Department for Business and Trade

The government’s response to the call for evidence on UK accession to the Pan-Euro Mediterranean Convention (PEM) was published on 26^th March 2026.

Wales plays a key role in the development of the UK's hydrogen economy, and I welcome the Milford Haven HAR1 project reaching FID in March this year, with three further shortlisted HAR2 projects in Wales.

The Industrial Strategy set out our public finance offer to crowd private investment into clean energy industries, such as hydrogen, across the UK including in Wales. This includes £500m support for hydrogen infrastructure to establish the UK's first regional hydrogen network from 2031, connecting producers with end users. The Government also aims to launch the first hydrogen transport and storage allocation rounds this year.

The Department has not paid for followers on the social media platforms it uses.

The government is committed to ensuring a healthy and plural local media for the benefit of communities and citizens across the UK. We have launched a Local Media Action Plan to help local newsrooms across the country innovate and adapt their business models for the online world, while incentivising and encouraging the production of high quality, trustworthy news.

We have consulted on how the subscriptions regime will be implemented and Ministers and officials have engaged with representatives from the news media sector. We are working closely with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to reflect on the issues raised and a Government Response will be published in due course.

The impact assessment for the subscriptions chapter in the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Act can be found here: Subscription traps: annex 2 impact assessment. Together, the subscription measures are anticipated to provide £400m of consumer benefits per year and the estimated net direct cost to businesses is £171m per year.

Sector-specific analysis has not been conducted.

The Competition and Markets Authority (“CMA”) holds internal management information on the resource and costs associated with its Sustainability Taskforce since its establishment:

Non-staff costs cover other programme expenditure such as travel and subsistence. The CMA is not able to provide an estimated annual cost for the Sustainability Taskforce for 2025/26 before its accounts for the financial year are finalised.

This government is committed to protecting consumers who enter subscription contracts. We have consulted on the implementation of the new subscriptions regime (Consultation on the implementation of the new subscription contracts regime - GOV.UK) which included meeting with interested stakeholders. After carefully analysing responses a full Government Response is to be published in due course.

We have engaged with consumer advocacy groups, enforcers and business representatives from across the economy and will continue to do so in advance of the regime’s commencement.

The government has consulted on the implementation of the subscriptions regime in the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. The consultation received over 70 responses including 15 from charitable organisations, and the government has engaged closely with the sector to understand the impacts on both consumers and these bodies.

The requirement for an initial 14 day cooling off period is an existing requirement under the Consumer Contract Regulations 2013 for distance and off-premises contracts.

The total value of severance payments is set out in the department’s Annual Report and Accounts, which are available for the last three years.

The government does not collect data on the English language proficiency of private sector employees, which includes warehouse workers.

Employers can choose how they recruit for their organisation, but they must follow a fair process.

Health and safety law does not require workers to be able to speak English, but the Health and Safety Executive states that employers have a duty to provide comprehensible information. This does not have to be in English, but risks, safety measures and emergency procedures must be clearly communicated to all workers.

The government does not collect data on the English language proficiency of private sector employees, which includes warehouse workers.

Employers can choose how they recruit for their organisation, but they must follow a fair process.

Health and safety law does not require workers to be able to speak English, but the Health and Safety Executive states that employers have a duty to provide comprehensible information. This does not have to be in English, but risks, safety measures and emergency procedures must be clearly communicated to all workers.

The government does not collect data on the English language proficiency of private sector employees, which includes warehouse workers.

Employers can choose how they recruit for their organisation, but they must follow a fair process.

Health and safety law does not require workers to be able to speak English, but the Health and Safety Executive states that employers have a duty to provide comprehensible information. This does not have to be in English, but risks, safety measures and emergency procedures must be clearly communicated to all workers.

The government does not collect data on the English language proficiency of private sector employees, which includes warehouse workers.

Employers can choose how they recruit for their organisation, but they must follow a fair process.

