Asked by: Stephen Timms (Labour - East Ham)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what assessment his Department has made of which non-EU markets have the greatest potential for increasing UK financial services exports after the UK leaves the EU.
Answered by Graham Stuart
We are determined to help UK business from every sector make the most of opportunities around the world. To support the financial services industry, the Department for International Trade (DIT) is running in-depth export promotion campaigns in markets where we have identified the best immediate prospects. The countries for those campaigns were selected based on economic analysis, intelligence from British Embassies and feedback from industry experts.
As well as addressing the opportunities available now, we are also designing a fully-independent UK trade policy. This will unlock further opportunities in markets where UK firms are currently still facing barriers to access. DIT and HM Treasury are currently working with businesses to identify the most important priorities for the sector.
Asked by: Stephen Timms (Labour - East Ham)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what information he holds on international borders with no customs union and no border infrastructure; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Greg Hands
We have considered a range of options for implementing new border arrangements and have looked to examples from around the world.
However, the circumstances that apply to different international borders are unique and so the UK won't be seeking to copy models used by other countries, but rather seek approaches that reflect the unique and special relationship the UK has with the EU.
The precise form taken will depend on the outcome of negotiations.
Asked by: Stephen Timms (Labour - East Ham)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, how many companies in (a) Greater London and (b) the London Borough of Newham exported goods or services to (i) other EU countries and (ii) non-EU countries in each year since 2010.
Answered by Mark Garnier - Shadow Parliamentary Under Secretary (Work and Pensions)
The number of businesses in Greater London exporting goods to EU and non-EU countries since 2010 is available in HMRC Regional Trade Statistics.
EU and non–EU data for 2013-16 are not comparable with data for 2010-2012 due to differences in methodology.
Similar data for the London Borough of Newham are not available.
Asked by: Stephen Timms (Labour - East Ham)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 20 February to Question 63568, if he will take steps to include a clause on compliance with Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in future bilateral trade and investment agreements; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Greg Hands
Existing EU trade agreements refer to commitment to the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a whole.
I refer the hon Member for East Ham to the answer I gave him on 20 February 2017, UIN 63568.
Asked by: Stephen Timms (Labour - East Ham)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what account he plans to take of other countries' observance of Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights when planning new trade deals after the UK leaves the EU.
Answered by Greg Hands
The UK has a strong history of protecting human rights and promoting our values globally. We will consider all options in the design of future bilateral trade and investment agreements. We will of course continue to encourage all states to uphold international human rights obligations and work with those determined to reform.
Asked by: Stephen Timms (Labour - East Ham)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, whether he plans to maintain the same trading relationship with Bangladesh after the UK leaves the EU as that which was established by the EU; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Greg Hands
The UK believes in a free and open approach to trade.
The Government aims to preserve and where possible enhance its trading relationship with developing countries, such as Bangladesh. Ministers and officials are also engaging with counterparts in a range of markets to promote the UK as one of the strongest places to do business, and with which to trade.
We remain committed to ensuring developing countries can reduce poverty through trading opportunities, and recognise the need for a smooth transition which minimises disruption.
Asked by: Stephen Timms (Labour - East Ham)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 9 January 2017 to Question 58220, how many Foreign Direct Investment projects there have been into the UK since 23 June 2016; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Greg Hands
The Department for International Trade collects and validates information on known foreign direct investment (FDI) projects that materialise in the UK during a financial year. The results are published annually to allow for full quality control of the results, and can be found on Gov.uk.
The latest set of FDI results can be found using the following link:
An overview of the last five years worth of FDI into the UK regions can be accessed on:
For any FDI and Export related publications, please consult:
https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/exports-and-inward-investment
Asked by: Stephen Timms (Labour - East Ham)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, how many foreign direct investment projects there have been into the UK in each six-month period in the last three years.
Answered by Greg Hands
The Department for International Trade collects and validates information on known foreign direct investment (FDI) projects that materialise in the UK during a financial year. The results are published annually to allow for full quality control of the results, and can be found on Gov.uk.
The latest set of FDI results can be found using the following link:
An overview of the last five years worth of FDI into the UK regions can be accessed on:
For any FDI and Export related publications, please consult:
https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/exports-and-inward-investment