Asked by: John Howell (Conservative - Henley)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether she has made an assessment for the implications of her policies of Tel Aviv’s recent rating as the second-best cleantech ecosystem; and if her Department will hold discussions with Israeli businesses on the steps being taken to develop cleaner and safer technologies.
Answered by Nigel Huddleston - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
The Department for Business and Trade works closely with the British Embassy in Tel Aviv, who recognise the importance of the CleanTech sector in Israel and its success and innovation in developing new technologies, along with the value that this can bring to the UK economy.
The Embassy both prioritises this sector and assists Israeli companies who wish to invest and expand into the UK. It also supports UK corporates who are looking for solutions that Israeli start-ups can provide in this sector.
Asked by: John Howell (Conservative - Henley)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the debate on Safeguarding democracy, rights and the environment in international trade, which took place at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on 27 April 2023.
Answered by Nigel Huddleston - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
As an independent nation in control of our trading future, the UK government considers a broad range of factors when developing international trade policy – including benefits to the UK economy and our international obligations.
In line with those international obligations, the Government will continue to ensure that our trade policy reflects our high standards and protections – both in new trade agreements and via multilateral fora.
Having secure and growing trading relationships can increase UK influence and assist open conversations with partners on a range of issues, many of which are listed in the Council of Europe report “Doc. 15739”.