Written questions by McMurdock.

With reference to Prime Minister’s press release entitled Prime Minister unlocks new opportunities for British businesses in China, published on 29 January 2026, when the joint feasibility study on a UK-China trade in services agreement is expected to conclude.

The joint feasibility study for a UK-China Trade in Services Agreement is an exploratory stage; it’s not a commitment to negotiate an agreement. The study is intended to identify areas of shared interest and assess the potential benefits and challenges involved in a potential bilateral Trade in Services Agreement. Should both parties find sufficient common ground, the process may then proceed to formal negotiations, based on mutual agreement. The timing of the conclusion of the feasibility study and any potential future negotiations would be determined through further technical discussions between the UK and China.

With reference to Prime Minister’s press release entitled Prime Minister unlocks new opportunities for British businesses in China, published on 29 January 2026, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed UK-China bilateral services partnership on trends in the level of UK service exports.

The UK‑China Bilateral Services Partnership (BSP) is designed to deliver high‑value benefits for UK businesses in the world’s second-largest services import market.UK services exports to China rose 81% in current prices between 2016 and 2024. However, in 2024 the UK had nearly a three times greater share of the global services import market (at 8.0%) than of China’s market (at 2.6%) [ONS and UNCTAD data].The BSP therefore aims to help UK firms access China’s large and expanding services market. It is a mechanism to push for improved market access as well as deliver practical support to help drive UK services exports to China, supporting growth.

Pursuant to the Prime Minister’s press release entitled ‘Prime Minister unlocks new opportunities for British businesses in China’ published on 29 January 2026, what steps are being taken to improve recognition of UK professional qualifications in China.

The UK-China Bilateral Services Partnership (BSP) Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Thursday 29 January between the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle, and the Minister for Commerce, Wang Wentao.The BSP represents a commitment between the UK and China to deepen practical government cooperation and support in growth sectors such as financial and professional services where the recognition of professional qualifications is critical for trade.

With reference to the Prime Minister’s press release entitled Prime Minister unlocks new opportunities for British businesses in China, published on 29 January 2026, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of a UK-China services partnership on economic growth.

The UK‑China Bilateral Services Partnership (BSP) is designed to deliver high‑value benefits for UK businesses in the world’s second-largest services import market.UK services exports to China rose 81% in current prices between 2016 and 2024. However, in 2024 the UK had nearly a three times greater share of the global services import market (at 8.0%) than of China’s market (at 2.6%) [ONS and UNCTAD data].The BSP therefore aims to help UK firms access China’s large and expanding services market. It is a mechanism to push for improved market access as well as deliver practical support to help drive UK services exports to China, supporting growth.

With reference to the news story entitled UK-SA Trade Pact Unlocks Tariff Savings for Local Exporters, published on 26 January 2026, what metrics his Department uses to assess whether the UK-South Africa Economic Partnership Agreement is delivering economic growth.

On average, from 2022 to 2024, the agreement between the UK and SACUM members has resulted in over £2.3bn of imports entering the UK eligible for reduced duties each year, with £2.1bn benefitting from the lower duty rate afforded under the agreement. During this time, more than £2.0bn of goods benefitting from reduced duties originated from South Africa. The EPA has delivered tariff savings and lowered import costs for British consumers and businesses. As set out in the UK Trade Strategy, we have started a tariff review of the UK-SACUM EPA that will aim to further reduce tariff barriers under the Agreement. We will update Parliament once these discussions conclude.

With reference to the news story entitled UK-SA Trade Pact Unlocks Tariff Savings for Local Exporters, published on 26 January 2026, whether he plans to (a) review and (b) update the UK–Southern Africa Economic Partnership Agreement.

On average, from 2022 to 2024, the agreement between the UK and SACUM members has resulted in over £2.3bn of imports entering the UK eligible for reduced duties each year, with £2.1bn benefitting from the lower duty rate afforded under the agreement. During this time, more than £2.0bn of goods benefitting from reduced duties originated from South Africa. The EPA has delivered tariff savings and lowered import costs for British consumers and businesses. As set out in the UK Trade Strategy, we have started a tariff review of the UK-SACUM EPA that will aim to further reduce tariff barriers under the Agreement. We will update Parliament once these discussions conclude.

With reference to the news story entitled UK-SA Trade Pact Unlocks Tariff Savings for Local Exporters, published on 26 January 2026, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of the UK-South Africa Economic Partnership Agreement on job creation in the UK.

