.
Asked by: Helen Maguire (Liberal Democrat - Epsom and Ewell)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of regulatory or legislative measures to prevent private companies from unreasonably blocking the transfer of vested shares held by former employees.
Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Section 771 of the Companies Act 2006 requires companies to register a share transfer or provide reasons to the transferee for not doing so. Private companies’ articles of association, which must be approved by shareholders, may include provisions covering the secondary sale of shares. Such provisions may seek to balance the alignment of employee interests with the company’s long-term prospects while also considering the impact any restrictions have on employee share liquidity. In May 2025, the Government legislated to establish PISCES (Private Intermittent Securities and Capital Exchange System), the legal framework for a new type of stock exchange for private companies. PISCES makes private secondary markets more transparent and efficient, enabling employees, founders and early-stage investors to realise and reinvest their gains.
Asked by: Helen Maguire (Liberal Democrat - Epsom and Ewell)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the impact that restrictions on secondary sales of private company shares have on economic growth and new business creation.
Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Section 771 of the Companies Act 2006 requires companies to register a share transfer or provide reasons to the transferee for not doing so. Private companies’ articles of association, which must be approved by shareholders, may include provisions covering the secondary sale of shares. Such provisions may seek to balance the alignment of employee interests with the company’s long-term prospects while also considering the impact any restrictions have on employee share liquidity. In May 2025, the Government legislated to establish PISCES (Private Intermittent Securities and Capital Exchange System), the legal framework for a new type of stock exchange for private companies. PISCES makes private secondary markets more transparent and efficient, enabling employees, founders and early-stage investors to realise and reinvest their gains.
Asked by: Helen Maguire (Liberal Democrat - Epsom and Ewell)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to support start-up businesses.
Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The government is committed to supporting start-up businesses through the Small Business Plan - the most comprehensive package of support for small and medium sized businesses in a generation.
This includes the most significant legislative reforms in 25 years to tackle late payments; unlocking billions of pounds in finance to support start-ups; removing unnecessary red tape; revitalising High Streets and boosting Digital and AI Adoption among small businesses.
The Business Growth Service helps start-ups access tailored support at every stage of their growth journey. Business Surrey offers free accessible business advice and support at all stages of a business journey.
Asked by: Helen Maguire (Liberal Democrat - Epsom and Ewell)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to inform start-ups about alternative finance, including the use of liquidity, to help promote growth.
Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The growth of non-bank lenders over the past decade means that over two thirds (68%) of overall SME lending in 2025 came from either challenger and specialist banks or non-bank lenders. Alternative finance options include asset-backed lending, invoice finance and merchant finance. The British Business Bank’s finance hub at https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/business-guidance has comprehensive information on these options.
The government’s Business Growth Service provides start-ups with information on all aspects of growing a business, including access to finance, and can be accessed at https://www.business.gov.uk or by telephone.