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Douglas Alexander
LAB✓ Current MP
🏛️ Lothian East
📅 1997–2026
2,246 speeches on Hansard record
⚠️ Votes attended: 58.57%
🟢 Rebelled against party: 0.00%
📝 Topics: Syria, Afghanistan, Libya: Armed Conflict
Written Answers
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Department for Business and Trade
Two export licences have been issued to this company since October 2023, but each licence has been assessed to ensure that the items were not for use by the Israeli military in military operations in Gaza.This is pursuant to the decision on 2 September 2024 when we suspended export licences for the…
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From 1 October 2023 to 31 December 2024, the latest date covered by our most official statistics release, UAV Tactical Systems LTD have been issued 2 export licences covering exports to Israel.Each licence has been assessed to ensure that the items were not for use by the Israeli military in…
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Although there are no such significant direct impacts, the UK raised the issue of oil and gas developments with New Zealand on several occasions, including following New Zealand's Budget 2025 announcements after the Environment and Climate Change Sub-Committee meeting in May 2025. The Department…
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This Government recognises the importance of the UK sugar beet industry. In all our trade negotiations we seek to open up new markets for British agricultural, food and drink exports, including UK-produced sugars.The UK is also an active member of the International Sugar Organization, a body that…
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The full treaty, including goods tariff schedules and rules of origin annexes are published on Gov.uk and have been laid in the House. The Government will implement the changes to UK tariffs in line with usual procedures.
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The final Impact Assessment and accompanying data tables for the UK–India trade deal were published on 24 July.The analysis outlines the long-term economic benefits of the deal, including an estimated £4.8 billion boost to UK GDP and £2.2 billion increase in wages annually.
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The UK–India trade deal includes mobility provisions that support short-term business mobility for highly skilled professionals. These provisions do not affect the UK’s points-based immigration system and are not expected to add to net migration in the long term. The Double…
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The Secretary of State commissioned the Chair of Trade and Agriculture Commission upon signature of the India FTA and has given the Chair until 24 October to provide advice which will be laid before Parliament shortly thereafter. The Government will then produce a Section 42 Report, under its…
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The UK recognises that investors state dispute settlement provisions as an interest of UK business. In parallel to the Free Trade Agreement, we are negotiating a Bilateral Investment Treaty to progress UK interests. These talks have not concluded, and the agreement remains under discussion.
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All export licence applications to Ukraine are treated with the highest priority by the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU). As with all export licence applications, assessments are made on a case-by-case basis according to the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria. Assessments for Ukraine, given the…
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The weaponisation of trade for geopolitical purposes is growing. This Government recognised those risks in our National Security Strategy, and why the Department of Business and Trade announced in the Trade Strategy that we would reform our trade defence tools, including seeking views on new powers…
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The Business and Trade Secretary had a warm introductory conversation with his Canadian counterpart Minister Sidhu at the G7, where they discussed the bilateral trading relationship and agreed to work together on deepening and growing the bilateral trading relationship further. They did not discuss…
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As part of the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal, we have agreed new reciprocal market access on beef. For the first time ever, British farmers can sell their high-quality British beef to a market of over 300 million people, helping farmers grow their business.Our approach to this trade deal has…
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The UK has a range of measures in place to promote responsible business conduct across the economy. In the Trade Strategy, the Government launched a review into the UK’s approach to responsible business conduct, focused on tackling human rights and labour abuses, modern slavery, and…
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Canada is a close ally and valued partner of the UK, with trade underpinned by our existing trade agreement worth around £28 billion in 2024.Growing our bilateral trade is a shared priority. As agreed between our Prime Ministers at the G7, the UK and Canada have established a new Working…
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My department is engaging with industry to monitor impacts on small and medium-sized Businesses (SMEs).We have published information to inform UK businesses and remain in close contact with our US counterparts to seek further clarity as needed. We remain fully committed to empowering SMEs to thrive…
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On the 15 May 2024 the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) initiated a transition review of the existing anti-dumping trade remedy measures on ceramic tableware and kitchenware originating from China. As the review remains ongoing, I cannot comment further. The TRA will publish relevant information on…
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On the 23 August 2024 the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) initiated a transition review of the existing anti-dumping trade remedy measures on bicycles and bike parts originating from China. The TRA published their draft recommendation on their public file on 31 July 2025, on which interested parties…
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The Government is currently undertaking a review of the Autonomous Tarif Quota (ATQ) on raw cane sugar following an engagement exercise that closed in March 2025.We are considering a range of factors including potential impacts on consumers; striking the right balance between supporting domestic…
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The Office for Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI) was established in October 2024, as part of the Department for Business and Trade, to strengthen the implementation and enforcement of UK trade sanctions. OTSI has civil enforcement powers, including the ability to impose civil monetary…
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Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) support inclusive, sustained economic growth and promote regional integration by providing duty-free access for partner exports to the UK and generous cumulation provisions aligned with AfCFTA objectives. Without this access, current trade faces significant…
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The UK's Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) do not contain expiry provisions or 'sunset clauses'. The preferential market access they provide to developing country partners will continue indefinitely. EPAs do include review clauses allowing for discussion on areas such as investment,…
