Oral Answers to Questions

Mark Fletcher Excerpts

Thursday 16th June 2022 Commons Chamber

[Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con)]

6. What steps her Department is taking to help UK exports reach Ukraine.

[Mark Fletcher (Bolsover) (Con)]

9. What steps her Department is taking to help UK exports reach Ukraine.

[Tom Randall (Gedling) (Con)]

14. What steps her Department is taking to help UK exports reach Ukraine.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Jayawardena]

My hon. Friend raises an important point. Indeed, until Russia’s invasion in February, Ukraine was one of the largest exporters of grains and vegetable oils. Britain has developed a six-point plan for tackling food insecurity. We continue to work with international partners, including at the WTO, to find ways to resume grain exports from Ukraine to the countries who desperately need them, particularly in the developing world. The outcome that we want is to keep trade flowing and to keep prices down.

[Mark Fletcher]

Will the Minister update the House on how liberalising tariffs on Ukraine has supported the flow of trade and, in turn, on how effective our sanctions have been against Russia?

[Mr Jayawardena]

On 10 May, Britain laid legislation to liberalise all tariffs on imports of Ukrainian origin. Those measures have reduced barriers faced by Ukrainian businesses and consumers in their time of need, making it easier to obtain essential goods and aid from Britain. In lockstep with our allies, we are introducing the largest and most severe economic sanctions that Russia has ever faced, with, for example, up to 60% of Russian foreign currency reserves currently frozen. Analysis shows that, as a result, Russia is heading for its deepest recession since the collapse of the Soviet Union.