Liam Byrne Portrait

Liam Byrne

Labour - Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North

1,566 (4.6%) majority - 2024 General Election

First elected: 15th July 2004


Liaison Sub-Committee on National Policy Statements
18th Oct 2023 - 30th May 2024
Liaison Sub-Committee on Scrutiny of Strategic Thinking in Government
19th Dec 2023 - 30th May 2024
National Security Strategy (Joint Committee)
15th Jan 2024 - 30th May 2024
Business and Trade Sub-Committee on National Security and Investment
18th Oct 2023 - 30th May 2024
Liaison Committee (Commons)
18th Oct 2023 - 30th May 2024
Business and Trade Committee
18th Oct 2023 - 30th May 2024
Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation Bill
1st May 2024 - 8th May 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee
5th Jan 2022 - 28th Nov 2023
Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill
19th Oct 2022 - 29th Nov 2022
Committees on Arms Export Controls
25th Jan 2022 - 27th Nov 2022
Shadow Minister (Digital, Culture, Media and Sport) (Digital Economy)
17th Jul 2017 - 10th Apr 2020
International Trade Committee
31st Oct 2016 - 3rd May 2017
Shadow Minister (Business, Innovation and Skills)
7th Oct 2013 - 12th Sep 2015
Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
20th Jan 2011 - 7th Oct 2013
Shadow Minister (Cabinet Office)
8th Oct 2010 - 20th Jan 2011
Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury
12th May 2010 - 8th Oct 2010
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
6th Jun 2009 - 6th May 2010
Minister for the Cabinet Office and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
3rd Oct 2008 - 5th Jun 2009
Minister of State (Regional Affairs) (West Midlands)
29th Jun 2007 - 6th Oct 2008
Minister of State (Home Office) (Borders and Immigration)
28th Jun 2007 - 3rd Oct 2008
Minister of State (HM Treasury) (also in the Home Office)
25th Jan 2008 - 3rd Oct 2008
Minister of State (Home Office) (Immigration and Asylum)
9th May 2007 - 28th Jun 2007
Minister of State (Home Office) (Immigration, Citizenship and Nationality)
22nd May 2006 - 8th May 2007
Minister of State (Home Office)
5th May 2006 - 22nd May 2006
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health) (Care Services)
10th May 2005 - 5th May 2006
European Scrutiny Committee
22nd Feb 2005 - 11th Apr 2005


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Liam Byrne has voted in 59 divisions, and 1 time against the majority of their Party.

29 Nov 2024 - Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill - View Vote Context
Liam Byrne voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 147 Labour No votes vs 234 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 330 Noes - 275
View All Liam Byrne 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
Lindsay Hoyle (Speaker)
(5 debate interactions)
Jonathan Reynolds (Labour (Co-op))
President of the Board of Trade
(4 debate interactions)
Nusrat Ghani (Conservative)
(4 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Department for Business and Trade
(11 debate contributions)
Department for Work and Pensions
(3 debate contributions)
Cabinet Office
(2 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
Legislation Debates
Liam Byrne has not made any spoken contributions to legislative debate
View all Liam Byrne's debates

Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North 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).

Petitions with highest Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North signature proportion
Open
3,409
of 2,999,239 signatures (0.11%)
Petitions with most Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North signatures
Liam Byrne has not participated in any petition debates

Latest EDMs signed by Liam Byrne

18th November 2024
Liam Byrne signed this EDM as a sponsor on Thursday 21st November 2024

50th anniversary of the Birmingham pub bombings

Tabled by: Jim Allister (Traditional Unionist Voice - North Antrim)
That this House notes with real sadness the 50th anniversary of the Birmingham Pub Bombings which took place on 21 November 1974 in which 21 people were killed and 220 injured, the most deadly terrorist attack on British soil and largest unsolved mass murder; further notes that it is widely …
11 signatures
(Most recent: 16 Dec 2024)
Signatures by party:
Democratic Unionist Party: 4
Labour: 3
Conservative: 2
Traditional Unionist Voice: 1
Independent: 1
16th November 2023
Liam Byrne signed this EDM on Monday 19th February 2024

Council budgets and audits

Tabled by: Helen Morgan (Liberal Democrat - North Shropshire)
That this House notes with concern the increase in the number of councils struggling to meet the costs of temporary accommodation, Special Educational Needs and Disability services and social care; recognises the importance of local councils’ services in providing essential support for vulnerable individuals and their families; notes with concern …
17 signatures
(Most recent: 19 Feb 2024)
Signatures by party:
Liberal Democrat: 7
Labour: 5
Independent: 4
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
View All Liam Byrne's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Liam Byrne, 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.