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Canada is a close ally and valued partner of the UK, with trade underpinned by our existing trade agreement – which keeps almost 99% of tariffs at 0 - worth around £28 billion in 2024.The Business and Trade Secretary had a warm introductory conversation with his Canadian…
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The UK Government has a clear position that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal under international law. Goods originating in these settlements are not entitled to benefit from preferential tariff treatment under the UK's current trade agreements with the…
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The UK has a range of measures in place to promote RBC across the economy. In the Trade Strategy, the Government also launched a review into the UK's approach to responsible business conduct, focused on tackling human rights and labour abuses, modern slavery, and environmental harms in global…
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In the Trade Strategy, the Government launched a review into the UK's approach to responsible business conduct, focused on tackling human rights and labour abuses, modern slavery, and environmental harms in global supply chains. Throughout the review, we will harness the insights and expertise of…
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Managing Public Money sets out expectations for all public services, including money spent procuring any goods and services. The standards are honesty, impartiality, openness, accountability, accuracy, fairness, integrity, transparency, objectivity, and reliability. All should be carried out in the…
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As stated in the public consultation document at the end of last month, the Government is considering plans that will allow Ministers to designate certain UK specific services, works or goods as nationally important to protecting UK national security - as part of our Plan for Change to secure…
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The US market is Scotland's second largest export market for goods, worth £4bn in 2024. In response to US tariffs, the government launched a Request for Input on the 3 April to gather feedback directly from stakeholders across the whole of the UK that could be affected by our possible response…
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The Department has not undertaken a quantitative assessment of the future long-term tariff revenue impact of the DCTS. Before launching the DCTS, the Department estimated based on historical trade patterns, annual tariff savings of up to £770 million to UK imports, benefitting UK businesses…
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The Government published its Trade Strategy on 26 June, which was positively received by business. The Government will work closely with stakeholders on the implementation of the strategy, to ensure that resources are prioritised to deliver on key commitments to enhance economic growth and…
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We are committed to our trading relationships across the continent of Africa, founded on partnerships and respect, to deliver mutual long-term benefit. Recent UK-Africa consultations demonstrated that African partners want increased trade with countries like the UK, and within the continent. Trade…
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DBT works closely with all government departments, including the Ministry of Defence, to consider all aspects of our trading relationships with Africa, and our strategic approach fully aligns with our recently published Trade Strategy and Industrial Strategy.
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Germany is the UK’s second-largest trading partner globally. We recognise the importance of resolving trade frictions between the UK and Germany where they occur. Our new UK-Germany Treaty, signed on 17 July, has economic growth and industrial collaboration at its heart. This will help drive…
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The Developing Countries Trading Scheme entered into force in June 2023 following thorough consultation and analysis. This included consultation with private sector stakeholders on UK market sensitivities. Seasonal tariffs were subsequently removed for four products (strawberries, cucumbers,…
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The Department has not undertaken a further economic impact assessment following the launch of the DCTS. The Scheme provides UK businesses with the opportunity to diversify supply chains and reduce import costs by sourcing from DCTS countries, which benefit from duty-free access on an average of…
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The Prime Minister, Business Secretary and other Ministers across government have been engaging widely on the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD) with business organisations and companies from across the economy, including in the North East.This deal protects jobs in the automotive, steel,…
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Thanks to our trade deal with the US, the UK remains the only country to have avoided 50% tariffs on steel and aluminium. A 25% tariff continues to apply to UK steel exports. President Trump’s Executive Order on 3 June reconfirmed this will be removed once a US for UK quota is implemented, as…
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The UK Government seeks the best possible outcome for UK businesses in all aspects of negotiations and ongoing market access engagement with other governments, based on industry engagement and economic analysis.Under the UK-India FTA, we agreed a review mechanism, allowing us to revisit areas of…
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As set out in the UK’s Trade Strategy, flexible trading arrangements and partnerships, such as the UK-Taiwan Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP), are a valuable part of our toolkit.The Investment Pillar of the ETP, along with the Digital Trade and Energy & Net Zero Pillars, sets out commitments…
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We are aware of the findings of the 4 Day Week Foundation’s recent trial. A four-day week is an example of a flexible working arrangement. Currently, all employees have the right to request a flexible working arrangement, and we are changing legislation through the Employment Rights Bill to…
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The UK and US are continuing talks on a wider UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal which will look at increasing digital trade, improving access for our world-leading services industries and improving supply chains. The deal opens the way to a future UK US technology partnership through which our…
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The UK Government seeks the best possible outcome for UK businesses in all aspects of negotiations and ongoing market access engagement with other governments, based on industry engagement and economic analysis.Under the UK-India FTA we agreed a review mechanism, allowing us to revisit areas of…
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We are currently implementing the first phase of the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal. The deal protects manufacturing through the removal of tariffs for aerospace goods and reducing tariffs for automotive, alongside the implementation of a new quota. The US was the 2nd largest goods export market…
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Since January 2003 the herb kava-kava, and any food containing it, is banned from entry to the UK. This is because of concerns regarding its toxic effect on the liver. The Department for Business and Trade has not made any assessment related to this import ban.
