Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what recent steps her Department has taken to ensure the sustainability of global supply chains during the covid-19 pandemic.

Disruption to trade is one of the key drivers of COVID-19 global economic shock. Long-lasting or overly restrictive trade measures that inhibit free trade will hit the most vulnerable countries hardest.

The government is working to keep supply chains open to ensure essential goods and services reach consumers and vulnerable livelihoods are protected. The demand and supply challenges facing global trade are acute.

We are working with the G20, WTO and World Bank on development-focused trade support, including ensuring flows of medical supplies.