Asked by: Andrew Rosindell (Reform UK - Romford)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what discussions he has had with his counterparts in Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership member states on (a) digital trade standards and (b) their implications for UK businesses.
Answered by Douglas Alexander - Secretary of State for Scotland
The UK is engaging in exploratory discussions on digital trade as part of the CPTPP General Review. Digital trade was also raised at the CPTPP ministerial meeting in November 2024 and referenced in the subsequent joint statement.
As part of this process, CPTPP Parties are reviewing the Agreement’s operation with a view to updating and enhancing it. The UK’s contributions take account of the latest developments in digital trade, including those relating to digital trade standards. Throughout this process, our priority remains to promote and protect the interests of UK businesses, consumers and workers.
Asked by: Andrew Rosindell (Reform UK - Romford)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to ensure redress for consumers harmed by dangerous toys sold on online marketplaces.
Answered by Justin Madders
The Consumer Protection Act 1987 allows consumers harmed by defective products to make civil claims from the manufacturer for compensation. The Government is currently reviewing this legislation to ensure it remains up-to-date and fit for the future. Other legislation gives consumers the right to redress if they are misled by a trader’s actions; including the right to unwind contracts, claim discounts, and damages.
While the law is clear that toys must be safe before being placed on the market, the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill will enable regulations to be updated to better reflect modern online supply chains.
Asked by: Andrew Rosindell (Reform UK - Romford)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill will regulate online marketplaces selling dangerous toys.
Answered by Justin Madders
The Consumer Protection Act 1987 allows consumers harmed by defective products to make civil claims from the manufacturer for compensation. The Government is currently reviewing this legislation to ensure it remains up-to-date and fit for the future. Other legislation gives consumers the right to redress if they are misled by a trader’s actions; including the right to unwind contracts, claim discounts, and damages.
While the law is clear that toys must be safe before being placed on the market, the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill will enable regulations to be updated to better reflect modern online supply chains.
Asked by: Andrew Rosindell (Reform UK - Romford)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of energy reform policies in Mexico on investment by British companies in the renewable energy sector in that country.
Answered by Douglas Alexander - Secretary of State for Scotland
We are closely following the regulatory reforms in Mexico, including most recently the presentation of new secondary laws on 29 January in respect of the energy sector. We continue to maintain a dialogue with counterparts in the Mexican Government to support UK companies navigating this period of regulatory change.
Asked by: Andrew Rosindell (Reform UK - Romford)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant of the Answer of 20 January 2025 to Question 23276 on Energy: Investment, what steps his Department is taking to help support British companies with investments in Mexico during the period of regulatory change.
Answered by Douglas Alexander - Secretary of State for Scotland
My Department is following this period of regulatory change in Mexico closely. We are utilising all tools available, through the British Embassy and through dialogue with our respective counterparts within the Mexican government, including encouraging engagement on the reforms with businesses.
Asked by: Andrew Rosindell (Reform UK - Romford)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to help safeguard consumer protection within the private publishing sector.
Answered by Justin Madders
Consumer legislation, such as the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, apply to businesses across all sectors where consumers are transacting with traders. This includes the private publishing sector. DBT is strengthening consumer law enforcement through the implementation of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.
Asked by: Andrew Rosindell (Reform UK - Romford)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential (a) implications for his policies and (b) impact on bilateral trade relations of the International Monetary Fund's loan deal with the Republic of El Salvador.
Answered by Douglas Alexander - Secretary of State for Scotland
The UK Government is aware of the agreement reached between the International Monetary Fund and the Government of El Salvador for a new arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility, which aims to support economic reforms in the country. The UK will continue to use the UK-Central America Association Agreement to strengthen our trade relationship with El Salvador, which was worth £66m in the 12 months to June 2024.
Asked by: Andrew Rosindell (Reform UK - Romford)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent progress he has made on free-trade negotiations with the Swiss Confederation.
Answered by Douglas Alexander - Secretary of State for Scotland
The fifth round of negotiations on an enhanced Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Switzerland took place in London between 14 and 18 October 2024. UK negotiators made good progress, working towards agreeing ambitious outcomes in key areas including services, investment and digital. Round 6 talks are expected to take place in Switzerland in early 2025. The Government will continue to work towards delivering outcomes in the FTA that secure economic growth for the UK and will update Parliament on the progress of discussions with Switzerland as they continue to develop.
Asked by: Andrew Rosindell (Reform UK - Romford)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has made an assessment of the implications for (a) his policies and (b) bilateral trade relations of Argentina’s most recent debt repayments to international bondholders.
Answered by Douglas Alexander - Secretary of State for Scotland
The UK Government continually monitors international economic developments and is aware of the domestic reforms that the Argentine government is undertaking and their most recent debt repayments. The UK is working with Argentina to strengthen our trade relationship – worth £2 billion in the 12 months to June 2024. In October 2024, the Secretary of State met his Argentine counterpart, the first ministerial meeting between trade ministers since 2019 and agreed to work together in areas such as services, customs, and education.
Asked by: Andrew Rosindell (Reform UK - Romford)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of Mexico's recent constitutional reforms on UK investments in the regional energy sector.
Answered by Douglas Alexander - Secretary of State for Scotland
The UK Embassy in Mexico regularly engages with the Mexican Government to underline the importance of strong institutions, independent courts, and the rule of law.
My Department has been following the regulatory reforms closely. We are aware of market reactions and maintain a dialogue with the Mexican Government at the highest levels about how these reforms may affect UK business. Mexico is a long-standing and valued trade partner for the UK and we are working to grow our two-way trade and investment.