Written questions by Rosindell.

What steps his Department is taking to encourage the inclusion of small and medium-sized enterprises in procurement processes related to the development and supply of sustainable aviation fuel.

My Department supports SME participation in innovative sectors such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through the Business Growth Service. This makes it easier for businesses to get advice and support they need and later this year, we will publish a SME Strategy Paper to promote inclusive supply chains and easier access to finance. The SAF Mandate sets targets for SAF uptake and creates new market opportunities. To support SAF production, the Department for Transport has launched the Advanced Fuels Fund (AFF). The AFF funding is allocated through a competitive process and is available to a range of entities, including SMEs and start-ups.

What steps his Department is taking to mitigate the potential impact of UK visa policy changes on SMEs that trade with Colombia.

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 Embassy in Bogota. The UK-Andean Countries trade agreement provides preferential access to both UK and Colombian businesses, while the next UK-Colombia ministerial trade dialogue will provide an opportunity to discuss how to strengthen our trade relationship further, including in light of the UK’s new industrial and trade strategies and its upcoming SME Strategy.

Whether he has had recent discussions with his Colombian counterpart on the potential impact of the mancozeb ban on (a) bilateral trade and (b) regional stability.

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 trade partners, though DBT Ministers have not met with Colombia on this issue.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of UK trade policy on (a) levels of UK-Caribbean economic engagement and (b) Chinese influence in that region.

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 20.5% in current prices. The UK and CARIFORUM regularly discuss how to strengthen bilateral trade further through the structures outlined in our agreement. The UK will continue to position itself as the trading partner of choice in the Caribbean, building on our historic, economic and cultural ties.

What assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of trends in the number of pub closures; and what steps his Department is taking to help reduce the number of closures.

Hospitality businesses are at the heart of our communities, providing accessible jobs and supporting economic growth across the UK.The Government is creating a fairer business rate system and reducing alcohol duty on qualifying draught products. This work will be supported by the publication of The Small Business Strategy Command Paper later this year.We are working with the Hospitality Sector Council to address challenges facing the sector. We are also working with Pub Is The Hub to help rural pubs adapt to the changing needs of their communities.

What recent discussions he has had with the UK crypto and digital asset industry.

Details of any meetings and engagements with the UK crypto and digital asset industry can be found in the Department’s quarterly transparency returns on Gov.uk.

What recent assessment he has made of the role of Commonwealth trade agreements in increasing the UK’s export growth rate in the services sector.

UK exports in services to Commonwealth countries rose in current prices from £36.4 billion in 2019 to £58.1 billion in the 12 months to September 2024 and represents 61.5% of UK exports to Commonwealth countries in the latest period. The UK increases services exports and removes barriers to services trade through many of our trade agreements covering 35 Commonwealth countries. For example, the UK’s accession to CPTPP provided UK and Malaysian firms and professionals with certainty when looking to deliver services in their respective territories.

Whether he has had discussions with his Commonwealth counterparts on the potential for mutual recognition agreements on professional qualifications.

The Department for Business and Trade recognises the importance of mutual recognition of professional qualifications (RPQ) to support services trade and domestic labour market outcomes. International agreements provide mechanisms for officials to regularly engage with their Commonwealth counterparts on RPQ. Officials engage frequently with counterparts in Australia, New Zealand and the CARIFORUM states through Professional Services Working Groups, joint and specialised committee structures. Independent UK regulators set standards, assess professional qualifications and are responsible for agreeing Mutual Recognition Agreements on RPQ. DBT is committed to promoting RPQ opportunities and supporting regulators in their discussions with Commonwealth counterparts.

What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Digital Economy Agreement with Singapore in reducing non-tariff barriers for UK businesses exporting (a) digital services and (b) physical goods.

The UK-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement (DEA) stands out as one of the most comprehensive digital trade agreements globally and locks-in market liberalisations in key areas for businesses such as cross-border data flows. The seven Memoranda of Understanding signed alongside the DEA facilitate engagement on several key areas, including Fintech and Lawtech services. Trade digitalisation pilots conducted under the agreement framework demonstrated significant business benefits to trade in goods, including 40% reduction in trade processing time, 89% reduction in paperwork, and 67% improvement in staff productivity. We keep the effectiveness of the agreement under review as part of its ongoing implementation.

Whether he is taking steps with representatives of food delivery companies to help tackle the use of rented profiles by people who have not been properly vetted to make deliveries to private addresses.

In December, I wrote to Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat, to ask what steps they have in place to ensure that all drivers and riders are legally entitled to work in the UK, including substitutes, and what sanctions they have in place should this not be the case. In March, the government announced its intention to amend the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, to extend the scope of employers required to carry out Right to Work checks to those who engage limb (b) workers or individual sub-contractors, including those carrying out food deliveries in the gig economy and their substitutes. The Border Security Asylum and Immigration Bill represents a significant corner stone of the Government’s Plan for Change. One of the objectives being to rebuild confidence in the immigration system.