Health and safety law does not require workers to be able to speak English, but the Health and Safety Executive states that employers have a duty to provide comprehensible information. This does not have to be in English, but risks, safety measures and emergency procedures must be clearly communicated to all workers.

The Competition and Markets Authority (“CMA”) has not made an estimate of the overall expected resource requirements of its Sustainability Taskforce over the Spending Review period.

In reference to the previous answer to question 120645, the CMA does not allocate specific multi-year funding to individual workstreams such as the Sustainability Taskforce, which remain subject to wider prioritisation decisions.

Reports of mistreatment in Hong Kong’s prisons are deeply concerning. The Government continues to express serious concerns about the erosion of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong, including the implications of recent national security measures, and monitors associated human‑rights risks as part of its wider policy approach. The UK regularly reviews its Overseas Business Risk information for UK businesses trading overseas, which makes clear to UK companies the risks of operating in certain regions and urges them to conduct appropriate due diligence when making business decisions.

The UK has a range of measures in place to promote ethical business practices. In the Trade Strategy, the Government launched a review of the UK’s approach to responsible business conduct, focused on addressing human rights abuses, labour abuses and environmental harms in global supply chains. The review is objective and evidence‑based, examining both existing policies and potential alternative approaches. We will update the House when the review is complete.

The Department actively promotes FDI into the West Midlands through the Office for Investment (OfI), which works closely with the West Midlands Combined Authority and regional stakeholders to identify, shape, and market regional opportunities internationally. This reflects the importance of the West Midlands to delivering the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy and Infrastructure Strategy. We held the Regional Investment Summit jointly with WMCA in Birmingham last year which saw £635m of private investment announced for West Midlands and recently supported Mayor Richard Parker’s trade mission to India to engage existing and prospective investors.

The Government published a comprehensive package of analysis on the impact of the Employment Rights Act [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employment-rights-bill-impact-assessments].

The majority of employees will benefit from new protections in the Act and our assessment finds that workers in the low-paying sectors, including hospitality, will benefit the most from the Act.

Our analysis, supported by independent modelling and international evidence, demonstrates pro-employment effects are more likely, and deems the overall risk to employment to be low.

Ministerial private offices are small teams whose composition varies by Minister and portfolio. Private secretaries are paid in line with Civil Service pay frameworks, with contractual hours set out in individual contracts. The Department does not hold data on turnover for individual private offices.

Whilst the government is not aware of any evidence that directly links elevated cancer rates to the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (the FFRs), we recognise that there is an increasing body of evidence to support action to reduce the volume of chemical flame retardants (CFRs) which are used to ensure that upholstered furniture passes flammability tests.

The policy paper 'The fire safety of domestic upholstered furniture', published on 22 January 2025, set out the Government’s commitment to delivering reforms to the FFRs that maintain a high level of fire safety while also facilitating a reduction in the use of CFRs.

Since publication, the Department for Business and Trade has undertaken targeted engagement to inform next steps, including a roundtable in July 2025 that considered the issue of open-flame testing. The Government will provide an update on this in due course.

Whilst the government is not aware of any evidence that directly links elevated cancer rates to the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (the FFRs), we recognise that there is an increasing body of evidence to support action to reduce the volume of chemical flame retardants (CFRs) which are used to ensure that upholstered furniture passes flammability tests.

The policy paper 'The fire safety of domestic upholstered furniture', published on 22 January 2025, set out the Government’s commitment to delivering reforms to the FFRs that maintain a high level of fire safety while also facilitating a reduction in the use of CFRs.

Since publication, the Department for Business and Trade has undertaken targeted engagement to inform next steps, including a roundtable in July 2025 that considered the issue of open-flame testing. The Government will provide an update on this in due course.

