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Gavin Newlands – 2023 Parliamentary Question on Exports from Devolved Nations to the EU

The parliamentary question asked by Gavin Newlands, the SNP MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, in the House of Commons on 9 February 2023.

Gavin Newlands (Paisley and Renfrewshire North) (SNP)

What steps her Department is taking to help increase exports from the devolved nations to the EU.

The Minister of State, Department for Business and Trade (Nigel Huddleston)

We are supporting businesses in all parts of the United Kingdom through our export support service, including our innovative Export Academy, which helps build market export capability among small and medium-sized enterprises across the UK. We have also established trade and investment offices in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, increasing the visibility of the Department’s services in the nations, and channelling the benefits of our new export and investment strategies to the entire UK. I am sure the hon. Member is aware of those benefits in his own constituency, with businesses such as Lynkeos Technology winning a £100,000 contract last year in Germany with the assistance of the Department.

Gavin Newlands

I like the hon. Member, but that answer was nonsense, quite frankly. The Institute of Directors found in a recent survey that almost half—47%—of businesses are still finding trade after Brexit a challenge, with just a third envisaging any opportunities at all from Brexit. That report also found that 45% of SMEs are exporting less to the European Union post Brexit, with Scottish exports having already slumped by £2.2 billion because of Brexit. Does the Minister agree that Brexit is an act of state-sanctioned economic vandalism?

Nigel Huddleston

I am sorry that the hon. Gentleman is saying this is nonsense. I am sure that those businesses in his constituency and across Scotland who get support from the Department do not share that attitude. As well as focusing on the EU, which is and will continue to be an important trading partner of the UK, we are looking to the entire world, hence focusing on so many other countries. I hope he will be a little more “glass half full” in the future.

David Mundell (Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale) (Con)

Is the Minister aware that the Scottish Government are planning to bring forward draconian restrictions on the advertising of whisky and other drinks in Scotland? Not only will that cost jobs in Scotland but it will make it much more difficult for the industry to export to the EU and elsewhere.

Nigel Huddleston

My right hon. Friend makes an important point. Such measures could have a considerable negative impact on so many Scottish businesses. That is precisely why we are seeking opportunities to support them, for example with trade deals, and trying to ensure that we reduce tariffs and are able to export more overseas. While we are backing our businesses right across the UK, I hope that in future we can get support from the Opposition, who might at some point come and join us and support one of the trade deals we are negotiating.

Mr Speaker

I call the SNP spokesperson.

Richard Thomson (Gordon) (SNP)

Unfortunately for the Minister, and unfortunately for Scotland, the latest data from His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs shows that between July and September last year, exports from Scotland to the European Union slumped by 5%. Will the Minister explain for an expectant nation exactly how that is in any way strengthening the case for the Union?

Nigel Huddleston

The hon. Gentleman will be well aware that, as we recover from a global pandemic, certain sectors and certain industries are suffering more than others. That is precisely why we have an export strategy and why the Secretary of State has articulated a five-point strategy for growth. We will continue to work positively with all sectors to grow our export opportunities. UK exports to the EU for the 12-month period to September 2022 were up by 25% in current prices.

Richard Thomson

It is not just the SNP who are saying what a disaster Brexit has been. With the director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies saying that Brexit is clearly an “economic own goal”, and even a former Brexit Secretary saying that there have been no economic benefits from Brexit, is it not surely time for voters in Scotland to be given the choice between continued British economic decline or a prosperous, independent European future?

Nigel Huddleston

I know the hon. Member and some people are tempted to continue to fight the battles of the past, but this Government will be laser-focused on the future and future opportunities. We have the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership and so many other opportunities around the world, and I think it would be good for all of us in this place to talk the British economy up, rather than talk it down.

10/02/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Science, innovation and technology takes top seat at Cabinet table [February 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 10 February 2023.

Newly appointed Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan given dedicated seat at the Cabinet.
- Newly created Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) will spur stronger growth, better jobs and bold new discoveries, says new Secretary of State
- Brings responsibility for the 5 technologies of tomorrow under one roof for the first time
- Technology Secretary kicked off her tenure with visit and award of £40 million in funding to Rosalind Franklin Institute – just one part of a record £20 billion annual investment backing world leading innovators
Innovation has been placed at the heart of the government’s agenda and given a dedicated seat at the Cabinet table, the newly appointed Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said today (Friday 10 February 2023).

Visiting a leading medical research centre in Harwell, Oxford, the Secretary of State set out her plans for stronger growth, better jobs and bold discoveries to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Long called for by the tech and science sectors, the new Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has been created to deliver on the clear mission set by the Prime Minister, to ensure the UK is the most innovative economy in the world and a science and technology superpower.