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Steel is a top priority for this government. The UK applies 10 anti-dumping measures and two anti-subsidy measures on steel imports from China, and a safeguard measure on global imports for 14 steel categories. This measure was adjusted on 30 June to provide more effective protection for domestic…
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There are a number of different Departments and agencies with responsibility for cross-border processes. The Government’s Trade Strategy sets out how HMG will continue to work to support business, including through DBT working with industry on initiatives to improve the uptake of Electronic…
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The government recognises that many British National Overseas (BNO) visa holders have valuable professional qualifications. Recognition of overseas professional qualifications is determined by independent occupational regulators, many of which accept qualifications from Hong Kong.The government…
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The Government published its Trade Strategy on 26 June which was positively received by business. The Government will work closely with stakeholders on the implementation of the strategy, to ensure that resources are prioritised to deliver on key commitments such as opening new export and market…
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In the Trade Strategy, the Government launched a review into the UK’s approach to responsible business conduct, focused on tackling human rights and labour abuses, modern slavery, and environmental harms in global supply chains.The review will be a neutral, objective appraisal of policy, led…
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UK exporters remain able to travel to Colombia visa-free to provide their goods and services. The UK also continues to welcome Colombian nationals with visit visas travelling to the UK for business reasons.DBT supports UK businesses of all sizes to export to Colombia, including through the British…
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The UK Government has a clear position that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal under international law. There are clear risks related to economic and financial activities in the settlements, and we do not encourage or offer support to such activity. The overseas…
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The UK has a range of measures in place to promote responsible business conduct (RBC) across the economy. The Government expects all UK companies to respect human rights, workers’ rights and the environment throughout their operations and supply chains in line with the UN Guiding Principles…
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In the Trade Strategy, the Government committed to promoting a coordinated approach to responsible business conduct. The Government’s review into responsible business conduct, focused on tackling human rights and labour abuses, modern slavery, and environmental harms in global supply chains,…
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The Department for Business and Trade has engaged with the Corporate Justice Coalition on the petition entitled Introduction of a business, human rights and environment act, submitted on 19 June 2025. In the Trade Strategy, the Government launched a review into the UK’s approach to…
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There are currently no plans to change DBT’s responsibility for policy on the export of dual-use items.
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The implementation of the Strategic Defence Review’s recommendations will be led by the Ministry of Defence.This will include the transfer of UK Defence and Security Exports from the Department for Business and Trade to the MOD.This will also include consideration of how our export licensing…
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Canada is a close ally and valued partner of the UK, with trade underpinned by our existing trade agreement worth around £28 billion in 2024.As agreed between our Prime Ministers at the G7, the UK and Canada will establish a new structured Working Group to deepen the bilateral trading…
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All export licences are assessed on a case-by-case basis against the UK’s Strategic Export Licensing Criteria. Criterion 1 requires us to comply with the UK’s international commitments and obligations (including our treaty obligations), and Criterion 2 requires us specifically to…
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The United States as part of the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal, has created a quota of 100,000 vehicles for UK automotive imports at a 10 percent tariff rate, down from 27.5% We have been engaging with industry to seek their views on how we can ensure that the quota works for industry as a whole.…
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As agreed between our Prime Ministers, the UK and Canada will establish a new structured Working Group to deepen the bilateral trading relationship further, including by building on existing arrangements and addressing bilateral market access barriers.That will include looking at Rules of Origin…
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I am aware of the removal of the historical complaint records from the Hong Kong Ombudsman Office's website. While we recognise the importance of transparency and access to public information for businesses operating overseas, no formal assessment has been conducted on the specific impact of this…
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DBT publishes data on export licences issued for military and dual-use equipment. Enquiries related to data on the final exports of specific products should be referred to HMRC.The most recent publication on export licences covers the quarter up to December 2024:…
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DBT publishes data on the licences granted for the export of controlled goods. Enquiries related to data on the final exports of specific products should be referred to HMRC.In September, we suspended direct exports of F-35 components from the UK to Israel, where these are for use by Israel (and…
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This government’s top priority is economic growth. We are working with officials to review these negotiations to date, and their alignment with the Government’s wider international and domestic priorities.We have already concluded trade agreements with the US and India, and restarted…
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As part of the US deal, we have agreed new reciprocal market access on beef – with UK farmers given a guaranteed quota for 13,000 metric tonnes of beef exports at a very low tariff rate (for example, 4.4 cents per kg on many products). For the first time ever, this will open up exclusive…
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The Department recognises the significant challenges faced by energy-intensive industries like ceramics, including rising global energy costs, unfair trading practices, and carbon leakage. We are taking action to protect these industries, including through trade defence measures against dumping and…
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Responsibility for the enforcement of UK export controls on military and dual use and sanctioned goods rests with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). HMRC works closely with Border Force, other government departments and international partners to assist in identifying high-risk movements, conduct customs…
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On 16 June, we announced concrete progress towards the implementation of the UK-US trade deal as agreed on 8 May. We continue to work closely with the energy sector to understand the impacts of the UK-US trade deal.The government is committed to supporting the UK’s energy sector, including…
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On 16 June, we announced concrete progress towards the implementation of the UK-US trade deal as agreed on 8 May. The US Executive Order confirmed that the US will put in place the agreed quota for car exports to the US, reducing US tariffs from 27.5% to 10%. The UK will lay legislation to create…