On average, from 2022 to 2024, the agreement between the UK and SACUM members has resulted in over £2.3bn of imports entering the UK eligible for reduced duties each year, with £2.1bn benefitting from the lower duty rate afforded under the agreement. During this time, more than £2.0bn of goods benefitting from reduced duties originated from South Africa. The EPA has delivered tariff savings and lowered import costs for British consumers and businesses. As set out in the UK Trade Strategy, we have started a tariff review of the UK-SACUM EPA that will aim to further reduce tariff barriers under the Agreement. We will update Parliament once these discussions conclude.

With reference to the news story entitled UK-SA Trade Pact Unlocks Tariff Savings for Local Exporters, published on 26 January 2026, what estimate his Department has made of the value of tariff savings generated by the UK–South Africa Economic Partnership Agreement in each year since 2021.

On average, from 2022 to 2024, the agreement between the UK and SACUM members has resulted in over £2.3bn of imports entering the UK eligible for reduced duties each year, with £2.1bn benefitting from the lower duty rate afforded under the agreement. During this time, more than £2.0bn of goods benefitting from reduced duties originated from South Africa. The EPA has delivered tariff savings and lowered import costs for British consumers and businesses. As set out in the UK Trade Strategy, we have started a tariff review of the UK-SACUM EPA that will aim to further reduce tariff barriers under the Agreement. We will update Parliament once these discussions conclude.

What recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the amount of imported steel used for British manufacturing projects.

In 2024, the UK produced 4 million tonnes of crude steel and imported 6.8 million tonnes of semi-finished and finished steel for a variety of uses, including manufacturing (1)(2). The Government knows how important the use of UK-made steel is to communities across the country and we recognise the need to create a competitive business environment for steel production here in the UK. We will publish a steel strategy this year which will set out our vision for a bright and sustainable future for steel in the UK.

With reference to the news story entitled UK-SA Trade Pact Unlocks Tariff Savings for Local Exporters, published on 26 January 2026, what assessment he has made of the impact of the UK–Southern Africa Economic Partnership Agreement on UK–South Africa trade.

On average, from 2022 to 2024, the agreement between the UK and SACUM members has resulted in over £2.3bn of imports entering the UK eligible for reduced duties each year, with £2.1bn benefitting from the lower duty rate afforded under the agreement. During this time, more than £2.0bn of goods benefitting from reduced duties originated from South Africa. The EPA has delivered tariff savings and lowered import costs for British consumers and businesses. As set out in the UK Trade Strategy, we have started a tariff review of the UK-SACUM EPA that will aim to further reduce tariff barriers under the Agreement. We will update Parliament once these discussions conclude.

What criteria is used to assess the suitability of publicly-funded manufacturing contracts allocated to companies.

The Procurement Act sets out the process that contracting authorities follow when assessing the suitability of suppliers for public contracts, including their capacity and capability to deliver. This approach is supported by guidance in the Sourcing Playbook.

With reference to his Department’s press release entitled, ‘UK lenders step up with £11 billion push to back British businesses,’ published on 26 January 2026, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the £11 billion lending package on UK exports.

The package is a commitment from the UK’s top high-street banks to lend more to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) using UKEF’s guarantee, to boost UK exports and economic growth. It signals to SMEs that want to export that there is a dedicated pool of capital available for them from lenders whom they trust. Each bank has agreed to make the funds available across the whole of the UK. While we have not made formal assessments of the impact of these commitments on exports, the UK economy or jobs, last year UK Export Finance provided £14.5 billion of support to UK exporters, in turn supporting up to 70,000 jobs and contributing £5.4 billion to the economy.

With reference to his Department’s press release entitled ‘UK lenders step up with £11 billion push to back British businesses’ published on 26 January 2026, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the lending package to economic growth.

The package is a commitment from the UK’s top high-street banks to lend more to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) using UKEF’s guarantee, to boost UK exports and economic growth. It signals to SMEs that want to export that there is a dedicated pool of capital available for them from lenders whom they trust. Each bank has agreed to make the funds available across the whole of the UK. While we have not made formal assessments of the impact of these commitments on exports, the UK economy or jobs, last year UK Export Finance provided £14.5 billion of support to UK exporters, in turn supporting up to 70,000 jobs and contributing £5.4 billion to the economy.