Liam Byrne has not been granted any Urgent Questions

Liam Byrne has not been granted any Adjournment Debates

1 Bill introduced by Liam Byrne


A Bill to require the Secretary of State to publish proposals for increasing the on-lending of UK Special Drawing Rights via the IMF, for transferring the capital returned to the UK by the European Investment Bank to the World Bank, and for increasing the UK’s support for the African Development Bank, for the purpose of reducing debt burdens and the cost of capital and contributing to the implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Wednesday 28th June 2023
(Read Debate)

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
16th Dec 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the written statement of 18 April 2024 on Economic Security, HCWS415, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of targeted exemptions from the mandatory notification requirements of the National Security and Investment Act 2021.

The National Security and Investment (NSI) Act has an important role to play in ensuring businesses in the UK can thrive and access vital investment without compromising our national security. We are therefore considering the responses to the previous Government’s Call for Evidence and reflecting on our own experiences of making decisions in the NSI system over the past six months.

Abena Oppong-Asare
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
13th Dec 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 4 November 2024 to Question 11837 on Integrated Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy Review, what plans he has to (a) engage and (b) inform Parliament on each review.

In relation to my answer of 4 November 2024 to Question 11837, decisions about parliamentary engagement are matters for the relevant department owners of each review.

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster committed to a review of UK national resilience in his statement to the House of Commons on 19 July, in response to the Covid-19 Inquiry’s Module 1 report. The review is expected to conclude in Spring 2025 and includes a broad programme of engagement, including Parliamentary, to ensure the UK Government’s approach to resilience best helps mitigate the challenges we face. The review will also consider the future approach to reporting on and scrutiny of UK national resilience.

Abena Oppong-Asare
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
12th Dec 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 4 November 2024 to Question 11837 on Integrated Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy Review, if he will set out for each review (a) the planned timeline for completion and (b) whether the findings will be published.

In relation to my answer of 4 November 2024 to Question 11837, the aforementioned reviews are scheduled to conclude in the first half of 2025. Decisions about publication and consultation are matters for the relevant department owners.

The Cabinet Office owns the resilience review which will conclude in Spring 2025 and will set the future direction for the resilience system. It is an internally-led review which will draw on existing evidence to inform what is working well and what could change, including the findings from the Covid-19 Inquiry Module 1 and the Grenfell Inquiry. In addition to regular discussions with stakeholders, Ministers and officials are continuing to meet with those from devolved, regional and local Government, businesses and civil society.

Abena Oppong-Asare
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
12th Dec 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 4 November 2024 to Question 11837 on Integrated Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy Review, if he will set out for each of those reviews (a) the process for establishing the evidence base and (b) whether it will be undertaken (i) internally and (ii) include external consultation.

In relation to my answer of 4 November 2024 to Question 11837, the aforementioned reviews are scheduled to conclude in the first half of 2025. Decisions about publication and consultation are matters for the relevant department owners.

The Cabinet Office owns the resilience review which will conclude in Spring 2025 and will set the future direction for the resilience system. It is an internally-led review which will draw on existing evidence to inform what is working well and what could change, including the findings from the Covid-19 Inquiry Module 1 and the Grenfell Inquiry. In addition to regular discussions with stakeholders, Ministers and officials are continuing to meet with those from devolved, regional and local Government, businesses and civil society.

Abena Oppong-Asare
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
8th Nov 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the EU Economic Security Strategy on UK businesses.

The Government continues to follow the EU’s Economic Security Strategy closely and engages regularly with the EU on these matters, including through the relevant committees under Trade and Cooperation Agreement.



Nick Thomas-Symonds
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
6th Nov 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the policy paper entitled The Atlantic Declaration, updated on 21 June 2023, what progress he has made on (a) a shared workplan on critical and emerging technologies, (b) collaborative Research and Development in (i) advanced semiconductor and (ii) other priority technologies, (c) a Critical Minerals Agreement, (d) establishing a US-UK Strategic Technologies Investor Council, (e) establishing a US-UK Data Bridge, (f) a Joint Clean Energy Supply Chain Action Plan and (g) a Civil Nuclear Partnership.

The UK has worked closely with the U.S. to implement commitments across all five pillars of the Atlantic Declaration, which was announced in June 2023. Key achievements include participation in the inaugural Quantum Development Group, launching the inaugural UK-US Joint Committee Meeting on Science and Technology, establishing the UK-U.S. Data Bridge, and setting up the Strategic Technology Investor Council, and establishing the US-UK Joint Standing Committee on Nuclear Energy Cooperation.

The UK looks forward to working with President-elect Trump in office, including on his policy priorities and improving UK-US trading relations to support businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.