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On 16 June the US confirmed that certain UK aerospace products will no longer be subject to US tariffs. This deal is a win for the UK's world-class aerospace sector which was facing additional 10% tariffs, helping make companies more competitive and allowing them to continue to be at the cutting…
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The Department for Business and Trade recognises the importance of supporting UK dairy exports, including yoghurt. DBT works closely with industry partners such as the Dairy Export Taskforce and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board to unlock global opportunities.We have agreed with…
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The decision to withdraw the use of mancozeb in Great Britain does not immediately affect imports. The UK Government recognises the importance that bilateral trade between the UK and Colombia plays in boosting growth and ensuring regional stability. The UK is open to discussing the concerns of our…
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The Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement Joint Committee which met on 03/06/2025, did not include decisions specific to food and drinks exports; no assessment has therefore been made of its impact on food and drink exporters from Buckinghamshire.The Joint Statement…
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The UK Government has a clear position that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal under international law. There are clear risks related to economic and financial activities in the settlements, and we do not encourage or offer support to such activity. Goods…
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Since the announcement of the UK-US Economic Deal on 8 May, the Secretary of State and senior officials from the Department for Business and Trade have been meeting with representatives of the bioethanol sector in the Tees Valley and Humberside to discuss how the quota will impact their…
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This Government will continue to speak up on human rights in China, including the repression of people in Xinjiang, and will continue to hold China to account. The new Critical Minerals Strategy will help secure the supply of critical minerals vital for the UK’s economic growth and clean…
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This government will continue to speak up on human rights in China, including the repression of people in Xinjiang, and will continue to hold China to account.The new Critical Minerals Strategy will help secure the supply of critical minerals vital for the UK's economic growth and clean energy…
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The UK has a range of measures in place to promote responsible business conduct across the economy. The Government also supports voluntary due diligence approaches taken by UK businesses to identify and prevent human rights abuses and environmental harms across their operations, purchasing…
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The US has committed to reducing tariffs on UK aerospace goods such as engines and similar aircraft parts from the general 10% tariff being applied to all other countries, to 0% - which is expected to come into force by the end of the month. This means the UK is now the only country in the world to…
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Following the Foreign Secretary’s recent visit to Morocco, both Kingdoms signed several Memoranda of Understanding to drive cross-sectoral partnerships. The Department for Business and Trade and the UK’s Trade Envoy will be working with Morocco to deepen ties, including developing…
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No. As my Rt. Honourable friend the Minister for Defence Procurement has previously confirmed to the House, UK suppliers do not manufacture or export components that are exclusively used on the Israeli variant of the f-35 aircraft.
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The UK Government has a clear position that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal under international law. There are clear risks related to economic and financial activities in the settlements, and we do not encourage or offer support to such activity. Goods…
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The UK acceded to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) on 15 December 2024.This comprehensive agreement will support businesses by making it easier for them to trade with CPTPP, and all nations of the UK are expected to benefit.It will reduce tariffs on…
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The deal agreed on 8 May will protect jobs in the automotive and steel industries. Talks with the US are ongoing to progress implementation of the General Terms of the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal and ensure that UK businesses feel the benefits as soon as possible. The US has committed to…
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UK imports to the US will now face a lower tariff of 10% for a quota of 100,000 vehicles. The UK exports around 100,000 cars a year to the US - so this quota will ensure most cars entering the US will do so at the preferential rate.We continue to work closely with both UK manufacturers and the US…
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RCV engines have in the past been issued licences for the export of controlled goods to Israel. The most recent licences issued were in 2021 and expired in 2023.
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Once parts are exported from the UK to the global F-35 programme, the UK does not have access to information about the movement of individual components, and does not have control over whether components in the global spares pool are used for specific customer nations or not.
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The UK's Trade Strategy will mark a reset in our approach to international trade and set out the future priorities for our trade policy. This strategy will also set out how trade can stimulate economic growth through delivery of targeted business benefits in a rapidly changing global landscape. We…
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We are continuing talks on a wider UK-US Economic Deal which will look at enhancing access for our world-leading services industries and improving supply chains, including on SMEs. The US has committed to further negotiations, including on the 10% tariffs introduced on 2nd April. We have announced…
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A response to Question 55918 was provided on 11 June 2025: Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament
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We are currently implementing the first phase of the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal. This deal protects almost 45% of UK goods exports to the US. We are committed to continuing talks with the US, looking at increasing digital trade, enhancing access for our world-leading services industries and…
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The Department for Business and Trade works across Africa offering direct support to UK businesses looking to expand their business in the region. This includes a dedicated team that advises UK businesses entering markets about doing business and investment environment. DBT focuses on markets,…
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Once parts are exported from the UK to the global F-35 programme, the UK does not have access to information about the movement of individual components, and does not have control over whether components in the global spares pool or aircraft assembly facilities are used for specific customer…
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The UK Government does not sell F-35 components directly, but licences the export of components to the F-35 global programme from a number of UK suppliers. The Department for Business and Trade does not hold information on the revenue of companies generated from sales to the F-35 global spares pool.
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During 2024, the median processing time in SPIRE for all completed Standard Individual Export Licence (SIEL) applications was 16 working days. On average, completed SIEL applications account for around 95% of all completed licence applications. We do not gather the median processing time per sector.
