Asked by: Tony Vaughan (Labour - Folkestone and Hythe)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to help tackle trade barriers for exports of British textile products to the European Union.
Answered by Chris Bryant - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
The Government is committed to tackling barriers faced by businesses, when trading with the EU.
This Government has reset our relationship with the EU, our closest partner, accounting for almost half (45%) of the UK’s total trade in 2025. The Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), remains a cornerstone of that relationship and we are committed to its full implementation. The TCA provides for zero tariffs and zero quotas on all goods, including textiles, provided they meet appropriate Rules of Origin requirements.
The Government provides support to businesses through business.gov.uk, including access to advisers and guidance to help exporters navigate EU requirements.
Asked by: Tony Vaughan (Labour - Folkestone and Hythe)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to reduce trade barriers for exports of British textile products to the USA.
Answered by Chris Bryant - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
Through negotiations on the Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD), the UK enjoys preferential trading terms with the US across a range of key sectors, including automotives, pharmaceuticals, and core steel and aluminium.
Discussions on the EPD continue, which will look at addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers, increasing digital and services trade, and unlocking new commercial opportunities that benefit both nations. We do not comment on ongoing negotiations.
UK businesses, including those in the textiles industry, can access information, advice and services through the Business Growth Service via business.gov.uk. This includes guidance on market selection, operating overseas, trade restrictions and regulations.
Asked by: Tony Vaughan (Labour - Folkestone and Hythe)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment has been made of the adequacy of the 26-week continuous employment threshold for eligibility for Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay under the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Act 2018; and what steps they are taking to ensure that bereaved parents are able to access financial support during a period of bereavement leave, regardless of length of service with their current employer.
Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)
The 26-week continuous employment requirement is standard across parental pay entitlements. Where employees do not qualify, we encourage employers to provide additional support where possible.
Through the Parental Leave and Pay Review we are considering improvements to the system, including existing entitlements, to better support working families.
Bereaved parents may be able to get Universal Credit if on a low income or needing help with living costs. In some circumstances, a Universal Credit payment that would otherwise reduce or stop following bereavement, including the death of a child for whom an adult is responsible for, continues for a short time.
Asked by: Tony Vaughan (Labour - Folkestone and Hythe)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits regulating the price of family holidays during school holidays.
Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Industry traders tell us many factors are considered when travel companies price holidays, including demand at specific times. Demand is cyclical and most businesses trade all year round, with pricing in periods of high demand reflecting this. On the other hand, during periods when the industry is keen to attract and confirm bookings, traders often offer incentives like early booking discounts or free child places.
The Government will continue to engage with the industry; encouraging competitiveness, price transparency and innovation to promote growth and to ensure that consumers can choose the best deals that suit them.