Abena Oppong-Asare
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
6th Nov 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the policy paper entitled The Atlantic Declaration, updated on 21 June 2023, who is the lead (a) minister and (b) official for (i) a shared workplan on critical and emerging technologies, (ii) collaborative Research and Development in (A) advanced semiconductor and (B) other priority technologies, (iii) a Critical Minerals Agreement, (iv) establishing a US-UK Strategic Technologies Investor Council, (v) establishing a US-UK Data Bridge, (vi) a Joint Clean Energy Supply Chain Action Plan and (vii) a Civil Nuclear Partnership.

The Cabinet Office’s National Security Secretariat is responsible for the overall implementation of the Atlantic Declaration. It operates under the leadership of the National Security Advisor, and Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economics. Relevant departments are responsible for specific commitments:

  • Critical and emerging technologies (Secretary of State, Department for Business and Trade and Secretary of State Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

  • Economic security and technology protection toolkits and supply chains (Secretary of State Department for Business and Trade and Secretary of State Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

  • Digital transformation (Secretary of State Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

  • Clean Energy (Secretary of State Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

  • Defence, Health Security, and Space (Secretary of State Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Cabinet Office and Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence)

Abena Oppong-Asare
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
30th Oct 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the written statement entitled Cabinet Committees, published on 10 October 2024, HCWS118, for what reason the Secretary of State for Business and Trade is no longer a permanent member of the National Security Council.

The National Security Council is a Cabinet Committee, membership of Cabinet Committees is decided by the Prime Minister. Cabinet committees have a standing membership, however other Ministers will be invited according to the agenda.

Abena Oppong-Asare
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
30th Oct 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the written statement entitled Cabinet Committees, published on 10 October 2024, HCWS118, for what reason the National Security Council Economic Security sub-committee has been abolished; and what steps are being taken to co-ordinate economic security policy.

The body referred to in the Rt Hon. Members' question was one of a number of sub-Committees of the National Security Council (NSC). Since July 2024 the National Security Council itself considers economic security, as part of its broader strategic approach to national security including foreign policy, resilience, international relations, economic security, trade, development, defence and global issues.

Economic security is a priority for this Government, and we have taken a number of steps to coordinate economic security policy through the NSC and by embedding economic security into the Government’s Industrial Strategy to support long-term stability. Economic Security is a core concern of the Growth Mission Board and our work with international partners.

Abena Oppong-Asare
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
30th Oct 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what (a) policy reviews, (b) new and revised strategies, (c) green papers and (d) white papers relating to the policy areas covered in the (i) The Integrated Review 2021, published on 16 March 2021, and (ii) Integrated Review Refresh 2023, published on 13 March 2023, each Department is working on.

The government has launched a number of reviews and strategies relating to policy areas covered in the Integrated Review (2021) and Integrated Review Refresh (2023). These include but are not limited to:

  • Strategic Defence Review - Ministry of Defence

  • AUKUS Review - Ministry of Defence

  • China Audit - Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

  • Global Impact Review - Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

  • Economic Diplomacy Review - Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

  • International Development Review - Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

  • Resilience Review - Cabinet Office

  • Trade Strategy - Department for Business and Trade

  • Industrial Strategy - Department for Business and Trade

Abena Oppong-Asare
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
16th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with refence to section 1.3 2. of his policy paper entitled The Atlantic Declaration, updated on 21 June 2023, what progress he has made on establishing an outbound investment mechanism.

The Department for Business and Trade is keeping the potential national security risk posed by outward direct investment in sensitive sectors under review, and continuing to engage with businesses and financial stakeholders on this issue. In May, the Cabinet Office issued public guidance on how the existing National Security and Investment Act powers allow the Government to intervene in certain outward direct investment transactions.

Gareth Thomas
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
13th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what estimate his Department has made of the potential impact of public funding for the steel industry on levels of private-sector investment in that industry in each of the next five years.

The Government is developing a steel strategy, in partnership with the steel sector and trade unions, that will set out a long-term vision for steel and create opportunities for public and private investment.

We have committed to providing up to £2.5bn for steel which will be available through the National Wealth Fund and other routes. This is in addition to the £500m for Tata at Port Talbot steelworks. When designing how best to invest this money, we will consider a range of factors, including leveraging private sector investment and making the UK a great place to invest.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
13th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department plans to take to maximise the value for money from public funding for the steel industry over the next five years.

The Government is developing a steel strategy, in partnership with the steel sector and trade unions, that will set out a long-term vision for steel and create opportunities for public and private investment.

We have committed to providing up to £2.5bn for steel which will be available through the National Wealth Fund and other routes. This is in addition to the £500m for Tata at Port Talbot steelworks. When designing how best to invest this money, we will consider a range of factors, including leveraging private sector investment and making the UK a great place to invest.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
11th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department plans to take to ensure value for money from additional funding allocated to the aerospace sector in the next five years.