If he will take steps to regulate third party sellers who sell dangerous toys on online marketplaces.

Legislation is clear that toys must be safe before being placed on the market. The Office for Product Safety and Standards, within my department, works to ensure retailers, online marketplaces and third-party remove unsafe toys from sale. The Product Regulation and Metrology Bill will enable regulations to be updated to reflect modern online supply chains. Government intends to use the Bill powers to create a proportionate regulatory framework where online marketplaces take steps to:ensure third-party sellers on their platforms comply with product safety obligations;prevent non-compliant products on their sites;provide appropriate consumer information; and,cooperate with regulators.

What steps he is taking to improve the export licence process.

The Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) is implementing a new digital export licensing system, LITE, to provide a modern digital service that streamlines the export licence application process. ECJU has an ongoing programme of Continuous Improvement and we routinely identify and implement opportunities to make targeted improvements to the way we operate and manage the export licensing service to help us adapt to the changing demands on the system.

What steps he is taking to support export manufacturing.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is committed to supporting UK businesses, including those in the manufacturing industry, to grow and export. Under the umbrella of the recently announced Business Growth Service, UK businesses can access DBT's wealth of export support via Great.gov.uk. This comprises an online support offer and a wider network of support including the Export Academy, UK Export Finance, the International Markets network and one-to-one support from International Trade Advisers.As part of our work on a new trade strategy and a small business strategy, we are looking at further proposals to help UK businesses to export more.

What steps he is taking to help reduce the level of administration for companies applying for export licences.

The Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) is implementing a new digital export licensing system, LITE, to provide a modern digital service that streamlines the export licence application process. ECJU has an ongoing programme of Continuous Improvement and we routinely identify and implement opportunities to make targeted improvements to the way we operate and manage the export licensing service to help us adapt to the changing demands on the system.

Whether the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill will regulate online marketplaces selling dangerous toys.

The Consumer Protection Act 1987 allows consumers harmed by defective products to make civil claims from the manufacturer for compensation. The Government is currently reviewing this legislation to ensure it remains up-to-date and fit for the future. Other legislation gives consumers the right to redress if they are misled by a trader’s actions; including the right to unwind contracts, claim discounts, and damages.While the law is clear that toys must be safe before being placed on the market, the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill will enable regulations to be updated to better reflect modern online supply chains.

What steps he is taking to ensure redress for consumers harmed by dangerous toys sold on online marketplaces.

The Consumer Protection Act 1987 allows consumers harmed by defective products to make civil claims from the manufacturer for compensation. The Government is currently reviewing this legislation to ensure it remains up-to-date and fit for the future. Other legislation gives consumers the right to redress if they are misled by a trader’s actions; including the right to unwind contracts, claim discounts, and damages.While the law is clear that toys must be safe before being placed on the market, the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill will enable regulations to be updated to better reflect modern online supply chains.

What discussions he has had with his counterparts in Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership member states on (a) digital trade standards and (b) their implications for UK businesses.

The UK is engaging in exploratory discussions on digital trade as part of the CPTPP General Review. Digital trade was also raised at the CPTPP ministerial meeting in November 2024 and referenced in the subsequent joint statement.As part of this process, CPTPP Parties are reviewing the Agreement’s operation with a view to updating and enhancing it. The UK’s contributions take account of the latest developments in digital trade, including those relating to digital trade standards. Throughout this process, our priority remains to promote and protect the interests of UK businesses, consumers and workers.

Whether he has made an assessment of (a) trends in the level of (i) trade facilitation, (ii) economic cooperation and (iii) market access within the Commonwealth and (b) the potential merits of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council in promoting trade.

The Commonwealth includes some of the UK’s biggest trading partners including Canada, and South Africa. Trade values have increased steadily in current prices from £105.6bn in 2014 to £170.2bn (12 months to end September 2024) through economic cooperation initiatives with Commonwealth members, such as Free Trade Agreements, negotiations with India, and trade facilitation work such as the Digital Economy Agreement with Singapore updating rules affecting exporters of goods and services.The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office leads on Commonwealth engagement including with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council who are preparing for the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit in London, April 2025.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of energy reform policies in Mexico on investment by British companies in the renewable energy sector in that country.

We are closely following the regulatory reforms in Mexico, including most recently the presentation of new secondary laws on 29 January in respect of the energy sector. We continue to maintain a dialogue with counterparts in the Mexican Government to support UK companies navigating this period of regulatory change.

Pursuant of the Answer of 20 January 2025 to Question 23276 on Energy: Investment, what steps his Department is taking to help support British companies with investments in Mexico during the period of regulatory change.

My Department is following this period of regulatory change in Mexico closely. We are utilising all tools available, through the British Embassy and through dialogue with our respective counterparts within the Mexican government, including encouraging engagement on the reforms with businesses.