“Potential for Critical Raw Material Prospectivity in the UK” was a 2023 study undertaken by the Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre, sponsored by the Department for Business and Trade and delivered by the British Geological Survey. This report identifies target areas of potential for critical minerals within the UK, including in Cornwall. As a preliminary assessment, its findings do not mean that the prospective areas identified will necessarily be targeted for exploration and mining. The Government is working with the British Geological Survey to understand any possible next steps.

Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 enshrines in law the ‘enlightened shareholder value’ principle, in which directors must have regard in their decision-making to the long-term and to the impact of the company’s operations on the community and the environment. The UK Corporate Governance and Stewardship Codes also include principles that promote a focus on long-term value creation by business and institutional investors. The Government will shortly publish a ‘Modernising Corporate Reporting’ consultation which will give an opportunity to stakeholders to comment on UK corporate governance reporting and the wider governance framework, among other matters.

DBT published an evaluation report of the impact of the Covid-19 Business Support Grant Schemes in England and the British Business Bank has published a three year evaluation of the Covid-19 Loan Guarantee Schemes. These can be found at Evaluation of the Local Authority COVID-19 Business Support Grant Schemes and Evaluation of the COVID-19 Loan Guarantee Schemes (Year 3 Report) | British Business Bank

The government is committed to supporting all small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) including family-run businesses through the Small Business Plan - the most comprehensive support package in a generation.

The plan features the most significant legislative reforms in 25 years to tackle late payments; unlocking billions of pounds in finance for start-ups; removing unnecessary red tape; revitalising High Streets, as well as boosting Digital and AI Adoption.

The Business Growth Service makes it easier for SMEs to access the right support at any stage of their growth journey, while Go Succeed provides expert advice for businesses in Northern Ireland.

Last year this government published our 10-year Modern Industrial Strategy, setting out our long-term approach to strengthening domestic capability across strategically important sectors. Alongside it we published several sector plans. The Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan, sets out our support for six ‘frontier’ manufacturing industries, including advanced materials. It also outlines cross-cutting measures aimed at boosting manufacturing overall, including for component manufacturers and foundational industries.

The Life Sciences Sector Plan sets out support for the pharmaceuticals industry, while the Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan shares our priorities for the UK’s clean energy economy, including how we’re tackling and improving grid connections.

The 2025 Critical Minerals Strategy sets out the UK’s vision for securing the critical minerals that are essential for our advanced manufacturing, clean energy, defence, and digital and technology sectors. In 2025, the UK imported £13.4 billion of critical minerals and their derivatives from the rest of the world. The Department is assessing the UK’s reliance on other countries, and working with international partners and industry to address this.

The Government’s 2025 Critical Minerals Strategy sets out clear steps to expand domestic processing and recycling. We are harnessing UK strengths in midstream processing and advanced recycling, supported by strong research institutions and government-backed financing such as DRIVE35, the National Wealth Fund and UK Export Finance.

The Strategy also includes an ambition for 20% of UK demand to be met through recycling by 2035. Government intends to publish the Circular Economy Growth Plan soon to further strengthen circularity and recovery.

New funding of up to £50 million will be made available later this year to support critical mineral projects, including projects in midstream processing and recycling. Further detail will be announced later this year.

We are establishing a new Supply Chain Centre within the Department for Business and Trade which will lead the government's efforts to strengthen the resilience of supply chains critical to the UK's security and prosperity. The Supply Chain Centre will collaborate with industry to ensure the UK is prepared for future disruptions.

The Department has also brought its SME support into the Business Growth Service, providing UK businesses with the tools they need to start, scale and compete globally through business.gov.uk.

Our Industrial Strategy focuses on boosting investment, driving economic growth and supporting high quality jobs, while enhancing economic security through stronger capability, diversified suppliers and strategic international partnerships.

As of 27 February 2026, approximately £1.475 billion has been paid to over 11,500 claimants across the Horizon redress schemes. The Department publishes monthly reports updating this figure. Total spend to date and future commitments for victims of the Horizon scandal are estimated at £2.3 billion. In addition, over £1.6 million has been paid to claimants under the Capture redress scheme since its launch on 29 October 2025

The Government has not set a cap on either the Horizon or Capture redress schemes. The final cost will depend on how many victims come forward and the specific circumstances of their claims.