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All export licence applications are reviewed against the UK’s Strategic Export Licensing Criteria (SELC). These state that the Government will not issue export licences if there is a clear risk that the items might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of International…
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On 8 May the UK government announced a landmark economic deal with the US. This protects jobs in the automotive, steel, aluminium, pharmaceutical and aerospace sectors - which employ over 320,000 people across the UK. In the South-West alone, these sectors employed 29,450 people in 2023. The trade…
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DBT does not hold records of final exports of strategically controlled goods, and the fact that a licence is granted does not mean that an export takes place. For specific trade goods export data, I recommend referring to HMRC.DBT publishes data on export licences issued for military and dual-use…
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The deal that the Government struck with the EU delivers on what the British public voted for last year. It slashes red tape and bureaucracy; boosts British exporters; and will add nearly £9 billion to the UK economy by 2040. This will benefit the South West of England, whose largest trading…
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The Department recognises the significant challenges faced by energy-intensive industries like ceramics, including rising global energy costs, unfair trading practices, and carbon leakage. We are taking firm action to protect these industries, including through trade defence measures against…
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This comprehensive agreement is estimated to increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion, increase UK GDP by £4.8 billion and boost wages by £2.2 billion each and every year in the long run. This deal will unlock new opportunities for businesses and consumers in every corner of the UK.…
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The Department for Business and Trade discusses a number of issues with partners across the Caribbean and the Southern Africa community aimed at increasing bilateral investment. In addition, the UK’s Trade Envoys for those regions will seek to develop high level relationships with key…
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The Department for Business and Trade maintains strong relations with Gulf investors and encourages them towards opportunities in key growth sectors through the Strategic and Sovereign Investment partnerships coordinated by the Office for Investment. We also encourage investment through broader…
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The US is our biggest investor and our top investment destination. At the end of 2023, the UK and US had over £1.2 trillion invested in each other’s economies.On 8th May, the UK government announced a landmark economic deal with the US. This deal protects jobs in the automotive, steel,…
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Talks with the US are ongoing, and the Secretary of State met with his counterpart Jamieson Greer at the OECD on 3 June to progress implementation of the General Terms of the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal and ensure businesses feel the benefits as soon as possible.The government continues to…
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We have concluded a landmark economic deal with the United States, making the UK the first country to reach an agreement with President Trump. This is a unique deal that ensures UK industries are protected; talks with the US are ongoing. Both the Secretary of State and senior officials from the…
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The Department for Business and Trade is committed to helping UK businesses export to Morocco. Supported by the UK-Morocco Association Agreement bilateral trade has been rising and reached £4.2 billion in 2024.During the Foreign Secretary’s visit to Rabat on 1st June, he co-chaired the…
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Once parts are exported from the UK to the F-35 global spares pool and aircraft assembly facilities, due to the design of the programme, the UK does not have control over whether components are used for specific customer nations or not. The UK cannot make changes to the F-35 programme unilaterally…
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We have agreed a Professional Services Annex, which will require UK and India to identify and encourage mutually interested relevant bodies to enter into negotiations on mutual arrangements for recognition of professional qualifications. Regulated professions, which include dentists, pharmacists…
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We do not comment on live litigation. The Foreign Secretary has determined that Israel is not committed to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in operations in Gaza. A summary of the assessment resulting in the September suspension decision can be found at:…
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On 8 May, we concluded a landmark economic deal with the US. We’re the first country to secure a deal with the US which gives our companies a preferential tariff rate. Lowering or removing tariffs across a range of sectors will help to ease the burden on businesses by reducing costs and…
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The Department for Business and Trade does not hold information on the quantity of goods exported under Open General Export Licences. The principle of such licences – such as those for UK suppliers to the F-35 programme – is that they allow registered companies to export an unrestricted…
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The UK has a range of measures in place to promote responsible business conduct and supports voluntary due diligence approaches taken by UK businesses to identify and prevent human rights abuses across their operations and supply chains, in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human…
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The Economic Prosperity Deal is a unique deal that ensures the most important UK industries are protected. This deal protects jobs in the automotive, steel, aluminium, pharmaceutical and aerospace sectors - sectors that employ around 29,000 people across the South East with around 2,500 people in…
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The UK’s existing trade agreements with the Southern African Customs Union and Mozambique, and Eastern and Southern Africa successfully facilitate trade with Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe, and we plan to continue to support their implementation. Angola is not…
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In 2024, food and drink trade between the West Midlands and the US was worth £68 million.We concluded a landmark economic deal with the US on 8 May. This deal will protect thousands of jobs, protect key British industries, and help drive economic growth.Due to the nature of the deal,…
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HMRC are responsible for the conduct of origin verification checks on imported goods. Where there are doubts about the declared origin of goods, HMRC undertakes checks to verify the origin of those goods to ensure fiscal compliance. Data on imports from Israel is available on…
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The UK Government has a clear position that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal under international law. Goods produced in these settlements are not entitled to benefit from preferential tariff treatment under the UK’s current trade agreements with the…
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The UK is committed to working with Commonwealth partners and institutions to further strengthen intra-Commonwealth trade and investment. For example, at the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, the Foreign Secretary announced UK funding for the Commonwealth Standards Network (CSN) and…
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The Government is taking forward a new Industrial Strategy Partnership with Japan to support all UK businesses, including those from Buckingham and Bletchley through joint initiatives in innovation, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing and furthering our economic security partnership in support…
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This Government regularly discusses and takes action to improve mutual supply chain resilience with Commonwealth partners via our network of bilateral, plurilateral and multilateral alliances. Our information sharing MOU with Australia, recent FTA with India, dialogues with partners including…
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The UK Government is fully committed to securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and will support Ukraine for as long as it takes. As a part of this commitment, tariffs on all goods under our Free Trade Agreement with Ukraine are temporarily removed until March 2029, except poultry and eggs…
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The Government is not seeking to change the process of the ratification of any treaty. MPs will have the chance to scrutinise the treaty when it is agreed and presented to the House. This includes detail on agricultural trade and digital trade negotiations.