The move will bring together the five technologies of tomorrow – quantum, AI, engineering biology, semiconductors, future telecoms – along with life sciences and green technologies, into one single department for the first time.

On the visit to the Rosalind Franklin Institute, the Technology Secretary set out how the new department will draw on the innovative power of science and technology to kickstart rapid economic growth, create high-skilled jobs as well as improving the public sector and the lives of British people.

Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said:

Science and technology has the potential to change our world beyond recognition and improve all our lives.

A brand new and dedicated department for Science, Innovation and Technology is key to the Government’s plan to grow the economy – generating better, well paid jobs and driving improvements in health, education and transportation.

The new department has received a warm welcome from the science, tech and business communities and it’s now my job to use the department to build on our world leading strengths in AI, life sciences, quantum, fintech, and green technology to deliver tangible and positive change across the UK.

The Rosalind Franklin Institute, based at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire, is at the forefront of efforts to develop new technologies to address major health research challenges. It opened in September 2021, following a £103 million government investment in 2018.

As part of this visit, the Secretary of State announced £40 million additional funding for the institute, provided through UK Research and Innovation’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

The technologies under development at the Franklin will be used to address major challenges in health – such as spotting the early signs of degenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers have already made great progress in some areas, including identifying antibodies from llamas which could be used as a treatment for COVID-19.

In the future, using real patient tissue samples will enable disease dynamics, drug effects and diagnostics to be carried out with atomic level insight.
10/02/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Fishing industry nets new funding to train the next generation [February 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 10 February 2023.

The projects range from practical courses in seafood preparation or manning fishing boats through to degree level qualifications.

Innovative training programmes to attract new recruits and improve the quality of training in the fishing, seafood and aquaculture sectors have been awarded funding today (Friday 10 February) from the £100million UK Seafood Fund.

Recognising industry concerns over an ageing fishing workforce and with the number of UK fishers having fallen by 1,700 over the past decade*, it is now more important than ever to ensure entrants are equipped with the necessary skills to join the sector and understand the opportunities that are available to them.

Coinciding with National Apprenticeship Week and supporting the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy and create better paid jobs, the seven projects include pilot courses at London’s famous Billingsgate market covering technical skills such as the delivery, preparation and cooking of seafood; practical qualifications for manning fishing boats in Cornwall; right through to training for school leavers in Scotland going into the seafood industry.

A degree and higher level skills offer for aspiring managers in the seafood industry will also be developed by University of Lincoln, whilst in Grimsby training courses will be run to attract local people into the seafood sector.

Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer said:

“Our seafood and fishing sectors are a fundamental part of the UK’s heritage as well as contributing to food security and our economy.

“The UK Government is funding opportunities from the quayside to the sales counter, suitable for young people as well as those changing careers.

“It is absolutely vital we invest in our workforce so these important industries prosper for generations to come.”

The projects awarded funding today will receive grants of up to £250,000 to fund the creation or redesign of pilot training courses, with over £1 million awarded overall. It comes as a second round of funding for skills and training is launched with up to £8 million made available to modernise training facilities and increase access to opportunities across the UK – applications are open until 12pm on 21 April.

The pilot training courses in the first round aim to enhance technical skills and increase knowledge on sustainability, and ensure a high quality of training for existing workers, new entrants and young people into the sector. They also promote seafood career opportunities, raise awareness of the sector amongst young people and schoolchildren, and address access barriers commonly faced by remote coastal communities.

Professor Val Braybrooks, Dean at the National Centre for Food Manufacturing, University of Lincoln, said:

‘’We are delighted to have been awarded funds to adapt our successful food manufacturing higher and degree apprenticeship offer and develop new provision to meet the skills needs of Seafood Processing businesses. The new programmes will support the development of aspiring leaders in our sustainability led and rapidly changing sector and we look forward to collaborating with businesses and partners across the UK to fuel the talent pipeline.

“We are indebted to members of the Seafood Grimsby and Humber Alliance (SGHA) for their support in informing our plans and we now look forward to working together with the sectors’ employers across the country, along with our educational partner the University of the Highlands and Islands in Shetland, to deliver this flagship skills scheme for the industry and unite our clusters and Seafood Processing communities through it’.”

Jane Lewis, Principal and Chief Executive of UHI Shetland, said:

“We are thrilled to have been successful with our bid to the UK Seafood Fund, which was prepared in close collaboration with UHI West Highland and our partners in the seafood sector.