• According to figures published by the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the UK, the UK was the second largest destination for Spanish foreign direct investment stock at the end of 2023, supporting over 140,000 jobs in the UK in 2023.
• During her visit to Madrid, the Chancellor welcomed a £240m investment from Exolum while Indra will create 600 jobs in the UK after being awarded a contract by Transport for London. Spanish bank Santander has also developed its UK headquarters in Milton Keynes, where it employs thousands of people.

The Government continues to highlight concerns about the erosion of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong in public statements, and monitors associated risks through wider human‑rights and supply‑chain due‑diligence policies. UK businesses are guided by NCSC supply‑chain security principles to identify and manage risks in complex supply chains. The UK operates a comprehensive regulatory framework for strategic export controls, which prevents the export of goods where there is a risk to domestic security, international security, or human rights.

We continue to engage with industry and other stakeholders as we move into the delivery phase of the steel strategy, following its publication on the 19 March. This includes work to implement the new trade defence measure ahead of the 1 July. The publication of any further information will be considered as this progresses.

The steel strategy reaffirms the government’s commitment to spend up to £2.5 billion on the steel sector. Building on the direct support provided so far, the National Wealth Fund will be the main mechanism for providing finance for investment in the steel sector. It is actively seeking engagement with steel firms for strong, investible projects.

Allocations are subject to the usual government approvals processes and ministerial decisions. All support for the steel sector has been drawn from existing government budgets, with no additional borrowing or trade-offs required.

We continue to engage with industry and other stakeholders as we move into the delivery phase of the steel strategy, following its publication on the 19 March. This includes work to implement the new trade defence measure ahead of the 1 July. The publication of any further information will be considered as this progresses.

The steel strategy reaffirms the government’s commitment to spend up to £2.5 billion on the steel sector. Building on the direct support provided so far, the National Wealth Fund will be the main mechanism for providing finance for investment in the steel sector. It is actively seeking engagement with steel firms for strong, investible projects.

Allocations are subject to the usual government approvals processes and ministerial decisions. All support for the steel sector has been drawn from existing government budgets, with no additional borrowing or trade-offs required.

We continue to engage with industry and other stakeholders as we move into the delivery phase of the steel strategy, following its publication on the 19 March. This includes work to implement the new trade defence measure ahead of the 1 July. The publication of any further information will be considered as this progresses.

The steel strategy reaffirms the government’s commitment to spend up to £2.5 billion on the steel sector. Building on the direct support provided so far, the National Wealth Fund will be the main mechanism for providing finance for investment in the steel sector. It is actively seeking engagement with steel firms for strong, investible projects.

Allocations are subject to the usual government approvals processes and ministerial decisions. All support for the steel sector has been drawn from existing government budgets, with no additional borrowing or trade-offs required.

Banking Framework 4 increases remuneration rates for cash services. Increases will vary by branch activity. Post Office has also committed to improving remuneration through its Transformation plan, which includes cost saving investments (such as automation) related to the implementation of the Banking Framework.

Banking Framework 4 secures Post Office’s important role in providing free-to-access cash and banking services until December 2030. As set out in the Government response to the Green Paper, there was a constructive joint discussion between government, the Post Office and the banking sector in January 2026, where several areas of mutual interest were discussed including additional banking services.

The Government’s Green Paper consultation confirmed that the public, especially rural communities and small businesses, rely on their local Post Office for essential services. We are therefore committed to retaining the 11,500‑branch minimum network and existing access criteria to ensure nationwide access to essential services.

In the Green Paper consultation response, the Government explicitly confirms that all six Access Criteria will remain in place, and performance will be monitored by the Government through regular reporting and Post Office’s published annual Network Report.

