Written questions by Wrigley.

What steps his Department is taking to support high street businesses in competing with large online retailers.

We intend to introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties, including those on the high street, from 2026-27. This tax cut must be sustainably funded, and so we intend to apply a higher rate from 2026-27 on the most valuable properties - those with a Rateable Value of £500,000 and above. These represent less than one per cent of all properties, but include the majority of large distribution warehouses, including those used by online giants. Ahead of these changes being made, we have prevented RHL relief from ending in April 2025 by extending it for one year at 40 per cent up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business and frozen the small business multiplier. We are also working with businesses to understand their barriers to growth and High Streets will be a key pillar of our forthcoming Small Business Strategy.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the appointment of the new chair of the Competition and Markets Authority on regulation of competition in UK markets.

The Secretary of State has welcomed the appointment of Doug Gurr as interim Chair of the Competition and Markets Authority (“CMA”). Doug Gurr has a wealth of experience as a business leader and entrepreneur. Along with the CMA Chief Executive, Sarah Cardell, he has initiated a programme of work to improve Pace, Predictability, Proportionality and Process across the CMA’s activities to support growth and investment, while ensuring a level playing field for businesses and protecting consumers. The government is supporting this work through the new growth-focused Strategic Steer to the CMA and a new Framework Agreement to be published later this year.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of US tariffs on the economy of Devon.

I am disappointed by the announcement of an increase in tariffs by the United States, which are not in anyone’s interest, and we understand businesses across the country are concerned. The government has been fully focused on negotiating an economic deal with the US. And we will continue to engage with them, to understand some of the details of how tariffs will be implemented. We are resolute in our support for industry across the whole of the UK, and we will continue to engage with businesses to assess and understand the impact of these tariffs. In addition, on 3 April the government launched a Request for Input from businesses to help inform the UK’s response to US tariffs.

What information his Department holds on whether any UK firms with Russian holdings are not in the process of divesting from operations based in Russia.

The Department for Business and Trade does not hold any specific data on UK firms that are not in the process of divesting from operations based in Russia. UK businesses must comply with our sanctions, which form an extensive regime to constrain the Kremlin’s ability to continue the war. It is a decision for individual UK businesses on whether and how to divest from Russia in compliance with UK sanctions.

When he plans to answer Question 39709, tabled on 19 March 2025.

A response was provided to question 39709 on 3rd April: Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament.

What steps his Department is taking to help support pubs in Devon.

Hospitality businesses, including pubs and breweries in Devon, are at the heart of our communities and play a vital role in 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 which will be published later this year. Through the Hospitality Sector Council, we are addressing strategic issues for the sector related to high street regeneration, skills, sustainability, and productivity.

If he will publish details of all active export licences.

The status of an export license is subject to change at any time. Individual licences typically have expiry dates of 2 years (Standard Individual Export Licences) and 5 years (Open Individual Export Licences).Export licensing information is published in the Annual and Quarterly Reports on Strategic Export Controls. They are available to view on GOV.UK at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/strategic-export-controls-licensing-data. This currently includes information up to 30 September 2024.The next quarterly publication of official statistics in development covering export licensing decisions between 1 October 2024 to 31 December 2024 will take place in May 2025: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/announcements/strategic-export-controls-licensing-statistics-1-october-to-31-december-2024?cachebust=1740739985.

If he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of Q95 of the oral evidence given by the Chief of Policy of the Confederation of British Business to the Business and Trade Select Committee on 11 February 2025.

The EU is a significant trading partner for both goods and services. In the 12 months ending September 2024, the UK’s total trade with the EU was 5% below the level seen in 2018, after removing the effect of inflation and excluding precious metals. We will tackle barriers to trade to help drive investment, jobs and growth for both UK and EU economies, but we have been clear there will be no return to freedom of movement, the customs union or the single market.

What steps his Department is taking to support the (a) beer and (b) pub sector to increase (i) economic growth and (ii) business investment in the context of his industrial strategy.

Hospitality businesses, including pubs and breweries, are at the heart of our communities and play a vital role in supporting economic growth across the UK. The Government is creating a fairer business rate system, reducing alcohol duty on qualifying draught products and transforming the apprenticeship levy to support business and boost opportunities. This work will be supported by the publication of The Small Business Strategy Command Paper which will be published later this year. Through the Hospitality Sector Council, we are addressing strategic issues for the sector related to high street regeneration, skills, sustainability, and productivity.