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The Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI) was established on 10th October 2024 with new powers to strengthen the implementation and enforcement of trade sanctions. OTSI is working with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and other relevant departments to take forward the…
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I refer the Rt. hon. Member to the answer I gave on 7th May to question UIN 48699 (Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament).The Trade Remedies Authority is responsible for assessing the evidence presented to them by UK industry and other…
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I refer the Rt. hon. Member to the answer I gave on 7th May to question UIN 48699 (Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament).The Trade Remedies Authority is responsible for assessing the evidence presented to them by UK industry and other…
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On 8 May, we concluded a landmark economic deal with the US which cuts tariffs for UK industry and cuts costs for businesses. What we have agreed will provide the foundation for a new reciprocal trading partnership between the US and the UK, protecting businesses and jobs across the country. We are…
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On 8 May, we concluded a landmark economic deal with the US. The US has committed to further negotiations to tackle barriers to trade not related to tariffs and that have the potential to cut red tape for exporters. There will now be a process of formal negotiations with the US on a binding legal…
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This comprehensive agreement is expected to boost increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion, increase UK GDP by £4.8 billion and boost wages by £2.2 billion each and every year in the long run.This deal is expected to make trade between the UK cheaper and easier, which helps…
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This comprehensive agreement is expected to boost increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion, increase UK GDP by £4.8 billion and boost wages by £2.2 billion each and every year in the long run.This deal is expected to make trade between the UK cheaper and easier, which could…
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The Government is committed to securing Mr El-Fattah’s release, and we continue to raise his case at the highest levels of the Egyptian government. The Prime Minister raised the case in a letter to President Sisi on 4 May. The National Security Adviser also raised Mr-El Fattah’s case…
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The EU applies a safeguard measure on imports of 26 categories of steel in the form of tariff-rate quotas that allow certain volumes of imports per category to enter duty-free. A 25% duty is charged on volumes that exceed quotas. Following a recent amendment by the EU, the UK’s duty-free…
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All export licence applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria.On 2 September we took decisive action, suspending certain licences for exports of items for the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) that might be used in military operations in Gaza –…
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On 8 May, the UK government announced a landmark economic deal with the US. The US has committed to further negotiations, and we will continue our extensive engagement with businesses from across the UK throughout these remaining negotiations.For the first time ever, this deal will open up…
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We have agreed new reciprocal market access on beef – with UK farmers given a guaranteed quota for 13,000 metric tonnes of beef exports at a very low tariff rate. The deal does not change Britain’s high animal welfare and environmental standards. Imports of hormone treated beef or…
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On 8 May the UK government announced a landmark economic deal with the United States, making the UK the first country to reach an agreement with President Trump. We are continuing talks on a wider UK-US Economic Deal which will look at increasing digital trade, increasing access for our…
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We have concluded a landmark economic deal with the US on 8 May, making the UK the first country to reach an agreement with President Trump. We are continuing talks on a wider UK-US Economic Deal.The US has confirmed, as part of the deal, that it will consider UK requests to reduce the applied…
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Officials from the Department for Business and Trade and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office are continuing to work closely with the Commonwealth Secretariat and other Commonwealth members to strengthen intra-Commonwealth trade and investment, ahead of the Commonwealth Trade Ministers…
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The Department of Business and Trade does not hold data on the potential impact of visa-waiver stay limitations on the UK aerospace industry.
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The UK has a strong and balanced trading relationship with the US worth £315 billion. Investment supports around 2.5 million jobs across both countries. Trade is second only to the EU where our trading relationship is worth £813 billion. The level of tariff applied to any country,…
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The Secretary of State for Business and Trade engages regularly with the US. On 8 May, we announced a landmark economic deal with the US, making the UK the first country to reach an agreement with President Trump.We have agreed new reciprocal market access on beef - with UK farmers given a…
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The Department for Business and Trade does not hold the statistical information requested.
