Asked by: Esther McVey (Conservative - Tatton)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many staff network events took place in his Department in May; and what the names of those events were.
Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
In the Department for Business and Trade, staff networks bring colleagues together to share experiences, are employee led and operate in line with the Civil Service Code. Staff network events help engage and connect colleagues across the Department.
One staff network event was held in this period to commemorate VE Day.
Asked by: Esther McVey (Conservative - Tatton)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has updated guidance on the use of single-sex facilities in response to the Supreme Court judgement in the case of For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers of 16 April 2025.
Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
It is important that we ensure dignity and respect for all. Trans people should have access to services they need but in keeping with the ruling.
The Equality & Human Rights Commission, as Britain’s Equalities watchdog, has launched a public consultation on its code of practice which will close on 30th June. Ministers will consider the updated guidance once they have submitted it.
The Department is awaiting updated guidance before making any updates to its own policies.
Asked by: Esther McVey (Conservative - Tatton)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many and what proportion of public contracts awarded by his Department since 5 July 2024 have been awarded to (a) British SMEs and (b) companies based abroad.
Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
The Department of Business and Trade has awarded and published 167 contracts over £10,000 ex VAT since 5 July 2024; 44 of which were to UK based SMEs, and 22 to companies based abroad.