Oral Answers to Questions

Neale Hanvey Excerpts

Thursday 3rd March 2022 Commons Chamber

[Mike Freer]

I will take that question away to my colleagues in both the Treasury and the Foreign Office, and get her a detailed answer.

[Neale Hanvey (Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath) (Alba)]

8. What further steps she is taking to promote trade and exports for UK businesses.

[Mr Speaker]

Who wants it? Come on, Minister!

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Trade (Mike Freer)]

Perhaps I should just stand at the Dispatch Box full time. My Department has a strong package of support for British exporters, as I have reiterated several times already this morning, so that they can take advantage of the markets that we are opening through our free trade agreements. From encouraging businesses to export through the “Made in the UK, Sold to the World” campaign to our world-leading UK export finance offer and our on-the-ground support in the UK and overseas, UK businesses are being supported at every stage in their export journey. I repeat that there is an offer to attend the export showcase on 9 March.

[Neale Hanvey]

UK connectivity is concentrated in England, and particularly in the south-east of England. That presents a growing challenge to Scottish businesses, given the impact of carbon and haulage costs, and queuing at the port of Dover, particularly with perishable export goods. Does the Minister agree that reviewing the port infrastructure, and particularly the reintroduction of ferry links from Scotland to Europe, is of growing urgency, and will he meet me to discuss possible mechanisms to improve that situation?

[Mike Freer]

I am more than happy to meet the hon. Gentleman to look at the specifics, and where necessary to liaise with the Scottish Government on any specific Scottish matters.