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On 8th May, the UK government announced a landmark economic deal with the United States. The NHS will never be on the table for any trade agreement and the US trade deal will not lead to privatisation of the NHS. The NHS is not for sale under any circumstances, and this Government is firmly…
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On 8th May, the UK Government announced a landmark economic deal with the United States. We have agreed new reciprocal market access on beef – with UK farmers given a guaranteed quota for 13,000 metric tonnes of beef exports at a very low tariff rate. Imports of hormone treated beef remain…
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The UK Internal Market Scheme enables businesses to move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland without customs proceses where products are not at risk of entering the EU.From 1 May, new arrangements for parcels and freight movements have significantly simplified the process for providing…
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The UK-US economic deal protects jobs in the automotive, steel, aluminium, pharmaceutical and aerospace sectors - sectors that directly employ over 320,000 people across the UK including Northern Ireland. What we have agreed will provide the foundation for a new reciprocal trading partnership…
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The Export Control Act 2002 and the Export Control Order 2008 provide the legal framework for the UK’s strategic export controls.Through this, HM Government controls the export of a range of military and “dual-use” items in the UK Strategic Export Control Lists. Changes to the…
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Canada is one of the UK’s closest allies and we are taking various steps to increase UK-Canada trade. Our trading relationship was worth £28 billion in 2024, up 10% in current prices on 2023, and is underpinned by the UK-Canada Trade Continuity Agreement. The Prime Minister spoke to…
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Whenever a trade agreement of any sort is agreed, there will be domestic impacts if our trading partners have requested further access to the UK market. That is the case for the agreement on bioethanol. Senior officials from the Department for Business and Trade have been meeting representatives of…
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The requirement for an export licence for military and dual-use goods is set out in the Export Control Order 2008. Export licence applications for all controlled goods are rigorously assessed on a case-by-case basis against strict assessment criteria, the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria.The…
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Since 2020 the only changes made to the ML10d & 9A001 control entries were, respectively, to exclude aero engines originally manufactured prior to 1946 and to delete the control on aero gas turbine engines for aircraft able to cruise above Mach 1. It is considered that these changes do not…
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The UK regularly engages with international partners regarding trade and investment policies, both bilaterally and in multilateral fora such as the World Trade Organisation.With regards to China specifically, the UK's overall approach is to cooperate where we can, compete where we need to, and…
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DBT does not hold records of final exports of strategically controlled goods, and the fact that a licence is granted does not mean that an export takes place. For specific goods export data, you should refer to HMRC. The Government has however published extensive information relating to export…
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The Government recognises the importance of the domestic sugar beet industry and is carefully considering the potential impacts of any changes to the Autonomous Tariff Quota (ATQ) on raw cane sugar following an engagement exercise which closed in March 2025.We will aim to strike the right balance…
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This government is determined to look after the country's national interest. That's why we have concluded a landmark economic deal with the United States, making the UK the first country to reach an agreement with President Trump. For steel and aluminium, the US has committed to remove the 25%…
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DBT does not hold records of final exports of strategically controlled goods, and the fact that a licence is granted does not mean that an export takes place. For specific goods export data, you should refer to HMRC. The Government has however published extensive information relating to export…
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Our approach to trade deals ensures all agri-food products must comply with our sanitary and phytosanitary standards and wider import requirements to be placed on the UK market. There is no import ban in the UK on dairy products from cows treated with bovine somatotropin, however consignments must…
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DBT does not hold records of final exports of strategically controlled goods, and the fact that a licence is granted does not mean that an export takes place. For specific goods export data, you should refer to HMRC. The Government has however published extensive information relating to export…
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On 8 May, the UK government announced a landmark economic deal with the United States, making the UK the first country to get an agreement with President Trump.We have agreed new reciprocal market access on beef - with UK farmers given a guaranteed quota for 13,000 metric tonnes of beef exports at…
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On 8 May the UK government announced a landmark economic deal with the United States, making the UK the first country to get an agreement with President Trump. The US has committed to further negotiations, including on the 10% tariffs introduced on 2 April across our economy which affect Scotch…
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The UK Government has a clear position that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal under international law. Goods produced in these settlements are not entitled to benefit from preferential tariff treatment under the UK’s current trade agreements with the…
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The overseas business risk guidance, available on gov.uk, provides information for UK operators on how goods from Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories should be labelled. Where there are doubts about the declared origin of goods, HMRC will undertake checks to verify the origin of those…
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No company in the UK should have forced labour in its supply chains. The UK recognises the importance of ensuring UK businesses are not complicit in forced labour, in line with the UN Guiding Principle on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.Under Section…
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It is for companies to make their own decisions regarding investments in Western Sahara, as in any other region, based on the information available to them including from the Department of Business and Trade.Products originating in Western Sahara, subject to controls by customs authorities of…
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We have concluded a landmark economic deal with the United States, making the UK the first country to get an agreement with President Trump. We are continuing talks on the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal. In this agreement, as in all international agreements, the UK will consider the interests of…
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This government recognises the importance of strong and resilient supply chains to the UK's growth and economic security. While it would be counterproductive to 'de-couple' the UK economy from China or any other trading partner, we agree with many of our international counterparts that we must…
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The Secretary of State for Business and Trade regularly engages with counterparts in other nations in relation to tariffs and the international trade of steel. On 8 May, this Government concluded a landmark economic deal with the US, where the US has committed to removing the 25% Section 232…
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We have concluded a landmark economic deal with the United States, making the UK the first country to get an agreement with President Trump.This deal protects jobs in the automotive, steel, aluminium, pharmaceutical and aerospace sectors – sectors that employ over 320,000 people across the…
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The UK’s Economic Partnership Agreement with CARIFORUM, which is the most comprehensive trade agreement that the UK has signed with developing countries, supports growth across the region and in the UK. Between 2023 and 2024, UK-CARIFORUM bilateral trade in goods and services increased by…
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The requirement for an export licence for military goods is set out in the Export Control Order 2008. Export licence applications for all controlled goods are rigorously assessed on a case-by-case basis against strict assessment criteria, the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria.Where licence…
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All export licence applications to Ukraine are treated with the highest priority by the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU). As with all export licence applications, assessments are made on a case-by-case basis according to the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria. Assessments for Ukraine, given the…
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The UK supports voluntary due diligence approaches taken by UK businesses to identify and prevent exploitation of workers and prevent environmental harms across their operations and supply chains, in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and the OECD Guidelines…
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The UK continues to support the protection of human rights in Colombia, including by improving access to justice, protecting human rights defenders and promoting media freedom. The UK-Colombia Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) includes binding investment protection provisions which protect both UK…
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Before launching free trade agreement talks with India, The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) ran a public call for input to help us understand what businesses and consumers wanted. As talks progressed, we frequently engaged with businesses across a range of sectors including the IT…
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Steel is a top priority for this Government. The UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) does not include any text related to the implementation of the UK’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.The FTA includes liberalised Most Favoured Nation tariffs on steel, but the UK’s trade remedies,…
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The UK has a strong and balanced trading relationship with the US worth £315 billion. Investment supports around 2.5 million jobs across both countries. Trade is second only to the EU where our trading relationship is worth £813 billion.We will always act in the best interests of UK…
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On 6 February the government extended the anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures on Chinese e-bikes but only for folding e-bikes. The independent Trade Remedies Authority assessed the annual impact of removing the measures on non-folding Chinese e-bikes, as can be found in their Final…
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The Department for Business and Trade is committed to upholding our parliamentary commitments and transparency. The Trade Strategy will be laid in Parliament, making the paper accessible to members of both Houses, in due course and will be made available on gov.uk once it is launched.
