Oral Answers to Questions

The Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, responded to tabled questions on the potential contribution of small businesses to the government's growth mission, the progress made on introducing an industrial strategy, and steps to improve the UK's trading relationship with the EU. Reynolds emphasized the importance of small businesses to the economy and the government's commitment to supporting them, including through measures to tackle late payments, retail crime, and access to finance. On industrial strategy, Reynolds highlighted the need to improve the UK's poor business investment performance and provide consistency and permanence to the strategy. Regarding the UK-EU trading relationship, Reynolds acknowledged the decline in goods trade and stated the government's determination to reset the relationship and tackle barriers to trade. In the topical questions section, the ministers responded to a range of issues, including supporting high street businesses, attracting inward investment, strengthening employment rights, and addressing the challenges posed by China's share of the electric vehicle market. The ministers reiterated the government's commitment to reforming the business rates system, creating a fair work agency to improve employment rights enforcement, and working closely with other departments to address the risks and opportunities presented by China's role in the automotive industry.