Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Ranil Jayawardena and Marion Fellows

Thursday 20th January 2022 Commons Chamber

[Mr Jayawardena]

First, I am sure the hon. Member would want to direct all businesses to our export support service, which will help British businesses get the answers to the practical questions they may have about exporting to Europe, accessing cross-Government information and support all in one place. She will be pleased to know that the statistics actually show that monthly exports to the EU are now £13.6 billion, which is 12% higher than average exports in 2020. That shows that significant progress is being made in our exports from businesses of all sizes up and down our country.

[Marion Fellows (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP)]

16. What recent assessment she has made of trends in the level of UK trade with the (a) EU and (b) rest of the world.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Ranil Jayawardena and Marion Fellows

Thursday 15th April 2021 Commons Chamber

[Marion Fellows (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP)]

What recent assessment her Department has made of the effect of steel import tariffs on the UK steel industry.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Trade (Mr Ranil Jayawardena)]

First, may I associate myself with the tributes on Monday led by you, Mr Speaker, and the Prime Minister on the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, and the Humble Address of the House of Commons to Her Majesty?

We are committed to defending British industry and jobs and will not hesitate to take firm action where necessary, which is why we have safeguard measures in place. We know there are concerns that Chinese steel is receiving state subsidies that distort trade, so, working with our allies, we will challenge China and other countries to play by the rules.

[Marion Fellows [V]]

Motherwell in my constituency was once the heart of steel production in Scotland and the rest of the UK, but consecutive UK Governments have overseen the decline of steel jobs in Scotland from thousands to just over 100. Will the UK Government provide certainty for steelworkers today, support domestic production, protect those remaining jobs and retain the tariffs on steel imports?

[Mr Jayawardena]

When the Trade Remedies Authority is set up, it will conclude its investigation, which it would be wrong to pre-empt. We are of course working for every corner of our United Kingdom, backing British businesses and supporting Scottish jobs as much as we are supporting those in England, Wales and Northern Ireland—at a time when the Scottish National party wants to cut itself off from its largest market: the British internal market.