The Budget confirmed £975m over 5 years to the Aerospace sector. Industry led applications for R&D co-investment from the ATI Programme enter a competitive process. Competition for funding is fierce and only the best projects are selected: those that offer real innovation, reduced emissions and tangible economic benefits to the UK. Each application is subject to a value for money assessment by DBT economists, which underpins the estimated benefits from the Programme of at least £20bn of further private investment to 2040 and abatement of 125 MtCO2 of UK attributable global aviation CO2 emissions.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
11th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department plans to take to ensure value for money from additional funding allocated to the automotive sector in the next five years.

The Budget committed over £2bn to 2030 for zero-emission vehicle manufacturing and their supply chains. This will build on the current Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF) and Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) programmes to drive economic growth and support high-value jobs, unlocking billions of pounds of private investment in the UK’s automotive industry and R&D innovation ecosystem.

As with the ATF and APC programmes, all future investment will be fully assessed on a strategic, technical, commercial, financial and economic basis – including consideration of future job creation. The economic assessment ensures value for money is consistent with HMT Green Book best practice.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
11th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how much private investment he expects from the additional funding allocated to the aerospace sector in the next five years.

The Budget confirmed £975m over 5 years to the Aerospace sector. This provides continued stability and confidence for industry to invest in long-term R&D projects – delivering economic growth, supporting high skilled jobs across all parts of the UK, and advancing aviation’s net zero transition. Between 2013/14 and 2029/30, industry and government will invest over £5bn developing transformational aircraft technology. Long-term R&D co-investment is a core pillar of the Aerospace Growth Partnership’s 2022 strategy, where the UK sector committed to invest at least £20bn of further private investment to 2040 and abate 125 MtCO2 of UK attributable global aviation CO2 emissions.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
11th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how much private investment he expects from the additional funding allocated to the automotive sector in the next five years.

The Budget committed over £2bn to 2030 for zero-emission vehicle manufacturing and their supply chains. This funding will build on previous ATF and APC programmes which have leveraged over £6bn of investment from the private sector so far. We will continue with this success, unlocking billions more in private investment to support our automotive industry. Further details will be announced as part of the industrial strategy.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
18th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, on how many occasions the Export Controls Joint Unit has initiated a Change in Circumstances Review assessment since January 2020; and what the destination country was in each case.

The Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) has in place an established process for responding at pace to changing conditions in a country where the UK has previously granted export licences, and where those licences remain extant.

The FCDO advises DBT on the situation in country and the risks this poses with respect to the UK’s export control responsibilities. The MOD advises DBT on the risks of diversion of exported goods and national security risks arising from hostile state activity. The Department of Business and Trade, with DBT Secretary of State as the decision-making authority, decides whether to amend, suspend or revoke any relevant licences.

Given its diplomatic sensitivity, the Government is unable to disclose the specific number and destination countries of Change in Circumstances Reviews.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
15th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, when he plans to publish the UK Strategic Export Controls Annual Report 2023.

The UK Strategic Export Controls Annual Report 2023 is due to be published by the end of this year. It will be laid before Parliament and made available on Gov.uk at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/united-kingdom-strategic-export-controls-annual-report.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
13th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what his export controls policy priorities are.

The Government’s export controls regime protects global security by restricting who has access to sensitive technologies and capabilities, ensuring UK exports do not contribute to WMD proliferation, a destabilising accumulation of conventional weapons, or are used to commit or facilitate internal repression or a serious violation of international humanitarian law. Our priorities for export controls policy include:

  • Working with international partners, and like-minded states, to ensure our export controls properly address the threats we face, keep pace with new technologies, and adapt to changing circumstances.
  • Agility in responding to volatile global situations through keeping all extant licences under continuous and careful review.
  • Supporting key international alliances in areas such as AUKUS and ITAR collaboration.
  • Effective delivery of the licensing service to exporters via the continued roll-out of LITE and ensuring we are always identifying ways we can develop and evolve the service we provide.
Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
13th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what (a) training and (b) support his Department plans to provide to businesses in respect of the new Office for Trade Sanctions Implementation.

The Office for Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI) will support businesses to meet their obligations under the UK’s trade sanctions regime through issuing guidance and engaging with a range of sectors and businesses.

OTSI has already undertaken a major programme of industry engagement and outreach and is committed to ongoing business engagement to support compliance. OTSI has already published a suite of online guidance for businesses and launched new online tools which make it easier to report a breach and apply for a licence.

OTSI is committed to supporting businesses to comply with trade sanctions by improving existing guidance as well as creating and promulgating new guidance, where necessary.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
13th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what (a) country and sector policy specialist, (b) legal, (c) administrative, (d) compliance, (e) enforcement, (f) industry engagement, (g) budgetary and (h) other resources he has allocated to the Office for Trade Sanctions Implementation.