In March 2025 Jingye rejected an offer of substantial financial support to convert the Scunthorpe steelworks to electric arc furnaces. More recently we have been in discussions with Jingye to find a pragmatic, realistic solution for the future of British Steel.

British Steel remains owned by Jingye and HM Government’s powers to intervene under the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act 2025 are designed to maintain steelmaking and avoid a disorderly closure of the blast furnaces. We are seeking to resolve the future of British Steel and our long-term aspiration for the UK steel sector will require co-investment with the private sector, as appropriate.

In March 2025 Jingye rejected an offer of substantial financial support to convert the Scunthorpe steelworks to electric arc furnaces. More recently we have been in discussions with Jingye to find a pragmatic, realistic solution for the future of British Steel.

British Steel remains owned by Jingye and HM Government’s powers to intervene under the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act 2025 are designed to maintain steelmaking and avoid a disorderly closure of the blast furnaces. We are seeking to resolve the future of British Steel and our long-term aspiration for the UK steel sector will require co-investment with the private sector, as appropriate.

Post Office Limited is using the competitive flexible process (pursuant to the Procurement Act 2023) in order to select suppliers. Post Office expect by Summer 2026 to award a contract for a new supplier to replace Fujitsu and all parties remain committed to seeing that happen as soon as possible.

The Government acknowledges the necessity for maintained oversight and is taking appropriate action to ensure that POL can successfully transition to a new IT system which is robust and fit-for-purpose.

Fujitsu has announced that it will not bid for further Government business unless specifically asked to do so by Government. Such requests are made only where Fujitsu’s involvement is necessary to maintain critical public services.

The government is committed to supporting UK SMEs, including independent gyms in the East of England, through the Small Business Plan - the most comprehensive package of support for SMEs in a generation.

This includes the most significant legislative reforms in 25 years to tackle late payments; unlocking billions of pounds in finance to support start-ups; removing unnecessary red tape; revitalising High Streets and boosting Digital and AI Adoption among small businesses.

The Business Growth Service helps SMEs access tailored support at every stage of their growth journey. The South Midlands Growth Hub offers free accessible business advice and support at all stages of a business’s journey.

The UK’s steel industry is fundamental to UK manufacturing, the UK’s critical national infrastructure and defence. Steel overcapacity is distorting markets, artificially driving down prices and threatening the viability of our already fragile domestic steelmaking sector – which has more than halved in the last decade.

Our aim is to strike the right balance: while the measure aims to ensure continued viability of UK steel production, we have considered the impact of supply for downstream sectors in the design of this measure.

This Government is aware of the impact of gas costs on energy-intensive industries and that current energy support schemes only subsidise the cost of electricity for eligible electricity-intensive businesses. My officials regularly engage with trade associations and industry groups, including the Energy Intensive Users Group, to ensure that their concerns are heard and inform potential policy support for gas costs in future.

The Department plans to provide up to £180 million of funding through a new network subsidy to Post Office over the next three financial years. The entirety of this funding is new, with the specific allocation of funding across the network being an operational matter for the Post Office.

This funding will support with the operational costs of delivering government policy, which requires Post Office to deliver essential services across specific access criteria. This includes the requirement to ensure that 99% of the UK population is within 3 miles of their nearest post office outlet.

The Framework Document between the Department and POL sets out that network subsidy is ringfenced for the purposes of delivering government policy via the branch network.

The chemicals sector underpins almost all other manufacturing in the UK and is fundamental to maximising growth. It helps stimulate productivity across the economy to drive forward the government’s growth mission. This is why chemicals was identified as a foundational industry within the Industrial Strategy. Our modern Industrial Strategy will implement targeted policy interventions to drive long-term sustainable, inclusive and secure growth.

Government works closely with industry to ensure the sector remains competitive and resilient. This includes supporting innovation, improving productivity, promoting exports and inward investment, as well as ensuring the UK has the skills needed to meet future demand.