Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to enable UK craftspeople to showcase their work at exhibitions in Europe; and whether this topic will be on the agenda at the next UK–EU Summit.

On 20 July, the Prime Minister spoke to António Costa, President of the European Council, and agreed their respective teams would work closely towards a UK-EU Summit later in the year; the agenda has not yet been agreed.

This Government is committed to supporting the Creative Industries, including the crafts sector. Our UK-wide Creative Industries Sector Plan features international engagement as a core component, recognising the importance of exports, inward investment and global collaboration to the sector’s continued success.

The Government is also committed to supporting more UK crafts businesses to become export-ready, access new markets and benefit from trade agreements, although we are alive to the barriers many face. We are continuing to work across government to explore how we can better support the sector's needs, including improving awareness of existing mobility schemes; identifying where clearer export guidance may be helpful; and considering opportunities for future engagement with our EU counterparts on issues such as cultural exchange.