With reference to his Department’s press release entitled ‘UK lenders step up with £11 billion push to back British businesses’ published on 26 January 2026, what estimate he has made of the number of jobs expected to be supported or created as a result of the lending package.

The package is a commitment from the UK’s top high-street banks to lend more to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) using UKEF’s guarantee, to boost UK exports and economic growth. It signals to SMEs that want to export that there is a dedicated pool of capital available for them from lenders whom they trust. Each bank has agreed to make the funds available across the whole of the UK. While we have not made formal assessments of the impact of these commitments on exports, the UK economy or jobs, last year UK Export Finance provided £14.5 billion of support to UK exporters, in turn supporting up to 70,000 jobs and contributing £5.4 billion to the economy.

With reference to the Department for Business and Trade’s press release entitled Business Secretary backs British scaleups with growth package and red tape review, published on 20 January 2026, whether he made an assessment of the adequacy of the availability of private‑sector investment for Kraken Technologies before providing funding.

The Department for Business and Trade sets the overall strategic direction for the British Business Bank, which is operationally independent and carries out its own due diligence. The Department was informed by the Bank of its investment in Kraken Technologies on 7 January 2026, after the investment decision had been taken and the terms agreed.The Department does not seek to assess the merits of individual investments within the Bank's portfolio. This includes company valuation, the position of other investors, or the other matters raised some of which are the responsibility of other public bodies.

With reference to his Department’s press release entitled Business Secretary backs British scaleups with growth package and red tape review, published on 20 January 2026, whether his Department assessed Kraken Technologies’ financial position and capital-raising capacity prior to approving funding.

The Department for Business and Trade sets the overall strategic direction for the British Business Bank, which is operationally independent and carries out its own due diligence. The Department was informed by the Bank of its investment in Kraken Technologies on 7 January 2026, after the investment decision had been taken and the terms agreed.The Department does not seek to assess the merits of individual investments within the Bank's portfolio. This includes company valuation, the position of other investors, or the other matters raised some of which are the responsibility of other public bodies.

With reference to his Department’s press release entitled Business Secretary backs British scaleups with growth package and red tape review, published on 20 January 2026, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of investment in Kraken Technologies on competition within the UK energy software market.

The Department for Business and Trade sets the overall strategic direction for the British Business Bank, which is operationally independent and carries out its own due diligence. The Department was informed by the Bank of its investment in Kraken Technologies on 7 January 2026, after the investment decision had been taken and the terms agreed.The Department does not seek to assess the merits of individual investments within the Bank's portfolio. This includes company valuation, the position of other investors, or the other matters raised some of which are the responsibility of other public bodies.

With reference to his Department’s press release entitled Business Secretary backs British scaleups with growth package and red tape review, published on 20 January 2026, what assessment he has made of the financial risks associated with investing in Kraken Technologies.

The Department for Business and Trade sets the overall strategic direction for the British Business Bank, which is operationally independent and carries out its own due diligence. The Department was informed by the Bank of its investment in Kraken Technologies on 7 January 2026, after the investment decision had been taken and the terms agreed.The Department does not seek to assess the merits of individual investments within the Bank's portfolio. This includes company valuation, the position of other investors, or the other matters raised some of which are the responsibility of other public bodies.

With reference to his Department’s press release entitled Business Secretary backs British scaleups with growth package and red tape review, published on 20 January 2026, whether Octopus Energy’s compliance with capital requirements was considered when approving investment in Kraken Technologies.

The Department for Business and Trade sets the overall strategic direction for the British Business Bank, which is operationally independent and carries out its own due diligence. The Department was informed by the Bank of its investment in Kraken Technologies on 7 January 2026, after the investment decision had been taken and the terms agreed.The Department does not seek to assess the merits of individual investments within the Bank's portfolio. This includes company valuation, the position of other investors, or the other matters raised some of which are the responsibility of other public bodies.

With reference to his Department’s press release entitled Business Secretary backs British scaleups with growth package and red tape review, published on 20 January 2026, what valuation of Kraken Technologies was used when determining the investment.

The Department for Business and Trade sets the overall strategic direction for the British Business Bank, which is operationally independent and carries out its own due diligence. The Department was informed by the Bank of its investment in Kraken Technologies on 7 January 2026, after the investment decision had been taken and the terms agreed.The Department does not seek to assess the merits of individual investments within the Bank's portfolio. This includes company valuation, the position of other investors, or the other matters raised some of which are the responsibility of other public bodies.