The Office for Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI) has recruited people with a wide range of professional experience from across government and the private sector to fulfil OTSI’s responsibilities of policy, licensing and enforcement of certain trade sanctions, and industry engagement, along with financial management, project delivery and business support specialists. OTSI is also supported by legal, analytical and digital experts.

OTSI is funded from the £50m Economic Deterrence Initiative (EDI) for 2023/24 and 2024/25. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is expected to publish more information on the EDI in the near future.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
13th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether the Office for Trade Sanctions will publish an annual report.

The Office for Trade Sanctions Implementation intends to publish an annual review covering an overview of its activities across the year, following the model set by similar units such as the Office for Financial Sanctions located in HM Treasury and the Export Control Joint Unit in the Department for Business and Trade.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
12th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, on how many occasions and for what reasons MNG Maritime was granted extensions to the deadline to return to the UK the weapons stored in the Vessel Based Armouries it operated following his Department’s revocation of six export licences allowing the company to operate three vessel-based armouries storing weapons for private maritime security companies in July 2023.

In the event that a licence for a Vessel Based Armoury (VBA) is revoked, it is the responsibility of the Private Maritime Security Companies which make use of the affected VBA to arrange transfers of controlled goods to alternative, and appropriately licensed, armouries.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
12th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what his policy is on companies moving their registration overseas when they have been found in breach of export licence conditions and the Government has imposed a requirement that they return the exported goods to the UK with which they have not complied.

The registration of a business is generally a matter for its owners. However, if they are UK legal or natural persons active in the Maritime Anti-Piracy sector, they are still subject to UK Export Licensing legislation. The only requirement under existing UK licensing provisions is for Private Maritime Security Companies to make an application to use alternative approved storage for controlled goods. The enforcement of export licensing is a matter for His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
11th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he plans to review the export control licensing process for vessel based armouries.

As with all export licences, the Department for Business and Trade keeps the licensing of the Maritime Anti-Piracy Sector under continual review.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
11th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make it his policy that vessel based armouries export licence applications should include an assessment of available alternative licensed storage facilities in the event that a licence is (a) suspended and (b) revoked.

The Open General Trade Control Licence, which UK Private Maritime Security Companies (PMSCs) require for Maritime Anti-Piracy (MAP) operations, once granted, is open-ended for as long as the PMSC remains active in the MAP sector and is abiding by the terms of the licence. Licences can include provision for the storage of arms in approved land-based armouries as an alternative storage facility.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
11th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make it his policy that vessel based armouries export licence applications should include an undertaking to return the licensed (a) goods and (b) items to the UK if an approved licence is (i) suspended and (ii) revoked.

Licences issued to Private Maritime Security Companies for the movement of arms (including for storage on vessel based armouries) already include provision in the terms and conditions for the controlled goods to either be returned to the UK via a Standard Individual Trade Control Licence (SITCL) or for the destruction of the controlled goods (with evidence) should the licence expire, be suspended or revoked.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
11th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department has taken to ensure that the weapons stored in Vessel Based Armouries operated by MNG Maritime were returned to the UK following his Department’s revocation in July 2023 of six export licences.

Private Maritime Security Companies impacted by the revocation of MNG Maritime’s Licences were given a month to begin the process of relocating their controlled goods, including submitting licence applications to store those controlled goods on another approved vessel based or land-based armoury.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
8th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the US Inflation Reduction Act on UK businesses.

We have engaged with UK businesses across a range of sectors to understand their concerns about the potential impact of the US Inflation Reduction Act on UK industry. We have also engaged with the US on UK industry views across multiple channels on this issue, including in 2022 in response to the US Treasury consultation on the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act, and remain committed to defending the interests of UK businesses.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
8th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to section 1.3 2. of the UK-US Atlantic Declaration, what progress his Department has made on engaging with (a) business and (b) financial stakeholders to develop an evidence base to (i) assess and (ii) inform the Government’s response to the risks associated with outbound investment.

The Department for Business and Trade is engaging with businesses and financial stakeholders to better understand the potential national security risk posed by outward direct investment in sensitive sectors. In May, the Cabinet Office issued public guidance on how the existing National Security and Investment Act powers allow the Government to intervene in certain outward direct investment transactions. In addition, the National Protective Security Agency and National Cyber Security Centre are updating their Secure Business campaign to include advice on risks relating to ODI.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
8th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to section 1.3 2. of the UK-US Atlantic Declaration, what discussions his Department has had with US counterparts on the coordination of UK and US outbound investment controls.