What recent assessment his Department has made of the potential contribution of the (a) brewery and distillery and (b) pub sector to (i) economic growth and (ii) job creation.

Hospitality businesses, including pubs and breweries, are at the heart of our communities and play a vital role in supporting economic growth across the UK. The Government is creating a fairer business rate system, reducing alcohol duty on qualifying draught products and transforming the apprenticeship levy to support business and boost opportunities. This work will be supported by the publication of The Small Business Strategy Command Paper which will be published later this year. Through the Hospitality Sector Council, we are addressing strategic issues for the sector related to high street regeneration, skills, sustainability, and productivity.

Whether his Department is taking steps to help protect the (a) brewery, (b) distillery and (c) pub sector from US tariffs.

The UK and US have a strong economic relationship which is fair, balanced and reciprocal. We have £1.2 trillion invested in each other’s economies and over 2.5 million jobs across both countries.Breweries, distilleries and pubs play a key role in the UK economy.We will continue to engage closely and productively with the US to press the case for UK business interests. We will keep all options on the table and won’t hesitate to respond in the national interest.

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of aligning UK General Product Safety Regulations with those in the EU to remove the need for an EU Responsible Person when trading with the EU.

Amending the General Product Safety Regulations that apply in Great Britain to align with the EU’s new GPSR would not remove the requirement that exists for a Responsible Economic Operator based within the EU or Northern Ireland when trading with the EU. The Responsible Economic Operator responsibilities can be fulfilled by the manufacturer, authorised representative appointed by the manufacturer, importer, or where none of these are based in the EU or Northern Ireland, the fulfilment service provider of the product. The Department’s Export Support Service provides help to businesses, including by signposting them to Responsible Economic Operator service providers.

Pursuant to the Answer of 12 March 2025 to Question 35024 on Overseas Trade: Russia, if the Department will publish the licenses issued on trade insurances by UK-based companies with a final destination of Russia.

Between 1 September 2023 and 31 December 2023, the latest period covered by statistic publications covering licensing decisions for Professional and Business Services (PBS) and Individual Financial Services, no licences were issued for insurance services, and 9 licences were issued for PBS. The PBS licences also cover IT consultancy and design services. The Russia Sanctions statutory guidance sets out specific PBS activities which DBT deems likely to be consistent with the aims of the sanctions and may consider licensing. Pensions and Travel Services are not directly caught under the Russia sanctions. The Russia Sanctions Statutory Guidance outline what goods and services are sanctioned: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/russia-sanctions-guidance. The Export Control Joint Unit publishes information on services licences linked to trade sanctions on an annual basis as part of the United Kingdom Strategic Export Controls Annual Report which includes PBS and Individual Financial Services licences. The 2023 Report is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-strategic-export-controls-annual-report-2023. The 2024 Annual Report is due to be published before Summer Recess.

If he will make an estimate of the potential impact of the EU General Product Safety Regulation on costs to UK businesses (a) before and (b) after the UK left the EU.

The Government is not required to make an assessment of the costs to businesses of the EU GPSR. The UK already enjoys a high level of product safety. The updated GPSR therefore largely formalises the reality of how businesses are already operating across the UK, and UK businesses will often already be going further than many of these requirements.

If he will take steps to ensure that UK General Product Safety Rules (GPSR) are compliant with EU GPSR rules.

The UK enjoys a high level of product safety. As outlined in the Government’s response to the Product Safety Review consultation, undertaken by the previous Government, we will now develop options for further consultation on updating the UK’s product safety framework. Decisions taken by the Government on regulations will be focused on supporting growth across the UK. We will draw on evidence gathered through our strong relationships with stakeholders, including industry, trade associations and consumer groups when considering any future changes to product safety regulation.

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of aligning UK General Product Safety Rules (GPSR) with EU GPSR rules.

The UK enjoys a high level of product safety. As outlined in the Government’s response to the Product Safety Review consultation, undertaken by the previous Government, we will now develop options for further consultation on updating the UK’s product safety framework. Decisions taken by the Government on regulations will be focused on supporting growth across the UK. We will draw on evidence gathered through our strong relationships with stakeholders, including industry, trade associations and consumer groups when considering any future changes to product safety regulation.

