Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Nusrat Ghani and Jeff Smith

Thursday 14th September 2023 Commons Chamber

[Jeff Smith (Manchester, Withington) (Lab)]

13. What steps she is taking to increase trade with European countries.

[The Minister for Industry and Economic Security (Ms Nusrat Ghani)]

Europe remains a vital destination for British exports. UK businesses exported more than £416 billion in the year to March 2023, up 24% in current prices on the previous year. We are engaging extensively with key European partners. This weekend, my right hon. Friend the Trade Secretary will attend the annual UK-Italy bilateral conference to advance the landmark ministerial dialogue on export and investment promotion launched in February, the first agreed between the UK and any EU country.

[Jeff Smith]

Here is an issue that could be discussed at that meeting: the youth group travel sector is worth £28 billion to the UK economy, but that two-way trade has collapsed since Brexit. The Prime Minister made a vague commitment in March that there would be an agreement for French school groups to visit the UK. We have heard no more details, and anyway we need a wider agreement to include other countries. When will the Government sort out this problem?

[Ms Ghani]

I think this matter sits not just with our Department, but with the Department for Education. If the hon. Gentleman will allow, I will write to him formally and make sure he gets an update on this issue.