The United Kingdom and United States have a shared objective in preventing our companies’ capital and expertise from fuelling technological advances that will enhance the military and intelligence capabilities of countries of concern. The Department for Business and Trade continues to engage with the US Government on potential national security risks posed by Outward Direct Investment.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
8th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the impact of US Executive Order 14105, entitled Executive Order on Addressing United States Investments in Certain National Security Technologies and Products in Countries of Concern, implemented on 9 August 2023, on UK businesses.

The Department for Business and Trade continues to engage closely with the US Government on potential national security risks posed by Outward Direct Investment. It will have an extra territorial impact, which may impact some UK businesses. The Department for Business and Trade is engaging with UK businesses and financial stakeholders to ensure they are considering the extra territorial impact of such regulations before the Executive Order 14105 comes into effect on 2 January 2025.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
6th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what the cost is of legal fees related to Post Office IT Horizon redress paid to external law firms by (a) scheme and (b) firm.

The Department for Business and Trade delivers the Group Litigation Order (GLO) scheme and the recently-launched Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme (HCRS).

Since the launch of the GLO scheme in March 2023, a total of c.£2.9 million has been spent on legal advice to the Department on settling the redress claims of postmasters in the GLO scheme. A further c.£12.5 million has been spent on support for victims’ legal fees.

Since the launch of the HCRS scheme in July 2024, a total of c.£100k has been spent on legal services to the Department in the setting up of the HCRS scheme. Approximately c.£360k has been spent on victims’ legal fees.

A detailed breakdown of legal fees paid by law firm and scheme is provided below:

Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme (HCRS)

Victims’ legal costs £000

Hudgell Solicitors

£360

Sub-total: Victims’ legal costs

£360

The Department’s legal costs £000

Addleshaw Goddard LLP

£45

Dentons UK & Middle East LLP

£55

Sub-total: The Department’s legal costs

£100

Total legal fees under HCRS £000

£460

Group Litigation Order Scheme (GLO)

Victims’ legal costs £000

Freeths LLP

£10,888

Howe and Co Solicitors

£1,545

Other: under £30k per supplier

£52

Sub-total: Victims’ legal costs

£12,485

The Department’s legal costs £000

Addleshaw Goddard LLP

£1,675

Dentons UK and Middle East LLP

£1,060

Secondees contracted to Government Legal Department

£121

Sub-total: The Department’s legal costs

£2,925

Total legal fees under GLO £000

£15,410

The figures above exclude recoverable VAT. Figures from April 2023 are subject to audit and may change.

On the Overturned Convictions (OC) & Historical Shortfalls (HSS) schemes, this is a matter for the Post Office. I have asked them to write to my Rt. Hon. Friend, the Member for Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North, and a copy of their correspondence will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Gareth Thomas
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
6th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to Section 1.3 2. of the UK-US Atlantic Declaration, what progress he has made on (a) enabling the UK and US export controls toolkits to work in a complementary way, (b) implementing export controls related to certain sensitive technologies, (c) targeting end-uses of concern, and (d) tackling the challenge of intangible transfers.

We are committed to ensuring our export controls develop to address risks to national security and international peace and security posed by emerging technologies, while supporting UK exporters in strategically important sectors.

Building on the commitments in the UK-US Atlantic Declaration, defence trade collaboration between the UK, US, and Australia was announced in August 2024, through the publication of the UK’s AUKUS Nations Open General Licence, and the new exemption to the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) for the UK. This development recognised the compatibility of our respective export controls systems, lifting key restrictions and allowing our defence firms to work together even more closely.

In line with our commitments in the Atlantic Declaration, the UK is also working closely with our partners on the challenge of intangible transfers and targeting of end-uses users of concern.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
16th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate his Department has made of the amount of private investment that will be raised for carbon capture and storage and hydrogen projects by the £3.9 billion of public funding announced in paragraph 3.52 of the Autumn Budget 2024.

On 4th October, the government reached commercial agreement with the private sector and announced up to £21.7bn of available funding over 25 years to launch the UK’s new carbon capture, usage and storage industry. We expect this funding to crowd in £8bn in private sector investment for the 25 years, and demonstrating the investability of CCUS will unlock a further pipeline of billions of pounds in private sector investment. It is estimated that industry has spent £1 billion in investment already. The government also announced over £2bn of funding over 15 years for the projects in the first Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR1). These projects will invest over £400m of private capital during construction across the UK.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
16th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department plan to take to ensure value for money from the £3.9 billion of funding allocated for carbon capture and storage and green hydrogen in 2025-26.