Pursuant to the Answer of 7 March 2025 to Question 34072 on Export Controls: Russia, if he will list every export licence granted by his Department for exports of cars to Russia since September 2023.

Between 1 September 2023 and 30 September 2024, the latest period covered by official statistics in development, no export licences were issued for goods for a) medicinal and pharmaceutical, b) organic chemicals, c) cars, or d) toilet and cleaning preparations to Russia. The Export Control Joint Unit publishes information on these types of export licences on a quarterly basis as part of the Strategic export controls: licensing statistics quarterly reports. This includes the number of licence outcomes (issued, refused, revoked) each quarter by licence type. The latest quarterly statistics in development publication covers licence information up to 30 September 2024: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/strategic-export-controls-licensing-statistics-1-july-to-30-september-2024. Licensing decisions between 1 October and 31 December 2024 are planned to be published in May 2025 as part of the next quarterly statistics publication.

Pursuant to the Answer of 7 March 2025 to Question 34072 on Export Controls: Russia, if he will list every export licence granted by his Department for exports of insurance and pensions to Russia since September 2023.

Between 1 September 2023 and 31 December 2023, the latest period covered by statistic publications covering licensing decisions for Professional and Business Services (PBS) and Individual Financial Services, no licences were issued for insurance services, and 9 licences were issued for PBS. The PBS licences also cover IT consultancy and design services. The Russia Sanctions statutory guidance sets out specific PBS activities which DBT deems likely to be consistent with the aims of the sanctions and may consider licensing. Pensions and Travel Services are not directly caught under the Russia sanctions. The Russia Sanctions Statutory Guidance outline what goods and services are sanctioned: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/russia-sanctions-guidance. The Export Control Joint Unit publishes information on services licences linked to trade sanctions on an annual basis as part of the United Kingdom Strategic Export Controls Annual Report which includes PBS and Individual Financial Services licences. The 2023 Report is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-strategic-export-controls-annual-report-2023. The 2024 Annual Report is due to be published before Summer Recess.

Pursuant to the Answer of 7 March 2025 to Question 34072 on Export Controls: Russia, if he will list each export licence granted by his Department for exports of telecoms and computer information services to Russia since September 2023.

Between 1 September 2023 and 31 December 2023, the latest period covered by statistic publications covering licensing decisions for Professional and Business Services (PBS) and Individual Financial Services, no licences were issued for insurance services, and 9 licences were issued for PBS. The PBS licences also cover IT consultancy and design services. The Russia Sanctions statutory guidance sets out specific PBS activities which DBT deems likely to be consistent with the aims of the sanctions and may consider licensing. Pensions and Travel Services are not directly caught under the Russia sanctions. The Russia Sanctions Statutory Guidance outline what goods and services are sanctioned: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/russia-sanctions-guidance. The Export Control Joint Unit publishes information on services licences linked to trade sanctions on an annual basis as part of the United Kingdom Strategic Export Controls Annual Report which includes PBS and Individual Financial Services licences. The 2023 Report is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-strategic-export-controls-annual-report-2023. The 2024 Annual Report is due to be published before Summer Recess.

Pursuant to the Answer of 7 March 2025 to Question 34072 on Export Controls: Russia, if he will list each export licence granted by his Department for exports of toilet and cleansing preparations to Russia since September 2023.

Between 1 September 2023 and 30 September 2024, the latest period covered by official statistics in development, no export licences were issued for goods for a) medicinal and pharmaceutical, b) organic chemicals, c) cars, or d) toilet and cleaning preparations to Russia. The Export Control Joint Unit publishes information on these types of export licences on a quarterly basis as part of the Strategic export controls: licensing statistics quarterly reports. This includes the number of licence outcomes (issued, refused, revoked) each quarter by licence type. The latest quarterly statistics in development publication covers licence information up to 30 September 2024: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/strategic-export-controls-licensing-statistics-1-july-to-30-september-2024. Licensing decisions between 1 October and 31 December 2024 are planned to be published in May 2025 as part of the next quarterly statistics publication.