Oral Answers to Questions

Saqib Bhatti Excerpts

Thursday 5th March 2020 Commons Chamber

[Greg Hands]

The hon. Member does not do this question justice. Our objective, of course, is to have both a very good free trade deal with the European Union and a new trade deal with the United States of America, which would have the potential to raise the gross value added of the north-eastern region by some £170 million. She should join us, work with us and ensure that the benefits of these deals can be heard by all her constituents across the region.

[Saqib Bhatti (Meriden) (Con)]

12. What recent steps she has taken to support UK tech start-ups to export globally.

[Gagan Mohindra (South West Hertfordshire) (Con)]

13. What recent steps she has taken to support UK tech start-ups to export globally.

[Saqib Bhatti]

To meet the challenges of our time, we must ensure that we create an environment where we encourage tech start-ups to set up, thrive and innovate. What are the Secretary of State and Ministers doing to ensure that tech start-ups in the west midlands are able to fulfil their potential?

[Elizabeth Truss]

Birmingham has the largest tech sector outside London. It has firms specialising in FinTech, games, health-tech and cyber-security. We will keep the UK at the top of the investment tree. Last year we saw investment in UK tech growing faster than in any other nation in the world. We need to keep at the forefront, and there are huge opportunities for our tech industry.