Written questions by Vaz.

Whether his Department plans to update the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988 to (a) remove chemical flame retardants, (b) provide additional support to furniture manufacturers, (c) improve fire safety, (d) increase recycling and (e) align with international best practice; and if she will publish a timetable for updating those regulations.

The policy paper ‘The fire safety of domestic upholstered furniture’, published on 22 January, set out that the Government is committed to delivering reforms to the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 that maintain a high level of fire safety while facilitating a reduction in the use of chemical flame retardants.The Department for Business and Trade has been carrying out extensive, targeted stakeholder engagement this year to inform decision making, and the Government will provide an update in due course.

What recent discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on the requirements for (a) 24-hour pre-notification of invoices, (b) physical vehicle checks and (c) refusals of clearing charges by EU customers.

The UK and EU are like-minded partners with similarly high standards. We have been clear that the trading relationship can be improved, and that is why we are working with the EU to identify areas where we can strengthen cooperation for mutual benefit, such as the economy, energy, security and resilience. We are not going to provide a running commentary on the details of those discussions.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the loss of supply routes to the US following the imposition of tariffs on UK companies; and if he will consider tariffs on imported metal goods.

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 with the US on a wider economic deal and this government will do what is necessary to defend the UK’s national interest. That is why on 3 April, the government launched a Request for Input from businesses, to keep all options on the table; and help inform the UK's response to US tariffs.

What discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on removing barriers to trade.

The Government is committed to improving the UK's trade and investment relationship with the European Union (EU). Only a few days ago I met the German Ambassador, and I recently has the pleasure of meeting with my Italian counterpart. The Secretary of State for Business and Trade has had a range of positive discussions with his counterparts, including the EU Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis and other European ministers. As a Government, we are committed to restarting the UK-EU relationship, so from the Prime Minister down, we have established ongoing and productive engagement with the European Union and Member States.