“This project will be run through our new Centre for Sustainable Seafood and will act as a catalyst to help provide a sustainable workforce for a sustainable seafood sector. We are delighted that we can use this funding to continue to support the seafood sector, which is such a vital part of economy of the Highlands and Islands.

“Through our joint expertise in blended learning, we will also be able to widen access to reach potential students online no matter where they live.”

The £100 million UK Seafood Fund is a landmark government investment supporting the long-term future and sustainability of the UK fishing and seafood industry. Last month, the Government announced an initial £2 million investment to trial new, greener engines and help create a safer, more sustainable fishing fleet as part of the latest round of the infrastructure scheme.

In December last year, the Government also confirmed a further £30 million will be made available for infrastructure projects across the seafood supply chain. Businesses will have until March 2025 to deliver transformational projects that will upgrade ports, processing and aquaculture facilities so they are able to meet future demand while boosting jobs and economic growth.

10/02/2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK remains committed to global fight against terrorism as threat from Daesh and its affiliates continues to grow – UK Statement at UN Security Council [February 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 February 2023.

Statement delivered by Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the UN Security Council briefing on counter terrorism.

Thank you, Under Secretary General Voronkov, Acting Executive Director Chen and Franziska Praxl, for your informative briefings. We are grateful to the UN for all its efforts in the fight against terrorism.

Last year, the Daesh terror campaign was dealt a severe blow by the death of two of its leaders.

But despite this, the threat from Daesh and its affiliates continues to grow and to evolve as we’ve heard today.

A resurgence of Daesh core in Syria and Iraq remains a significant danger. We need to maintain our resolve, including through the Global Coalition to Counter Daesh.

In 2022, for the first time in Daesh’s history, the majority of Daesh attacks took place outside their core focus of Syria and Iraq.

We have a collective responsibility as UN members to use all the legal tools and levers at our disposal to counter this threat.

In Afghanistan, Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) continues to show it has the capacity to carry out high profile attacks on civilian and international targets inside the country, and to use it as a base to encourage attacks abroad.

This Council must continue to demand of the Taliban that Afghan territory does not provide a shelter for terrorist groups.

We are also deeply concerned about the spread of the Daesh through its affiliates across Africa.

Instability, famine and climate-related crises are creating conditions that are being exploited by terrorist groups.

We must rally the UN system behind an approach that tackles the drivers of these conditions.

The Secretary-General’s New Agenda for Peace is an opportunity to galvanise this work.

We must also use UN sanctions regimes rigorously to prevent the proliferation to terrorist groups and to choke off their access to finance.

There is one other point to note in all of this: the Secretary-General’s report is clear that the presence of non-state armed groups is a destabilising factor. Groups like Wagner are not the answer.

As the Secretary General also notes in his report, we must ensure all counter terrorism efforts involve civil society, are gender sensitive and anchored in human rights.

President, in closing, please allow me to underscore the UK’s commitment to working together, including in this Council, to continue the global fight against all forms of terrorism and violent extremism.

Thank you.

10/02/2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK sending medical aid and specialist equipment to earthquake-hit Turkey [February 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 9 February 2023.

The UK will send a field hospital and C130 Hercules critical care air support team and aircraft in the coming days to help provide vital emergency treatment to those critically injured by the catastrophic earthquake in Turkey.

This comes on top of key personnel arriving at the British Embassy in Ankara and a A400M RAF transport plane departing tonight carrying humanitarian aid, including thousands of thermal blankets to keep survivors warm in sub-zero temperatures.

The field hospital, which will include an emergency department, 24/7 operating theatre, and accompanying clinical staff, will deploy to support the post-earthquake response in country.

An eight-person specialist military team is already assisting with planning in Ankara, Turkey and tonight an RAF transport aircraft is due to depart RAF Brize Norton (Thurs) with humanitarian aid announced by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

The UK stands ready to assist our close allies and friends during this terrible time. We will keep options open for further assistance as requested.

The Hercules C130 will be used to move casualties within Turkey.

Development Minister Andrew Mitchell said:

The UK has moved quickly to get vital emergency supplies to survivors of the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. We’re sending thousands of thermal blankets to Turkey to help those in the hardest-hit areas keep warm in the sub-zero temperatures.

This is part of a wider package of UK support to the people of Turkey and Syria.

As the search and rescue operation continues in Turkey, a specialist planning team, sent from the UK’s high-readiness unit Joint Force Headquarters, will support the British Embassy with coordinating the UK’s support, using their experience in operational delivery, logistics and communications.

Joint Force Headquarters commander Brigadier Dan Reeve said:

Our thoughts are with the many victims of this catastrophic earthquake. Our team is trained, equipped and configured to assist our Embassy in Ankara in coordinating the UK’s offer of humanitarian support to Turkey’s disaster response operation.