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DBT and FCDO frequently engage on how best to deliver the government’s growth mission, including by supporting UK exports and investment across North Africa.The Department for Business and Trade’s team in Morocco focusses on the business opportunities which will create the most value…
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Responsibility for assessing the impact of EU legislation ultimately lies with the European Commission, who have published their own impact assessment of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).CSDDD will apply to UK companies generating over €450 million in turnover…
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On 2 September, the Government announced the suspension of certain export licences to Israel, related to items for use in military operations in Gaza. New licence applications for such items were also refused on the same basis following this decision.Detail on individual licences are published…
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The Department for Business and Trade are working closely with colleagues in DfT to understand and assess the impacts on supply routes of goods globally due to US tariffs. This is complex analysis and requires collaboration between multiple government departments.We remain committed to discussions…
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Buses and coaches are exempt from the additional 25% tariffs the US is imposing on the automotive sector. However, they are still included in the 10% baseline tariffs, posing challenges for businesses. In March 2025, the Minister for Local Transport launched the UK Bus Manufacturing Expert Panel,…
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This Government takes its export control responsibilities very seriously and we operate one of the most robust and transparent export control regimes in the world. This is an important lever for promoting both UK prosperity and national and global security. We rigorously assess every application on…
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Scotland Office
International affairs are reserved under the Scotland Act, and it is essential that the UK speaks with one voice overseas. FCDO guidance on the overseas activity of devolved government ministers only covers ministerial-level engagement. Accordingly, UK Government officials were not involved in this…
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The Government is committed to managing existing oil and gas fields responsibly for the entirety of their full lifespan. Oil and gas will remain an important part of the UK’s energy mix for decades to come.We are also investing in our country's green energy future, and the likes of Scottish…
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I refer you to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12 February, the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, and Oral Statement on 23 February which set out an update on the Government's process. We will set out…
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Great British Energy published their strategic plan at the end of last year and have committed to directly supporting more than 10,000 jobs by 2030 through GBE-backed and funded projects, including in areas historically dependent on oil and gas. But of course, this job creation must happen in…
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The UK Government is investing more than £250 million in economic development and regeneration in Ayrshire including through the Regional Growth Deal, Pride in Place Programme, Local Growth Fund, and Local Regeneration Fund. We are keen to see Ayrshire fully benefit from that investment.…
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Poverty scars the lives and life chances of our children. Tackling child poverty is at the heart of this government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity and give every child the very best start in life. In December, we set out our ambitious and comprehensive Child Poverty Strategy.…
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It is vital that Scotland’s island communities continue to thrive. Reliable, affordable transport connections are a critical part of that.The Scottish Government has failed to deliver that, and island communities, rightly, are demanding a credible plan for sustained improvements.The Scottish…
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The Government is committed to the UK internal market. That commitment was set out in Labour’s manifesto and we have made meaningful progress on it. We have established Intertrade UK to promote trade across the full UK internal market. Over 15,000 businesses are now registered to use the UK…
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This is the biggest British warship export deal in history and is a huge vote of confidence in the strength of our defence industry and in Scotland’s shipbuilding capability. This strategic partnership with Norway will sustain more than 4,000 jobs, of which more than 2,000 are in Scotland,…
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I’m due to be in Aberdeen next week to meet a range of North Sea oil and gas operators.The Government is clear that Scotland’s oil and gas industry will remain part of our energy system for decades to come.We are also strengthening our energy security and making Scotland home to the…
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The Hon Gentleman, not the Scottish Government, can be assured that it is the UK Government that has delivered trade deals with India, the United States, the European Union. As the former trade policy Minister, I have some experience in these matters. In every negotiation there is give and take.…
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The Scotland Office has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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On 24 October 2024, the Cabinet Office announced that 60% minimum office attendance for most staff continues to be the best balance of working for the Civil Service. Senior managers will continue to be expected to be in the office more than 60% of the time.Office occupancy data is published on a…
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Officials have used two prototype tools in the last year which are only accessible by government employees: GCS Assist and Redbox. These tools harness the latest transformative artificial intelligence technology. Officials can “chat” securely with a Large Language Model and summarise or…
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On 24 October 2024, the Cabinet Office announced that 60% minimum office attendance for most staff continues to be the best balance of working for the Civil Service. Senior managers will continue to be expected to be in the office more than 60% of the time.Office occupancy data is published on a…
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