Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 28 April 2025 to Question 45218 on Competition and Markets Authority: Public Appointments what steps is he is taking to help ensure adequate (a) scrutiny and (b) accountability of the new chair of the Competition and Markets authority to prevent conflicts of interest.
Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
As set out in the Competition and Markets Authority (“CMA”) Framework Agreement, the performance of the CMA Chair is reviewed annually by the responsible Director General within the Department for Business and Trade in accordance with the Chair’s duties and in consultation with the CMA Board. As noted in my previous answer, a new Framework Agreement will be published later this year.
The CMA has published its own Conflicts of Interest Policy and also publishes a register of interests of all of its Board members.
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will take steps to ensure that the mining of (a) lithium, (b) nickel, (c) cobalt, (d) manganese and (e) graphite is (i) sustainable and (ii) does not negatively impact net zero targets.
Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
While recognising these critical minerals are crucial for the energy transition, Government supports efforts to reduce the environmental impact of mining operations themselves. At present, the UK only has mining operations for lithium. As with any UK domestic mining project, these operations need to comply with permitting and planning regulations that protect our natural environment. The UK’s new Critical Minerals Strategy will help secure critical minerals for the long term, promoting responsible and sustainable supply chains.
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what support his Department is providing to small businesses in (a) Devon and (b) other rural areas.
Answered by Gareth Thomas - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
Last year the Business Secretary announced a new Business Growth Service which will make it easier for businesses across Devon and the rest of the UK and in rural areas, to get help, support and advice to grow and thrive.
The South West Growth Hub is where small and medium sized businesses in Devon and the surrounding rural areas can benefit from specialist advice on how to scale up, access new markets and receive financial support through the British Business Bank.
Businesses can also access other Government programmes such as the Business Support Service, Help to Grow: Management, the UK Export Academy, International Trade Advisors and the Export Support Service.
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to support high street businesses in competing with large online retailers.
Answered by Gareth Thomas - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
We intend to introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties, including those on the high street, from 2026-27. This tax cut must be sustainably funded, and so we intend to apply a higher rate from 2026-27 on the most valuable properties - those with a Rateable Value of £500,000 and above. These represent less than one per cent of all properties, but include the majority of large distribution warehouses, including those used by online giants.
Ahead of these changes being made, we have prevented RHL relief from ending in April 2025 by extending it for one year at 40 per cent up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business and frozen the small business multiplier.
We are also working with businesses to understand their barriers to growth and High Streets will be a key pillar of our forthcoming Small Business Strategy.
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the appointment of the new chair of the Competition and Markets Authority on regulation of competition in UK markets.
Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
The Secretary of State has welcomed the appointment of Doug Gurr as interim Chair of the Competition and Markets Authority (“CMA”).
Doug Gurr has a wealth of experience as a business leader and entrepreneur. Along with the CMA Chief Executive, Sarah Cardell, he has initiated a programme of work to improve Pace, Predictability, Proportionality and Process across the CMA’s activities to support growth and investment, while ensuring a level playing field for businesses and protecting consumers.
The government is supporting this work through the new growth-focused Strategic Steer to the CMA and a new Framework Agreement to be published later this year.
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of US tariffs on the economy of Devon.
Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
I am disappointed by the announcement of an increase in tariffs by the United States, which are not in anyone’s interest, and we understand businesses across the country are concerned. The government has been fully focused on negotiating an economic deal with the US. And we will continue to engage with them, to understand some of the details of how tariffs will be implemented.
We are resolute in our support for industry across the whole of the UK, and we will continue to engage with businesses to assess and understand the impact of these tariffs. In addition, on 3 April the government launched a Request for Input from businesses to help inform the UK’s response to US tariffs.
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what information his Department holds on whether any UK firms with Russian holdings are not in the process of divesting from operations based in Russia.
Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
The Department for Business and Trade does not hold any specific data on UK firms that are not in the process of divesting from operations based in Russia. UK businesses must comply with our sanctions, which form an extensive regime to constrain the Kremlin’s ability to continue the war. It is a decision for individual UK businesses on whether and how to divest from Russia in compliance with UK sanctions.
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to help support pubs in Devon.
Answered by Gareth Thomas - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
Hospitality businesses, including pubs and breweries in Devon, are at the heart of our communities and play a vital role in supporting economic growth across the UK.
The Government is creating a fairer business rate system and reducing alcohol duty on qualifying draught products. This work will be supported by the publication of The Small Business Strategy Command Paper which will be published later this year. Through the Hospitality Sector Council, we are addressing strategic issues for the sector related to high street regeneration, skills, sustainability, and productivity.
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, when he plans to answer Question 39709, tabled on 19 March 2025.
Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
A response was provided to question 39709 on 3rd April: Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament.
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department is taking steps to help protect the (a) brewery, (b) distillery and (c) pub sector from US tariffs.
Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
The UK and US have a strong economic relationship which is fair, balanced and reciprocal. We have £1.2 trillion invested in each other’s economies and over 2.5 million jobs across both countries.
Breweries, distilleries and pubs play a key role in the UK economy.
We will continue to engage closely and productively with the US to press the case for UK business interests. We will keep all options on the table and won’t hesitate to respond in the national interest.