Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his speech at the British Chamber of Commerce on 20 March 2025, what (a) the priority markets are that he has identified, (b) (i) targets and (ii) key performance indicators will be applied to ambassadors in priority markets, (c) additional diplomatic capacity will be provided to priority markets and (d) the forthcoming programme of domestic roadshows announced will be; on what dates the Lancaster House Business Engagement Series will be taking place in (i) 2025 and (ii) future years; and which businesses he intends to invite to the Lancaster House Business Engagement Series.

The FCDO's approach to driving growth is focusing on the EU, the US and China, and a range of other economically important markets, such as India and Japan. Our Heads of Mission have begun producing Strategic Economic Growth Plans, identifying top opportunities and key deliverables across the Industrial Strategy's growth-driving sectors. Given trade and commercial sensitivities, these plans will not be published. The programme of domestic roadshows, the Lancaster House Business Engagement Series, and the Diplomatic Placement Programme are currently under development. The FCDO is finalising a workforce strategy for the next Spending Review period. This will ensure that resource and capability prioritises the Government's Missions with a clearer focus on accountability and delivery.