The Defence Secretary agreed to deploy the assets after the Ministry of Defence and his Turkish counterpart liaised over the last 24 hours.

10/02/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Transport Secretary holds talks in Paris on border controls and decarbonisation efforts [February 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 9 February 2023.

Mark Harper meets French counterpart Clément Beaune.
- Transport Secretary meets French counterpart in Paris to discuss the new EU Entry/Exit System coming into effect by the end of 2023 and wider decarbonisation work
- agenda includes separate meeting with European Space Agency highlighting UK spaceflight ambitions
- visit reaffirms strong partnership between UK and France, underlining our shared values and supporting our national interests
Transport Secretary Mark Harper met his French counterpart Clément Beaune in Paris today (9 February 2023) to discuss the implementation of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) by the end of the year and both nations’ efforts to decarbonise their transport networks.

Highlighting the importance of maintaining reliable, quick, and safe travel routes between France and the UK, the Secretary of State reaffirmed the UK government’s commitment to working alongside the French government to ensure any new system works for both countries and passengers.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

Our two nations continue to build on the deep and longstanding Anglo-French relationship, and it’s been a pleasure to meet my colleague, Clément Beaune, to discuss our shared priorities.

This visit highlighted the importance of reliable transport links between our countries, our ongoing efforts to lead the world in decarbonising transport networks, and our commitment to securing the growth of international rail services.

Whilst in Paris the Transport Secretary also held an introductory meeting with Eurostar’s CEO, Gwendoline Cazenave, to see first-hand Eurostar’s unique operation at Gare du Nord. The meeting shone a light on the important connections international rail services provide for millions of people each year, as well as the need to address border-related challenges, prevent lengthy queues from forming, and support the future growth and success of the sector.

Elsewhere, the Secretary of State met representatives from the European Space Agency (ESA), to discuss how ESA supports the UK’s spaceflight ambitions and the wider benefits of UK ESA investment.

This follows the establishment of the UK’s first operational spaceport in Cornwall, with the government also providing £31.5 million in grants to help establish vertical launch services from two spaceports in Scotland.

Also on the agenda was a meeting with Hiba Fares of the Paris Transport Authority Regie Autonome des Transport Parisiens (RATP), where the Transport Secretary heard about the authority’s roll-out of zero-emission buses and the recovery of bus services following the pandemic.

Upon arriving in Paris on Wednesday night, the Transport Secretary met with Getlink Group, which manages and operates the infrastructure of the Channel Tunnel and Shuttle services between England and France, to signal the UK’s willingness to support preparations ahead of the implementation of EES.
10/02/2023
PRESS RELEASE : New Chair appointed to deliver HS2 and drive forward growth across the North and Midlands [February 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 9 February 2023.

Sir Jonathan Thompson appointed as Chair of HS2 Ltd.
- Sir Jonathan Thompson named new HS2 Ltd Chair after stepping into deputy role in March 2022
- he will provide oversight, leadership, and accountability while driving forward Europe’s largest infrastructure project
- HS2 already supporting tens of thousands of jobs and 1,000 apprenticeships
Sir Jonathan Thompson will be taking on the mantle of HS2 Ltd Chair and the responsibility of driving forward Europe’s largest infrastructure project.

Sir Jonathan’s appointment, which follows almost a year as Deputy Chair, comes at a pivotal time for the HS2 programme as the Crewe-Manchester Bill moves through Parliament and work at Euston continues to progress and regenerate the surrounding area.

In his role, Sir Jonathan will be providing strategic leadership, oversight and accountability for the HS2 programme, ensuring it is delivered on time and in budget while continuing to create jobs, boost local economies and provide much needed capacity on our railways.

Sir Jonathan brings decades of experience delivering major projects and world-class leadership having previously served as the Permanent Secretary at both the Ministry of Defence and HM Revenue and Customs. This is on top of overseeing huge landmark moments HS2 has already achieved during his time as Deputy Chair, including providing 1,000 apprenticeships and the completion of the first mile of tunnels at Long Itchington Wood.

HS2 is a once-in-a-lifetime project, which will improve transport connectivity across the North of England and the Midlands. As well as being the largest infrastructure project in Europe, HS2 is also spearheading new methods of construction such as 2000 tonne tunnel boring machines and using new technology to ensure the natural landscape across the route is left in the same, if not better, condition than it was found.

This comes just months after the Chancellor and Prime Minister set out the government’s commitment to HS2 in the Autumn Statement, and reiterated their dedication to ensuring the project provides fast, more reliable services and connects people to new job opportunities.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

HS2 goes far beyond simply making journeys quicker. It is a world-leading project that is already having a huge impact by regenerating communities and creating tens of thousands of jobs across the country.