A formal part of the policy design and delivery process involves reviewing prior relevant efforts to ensure government is maximising value for money wherever possible. Our value for money judgement is evidenced by appraisal and analysis developed in line with the HMT Green Book and has supported policy development at each stage of the CCUS programme and the first Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR1). All future carbon capture build out projects and subsequent HARs will require approved business cases, which will contain robust value for money assessments. The business models supporting both CCUS and electrolytic ‘green’ hydrogen are designed to address the risks that currently are a barrier to first of a kind projects, incentivise project behaviour in line with government objectives and deliver value for money for consumers and taxpayers.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
19th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 October 2024 to Question 8320 on Gaza: Israel, what role his Department's International Humanitarian Law Compliance Assessment Process Cell plays in the overall assessment of Israel's compliance with International Humanitarian Law; and if he will list the dates of each of the Cell's assessments since 4 July 2024.

The FCDO's International Humanitarian Law Cell undertakes regular assessments of Israel's commitment and capability to comply with International Humanitarian Law in relation to the conflict in Gaza, in order to meet our legal obligations under the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria (SELC). Since 4 July 2024 assessments were submitted on 24 July 2024 and 1 October 2024. Assessments continue to take place.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
18th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when his Department’s International Humanitarian Law Compliance Assessment Process Cell made its most recent assessment of Israel’s compliance with International Humanitarian Law.

We continue to keep Israel's compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in Gaza under review through a regular assessments process. Our judgment on Israel's IHL compliance remains as set out in the Foreign Secretary's statement to Parliament on 2 September.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
13th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the Government’s sanctions policy priorities are; and whether his Department plans to publish an updated strategy.

The UK uses sanctions to deter and disrupt malign behaviour and demonstrate our defence of fundamental principles, including democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

I recently convened Ministers from across government to deepen our cooperation on sanctions, and review enforcement measures. I also discussed sanctions enforcement with leaders of the Overseas Territories during the Joint Ministerial Council. We regularly coordinate with allies including in the United States, Canada, EU and others to maximise our impact.

This month we announced our largest sanctions package against Russia since May 2023, and working with our allies we will continue to use sanctions to further restrict the revenues and military goods Russia relies on. We have also recently used sanctions to respond to Iran's malign activity, as part of UK efforts to support a more stable West Bank, and targeted members of a Russian cybercrime gang.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how the Government assesses the (a) effectiveness and (b) impact of sanctions policies.

UK sanctions are designed and targeted to deter and disrupt malign behaviour, and to demonstrate our defence of fundamental principles, including democracy, human rights and the rule of law. The FCDO conducts reviews of the effectiveness and impact of our sanctions regimes. Any assessment will depend on the intended purposes of each individual regime - which are set out in the regulations for that regime. For example on Russia we consider wider macro-economic impacts, reduction in UK exports and imports and wider changes to trading patterns, changes to designated persons' behaviour, volume of frozen assets, and alignment with international partners. I launched a cross-Government review of sanctions enforcement with the support of Ministers from His Majesty's Treasury, the Department of Business and Trade, the Department for Transport and the Home Office. Through this review the Government will consider whether we have the right powers, approach, capacity and resourcing on policy, implementation and enforcement of sanctions.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure effective cross-government working on (a) sanctions and (b) export controls (i) policy, (ii) implementation and (iii) enforcement between (A) his Department's Sanctions Directorate, (B) the Office for Financial Sanctions Implementation, (C) the Office for Trade Sanctions Implementation, (D) the Export Controls Joint Unit and (E) HMRC.

In October, I convened the first Small Ministerial Group on sanctions, which launched a cross-Government review to examine whether we have the right powers, approach, capacity and resourcing on policy, implementation and enforcement, with an urgent focus on strengthening the latter. This grouping brings together key sanctions Departments: the FCDO; His Majesty's Treasury (with responsibility for both the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation and HMRC); the Department for Business and Trade (with responsibility for the Office for Trade Sanctions Implementation and shared responsibility for the Export Controls Joint Unit with the Ministry of Defence and FCDO); the Department for Transport; and the Home Office.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
18th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the sanctions placed on individual vessels announced by his Department on 11 September 2024 and 17 October 2024, what additional steps he has (a) taken and (b) considered with Cabinet colleagues to help prevent Russia circumventing oil export sanctions.

The government is committed to closing down sanctions loopholes, and cracking down on ever more desperate forms of sanctions circumvention, working closely with our partners. Tackling Putin's shadow fleet is a key part of this work. Since gaining the power to 'specify' vessels, the UK has sanctioned 43 tankers transporting Russian oil. A significant number of these vessels have suffered disruption or struggled to re-enter the Russian oil trade. Additionally, last week we announced that the Department for Transport is working alongside the Joint Maritime Security Centre (JMSC) and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to challenge shadow fleet vessels with suspected inadequate insurance to provide details of their insurance status as they pass through the English Channel. We have also targeted the Kremlin's energy revenues by sanctioning 9 liquified natural gas (LNG) vessels involved in the shipping of Russian LNG, including from Russia's flagship Arctic LNG 2 project. We actively consider all options to close loopholes and further constrain Russia's energy revenues funding their illegal war in Ukraine.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Dec 2024
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the planned £20.4 billion of research and development spending on (a) economic growth, (b) the national investment rate and (c) crowding in of private investment.

