Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether, in the light of the imposition of widespread trade tariffs by the United States of America, they will now establish a dedicated unit to research and promote import substitution in the United Kingdom.
Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
We are disappointed by these tariffs and aware of the significant impact they may have on UK industry and consumers. The UK is keeping all options open in response and will not hesitate to act in national interest. We are seeking the views of UK businesses as part of a wider request for input on potential tariff response options. Officials continue to work closely with the Trade Remedies Authority to assess the possible trade diversion impact from these US measures. We will continue to engage and support domestic industries and consumers on this matter.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask His Majesty's Government how they intend to protect the United Kingdom from potential ‘dumping’ by countries adversely affected by the imposition of trade tariffs by the United States of America.
Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
In preparation for any US tariffs, departmental officials were assessing the potential impacts of trade diversion on UK industry. The extent of US tariffs became clear on 3 April. Officials continue to work closely with the Trade Remedies Authority to assess the possible trade diversion impacts from these US measures. Where imports are being dumped into the UK, causing injury to UK producers, either UK industry or the Secretary of State can apply to the Trade Remedies Authority for an anti-dumping investigation. This government will not hesitate to act to protect UK industry should we need to do so.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to impose retaliatory tariffs on the United States of America following the unilateral imposition of tariffs on the United Kingdom.
Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
We remain committed to discussions with the US on a wider economic deal that works for both the UK and the US, but nothing is off the table and the government will do what is necessary to defend the UK’s national interest. Should our negotiations not be successful, we have a range of tools at our disposal. As such, on 3 April the government launched a Request for Input from businesses to help inform our response to US tariffs. Once the Request for Input closes, the Government will reflect on the feedback and consider how best to respond.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the trade implications for the United Kingdom by the imposition of differential tariffs between the United Kingdom and the European Union.
Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
We will always act in the best interests of businesses across the UK. As the Prime Minister said on 2 April, we will look closely at the details of any retaliatory tariffs, if they are announced by the EU, and any impact these might have on businesses. Where goods moving to Northern Ireland do not enter the EU, businesses can claim a full reimbursement of any EU duties paid. The Secretary of State for Business and Trade spoke to the Northern Ireland Executive on 3 April, and we are committed to working together in the interests of everybody in Northern Ireland.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the implications for the Windsor Framework of differential levels of tariffs imposed by the United States of America on the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
Northern Ireland is a part of the United Kingdom customs territory and internal market. As such, Northern Ireland exporters will face 10% US tariffs like exporters elsewhere in the UK
We continue to closely monitor the impact on Northern Ireland of any tariffs. This government will always act in the best interests of all UK businesses which of course includes those in Northern Ireland.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to review the operation of the Motability scheme, in the light of reports of increased levels of misuse of that scheme.
Answered by Baroness Sherlock - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
Motability Foundation is a registered charity regulated by the Charity Commission so is wholly responsible for the terms and the administration of the Motability Scheme. The Scheme is delivered by Motability Operations which is an independent commercial company under contract to the charity. Any misuse of a scheme vehicle is a matter for Motability, and they will take action as appropriate.
The Department takes benefit fraud extremely seriously, as has been underlined by our campaign to warn people of the consequences of trying to defraud the benefits system. People who suspect benefit fraud can ring the National Benefit Fraud Hotline number on 0800 854 4400 to report in confidence any information which would help the Department’s officials in their investigations.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with European and other allies with a view to updating the 1951 Refugee Convention.
Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)
The Government remains committed to ensuring that all asylum and human rights claims are carefully considered in accordance with our international obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention. This means that we do not remove anyone who faces persecution or serious harm on return to their country of origin.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask His Majesty's Government what was the annual cost of the Motability scheme in each of the past five financial years.
Answered by Baroness Sherlock - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
Whilst the Department works closely with the Motability Foundation and is responsible for the disability benefits that provide a passport to the Motability Scheme, the Motability Foundation is an independent charitable organisation that is wholly responsible for the terms and administration of the Scheme, along with oversight of Motability Operations.
Motability Operation’s Annual Report and Accounts are publicly available and can be found on their website.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what preparations they are making for the review of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the European Union due to take place in 2026.
Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
We are committed to fulfilling the obligations set out in the Trade and Cooperation Agreement including, in due course, the 2026 review of implementation as per Article 776. The Government is committed to resetting relations with the European Union and enhancing our safety, security and prosperity.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with NATO or European allies concerning the provision of a nuclear umbrella to Ukraine or any other European country by the United Kingdom.
Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The conflict in Ukraine is not a nuclear matter for the United Kingdom. However, we have assigned our nuclear deterrent to the defence of NATO since 1962.