I am delighted to appoint Sir Jonathan as Chair, and with his breadth of experience I have no doubt he will be successful in delivering our shared goals of increasing capacity on our rail network, levelling up our country and driving economic growth for generations to come.

Sir Jonathan Thompson said:

I am delighted to have been appointed as HS2 Chair. During my time on the board, this monumental project has already achieved some incredible milestones and I’ve seen first-hand how it will transform not only journeys but the lives of people across the country.

I look forward to working with our first-class stakeholders and partners in my new role, to ensure it this once in a lifetime opportunity fulfils its pioneering potential.

Also appointed today is Elaine Holt, as Deputy Chair of the HS2 Ltd board. Elaine is an existing non-executive director and an expert in both transport and the service industries. She will support the Chair in leading the board.
10/02/2023
NEWS STORY : Labour Win West Lancashire By-Election Comfortably

STORY

Ashley Dalton has won the West Lancashire by-election for the Labour Party, with a 10.5% swing from the Conservative Party. The by-election was held following Labour’s Rosie Cooper standing down to become the Chair of Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust. She secured 14,068 votes, a majority of 8,326 over the Conservative candidate Mike Prendergast.

Following her victory Dalton said:

“Tonight the people of West Lancashire constituency have spoken on behalf of the country. They’ve sent a message to this Conservative government: they do not have confidence in them to govern or the prime minister to lead. The people of Lancashire have put their trust in Keir Starmer’s Labour. We’ve provided hope, a hope that we can build a better Britain, which means a better Lancashire”.

RESOURCES

West Lancashire Constituency Result

News Story – Rosie Cooper Stands Down

Rosie Cooper’s 2022 Statement Standing Down as MP

EXTERNAL NEWS LINKS

Ashley Dalton’s Twitter Account

Mike Prendergast’s Twitter Account

10/02/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Additional Funding to the White Helmets Search and Rescue Efforts [February 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 February 2023.

Given the difficulties in accessing affected areas in North West Syria, the UK will be providing additional funding to aid major search-and-rescue operations.
- Increased support to provide life-saving Search and Rescue and emergency relief operations in North West Syria.
- At least an additional £3m funding, bringing our total to £3.8m, which will enable enhanced operational capacity of the White Helmets (Syria Civil Defence)
- This will support recovery projects including assessing building safety, reopening roads and reconnecting utilities.
- Over 2,500 White Helmets volunteers are involved in the response across some 40 communities in northwest Syria.
Minister of State for the Middle East, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon said:

The White Helmets are playing a critical and life-saving role in Syria in the most desperate circumstances following the earthquakes.

The UK is proud of our longstanding partnership with them. The White Helmets, throughout the conflict, have demonstrated unwavering commitment and dedication. This has included saving over 115,000 lives and providing essential services to more than four million Syrians.

Our collective priority now is to ensure life-saving assistance is given to those most in need. The White Helmets are best placed to deliver this in North West Syria.

The UK is giving at least an additional £3m to aid the White Helmets major search-and-rescue operations. This takes our total funding to the White Helmets this week to £3.8m following the announcement on 7 February by Lord Ahmad.
09/02/2023
Jessica Morden – 2023 Parliamentary Question on Public Procurement of UK-Made Steel

The parliamentary question asked by Jessica Morden, the Labour MP for Newport East, in the House of Commons on 2 February 2023.

Jessica Morden (Newport East) (Lab)

What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to promote the use of UK-made steel in public procurement.

The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Alex Burghart)

The Government are ensuring a competitive future for the UK steel industry, and the reported value of UK-produced steel procured by the Government was up last year by £160 million, from £108 million to £268 million.

Jessica Morden

In last week’s Westminster Hall debate, the steel Minister, the hon. Member for Wealden (Ms Ghani), said

“there is huge scope for more procurement to take place in the UK.”—[Official Report, 25 January 2023; Vol. 726, c. 331WH.]

Will the Cabinet Office commit to publishing up-to-date data on the Government’s record in using UK steel, because it has not been good enough so far, and to adopting ambitious targets across Departments on the use of domestic steel in public projects?

Alex Burghart

I am pleased to tell the hon. Lady right now that 67% of the steel required for High Speed 2 is UK-produced, 94% of the steel used to maintain our rail track is produced in the UK and 90% of the steel used to build schools is produced in the UK. I understand there will be an urgent question after Question Time, which will give her the opportunity to ask a Minister from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy about this.

09/02/2023