At Autumn Budget 2024, the government protected R&D by allocating £20.4bn to support its missions, including the growth mission. Recent Department for Science, Innovation and Technology published research has found an average rate of return to public R&D of 40% after 6 years from when the investment is made [1]. The government’s investment will also boost business investment in R&D. Although estimates of the impact on private investment vary, on average £1 of public R&D investment leverages around £2 of private R&D investment in the long run [2]. The Office for Budget Responsibility is responsible for modelling the impact of government policy on the economy.

[1] Returns to Public Research and Development - GOV.UK

[2] Research and development: relationship between public and private funding - GOV.UK

Darren Jones
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
10th Dec 2024
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of capital spending on economic growth in the next (a) five and (b) ten years, specifying (i) the fiscal multipliers targeted and (ii) the private sector investment included.

Economic growth is the number one mission of the government. Through the growth mission, the government will deliver a milestone of higher living standards in every part of the United Kingdom by the end of the Parliament.

Investment is a vital part of addressing the growth challenge. Autumn Budget began rebuilding Britain by increasing public investment and unlocking private investment. Public sector net investment will average 2.6% of GDP over the Parliament, with over £100 billion of additional capital investment over the next five years. This will strengthen the UK economy over the long term.

When making allocation decisions, the Treasury scrutinises individual capital spending proposals in line with the principles set out in the Green Book and Five Case Model, to ensure that they deliver value for money. It also considers these in line with the government’s wider priorities, such as growth, and their overall deliverability and affordability.

The independent Office for Budget Responsibility produces regular and comprehensive forecasts on the impact of current government policies, including judgements about fiscal multipliers.

The OBR confirms that the Budget will have a positive impact on GDP in the next parliament and into the longer term from additional public investment. If sustained, the OBR judges the higher public capital spending, and the higher private sector investment this incentivises, could increase potential output by 0.4% after 10 years, and 1.4% in the long run.

Darren Jones
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
10th Dec 2024
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what (a) metrics and (b) fiscal multipliers she plans to use to take allocation decisions for capital spending to Departments in the next five years.

Economic growth is the number one mission of the government. Through the growth mission, the government will deliver a milestone of higher living standards in every part of the United Kingdom by the end of the Parliament.

Investment is a vital part of addressing the growth challenge. Autumn Budget began rebuilding Britain by increasing public investment and unlocking private investment. Public sector net investment will average 2.6% of GDP over the Parliament, with over £100 billion of additional capital investment over the next five years. This will strengthen the UK economy over the long term.

When making allocation decisions, the Treasury scrutinises individual capital spending proposals in line with the principles set out in the Green Book and Five Case Model, to ensure that they deliver value for money. It also considers these in line with the government’s wider priorities, such as growth, and their overall deliverability and affordability.

The independent Office for Budget Responsibility produces regular and comprehensive forecasts on the impact of current government policies, including judgements about fiscal multipliers.

The OBR confirms that the Budget will have a positive impact on GDP in the next parliament and into the longer term from additional public investment. If sustained, the OBR judges the higher public capital spending, and the higher private sector investment this incentivises, could increase potential output by 0.4% after 10 years, and 1.4% in the long run.

Darren Jones
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
10th Dec 2024
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what metrics she plans to use to assess the value for money of capital spending allocated over the next five years.

Economic growth is the number one mission of the government. Through the growth mission, the government will deliver a milestone of higher living standards in every part of the United Kingdom by the end of the Parliament.

Investment is a vital part of addressing the growth challenge. Autumn Budget began rebuilding Britain by increasing public investment and unlocking private investment. Public sector net investment will average 2.6% of GDP over the Parliament, with over £100 billion of additional capital investment over the next five years. This will strengthen the UK economy over the long term.

When making allocation decisions, the Treasury scrutinises individual capital spending proposals in line with the principles set out in the Green Book and Five Case Model, to ensure that they deliver value for money. It also considers these in line with the government’s wider priorities, such as growth, and their overall deliverability and affordability.

The independent Office for Budget Responsibility produces regular and comprehensive forecasts on the impact of current government policies, including judgements about fiscal multipliers.

The OBR confirms that the Budget will have a positive impact on GDP in the next parliament and into the longer term from additional public investment. If sustained, the OBR judges the higher public capital spending, and the higher private sector investment this incentivises, could increase potential output by 0.4% after 10 years, and 1.4% in the long run.

Darren Jones
Chief Secretary to the Treasury