Recommendations & Conclusions
33 items
2
Recommendation
6th Report – How to strengthen UK-EU re…
Accepted
Any new UK-EU security arrangements must include an explicit recognition that it would be mutually beneficial to act together to guard the critical national infrastructure on which the UK and EU business community depends, from those who wish it ill. (Recommendation, Paragraph 12)
Government response. The government accepts the recommendation, stating that the new UK-EU Security & Defence Partnership will enhance cooperation on critical infrastructure resilience, including underwater infrastructure. It confirms the partnership reflects shared interests and will enable working together to tackle risks and …
Department for Business and Trade
3
Recommendation
6th Report – How to strengthen UK-EU re…
Acknowledged
The UK should work closely with the EU to strengthen coordinated action against non-market economies that undermine the international trading system through unfair practices, including use of forced labour, industrial subsidies, state-owned enterprise advantages, and forced technology transfers. Enhancing cooperation on trade defence instruments—such as anti-subsidy and anti-dumping measures—along with …
Government response. The government notes existing UK-EU cooperation on economic stability and supply chain security through regular exchanges and high-level meetings. It states it is exploring ways to exchange views on economic security policies and is reviewing its internal approach to minimise …
Department for Business and Trade
4
Recommendation
6th Report – How to strengthen UK-EU re…
Accepted
To support the fight against economic crime, we urge the Government to explore how to maximise opportunities to deepen law enforcement cooperation with the EU, in particular to secure real-time intelligence exchanges. We hope to see the announcement of a clear roadmap for further negotiations in this area at the …
Government response. The government accepted the recommendation, stating that a package was agreed at the UK-EU Summit to strengthen law enforcement cooperation, including new data exchange capabilities for DNA, facial imagery, criminal records, and biometric data. This will involve increased cooperation with …
Department for Business and Trade
5
Recommendation
6th Report – How to strengthen UK-EU re…
Accepted
The UK and EU both support a stable free trading system. Like the EU, the UK Government should join the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA) to help uphold a functioning dispute resolution system while broader WTO reforms are negotiated. (Recommendation, Paragraph 21)
Government response. The government states that the UK has joined the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA) following the publication of the Trade Strategy, reinforcing its commitment to an effective rules-based international trading system.
Department for Business and Trade
6
Recommendation
6th Report – How to strengthen UK-EU re…
Accepted
The Committee urges the Government to prioritise the minimisation of trade burdens in Northern Ireland as a fundamental element of any future UK- EU reset. This should be achieved through a strong emphasis on building trust between the Parties, maintaining clear and consistent communication 45 with the Northern Irish business …
Government response. The government states that the Windsor Framework has already removed trade burdens and that UK-EU Summit outcomes will deliver further benefits, particularly on agri-food. It confirms it is keen to progress further discussions on the SPS agreement and will continue …
Department for Business and Trade
7
Conclusion
6th Report – How to strengthen UK-EU re…
Accepted
We support the Government’s intention to negotiate a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement with the EU to reduce the need for regulatory formalities and controls at the border for agri-food products, plants and animals. (Recommendation, Paragraph 31)
Government response. The government confirmed its manifesto commitment to a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement with the EU, stating that broad parameters were agreed at the UK-EU Summit. This will eliminate routine SPS border checks and Export Health Certificates, with talks to …
Department for Business and Trade
8
Recommendation
6th Report – How to strengthen UK-EU re…
Accepted
We concur with the recommendation of the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly that there would be value in “providing a signal at or before the [UK-EU] Summit that a fair deal on fisheries will be reached” and call on the Government to enable a multi-year settlement. (Recommendation, Paragraph 36)
Government response. The government secured a 12-year fishing access arrangement with the EU and announced a new £360 million 'Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund' over 12 years to support the industry.
Department for Business and Trade
9
Recommendation
6th Report – How to strengthen UK-EU re…
Acknowledged
The Government should seek to maximise cuts to the red tape currently restricting free trade with the EU, taking full advantage of the customs cooperation provisions in the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. Specifically, it should pursue mutual recognition of UK and EU Authorised Economic Operator schemes for customs simplification, a …
Government response. The government acknowledged the recommendation, stating its commitment to easing trade burdens and its regular engagement with industry through existing forums and with the EU via TCA committees to identify and address issues within the current framework. No specific action …
Department for Business and Trade
10
Recommendation
6th Report – How to strengthen UK-EU re…
Accepted
The Government should consult with industry on rejoining the Regional Convention on Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Preferential Rules of Origin as an alternative to the rules of origin arrangements agreed in the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. (Recommendation, Paragraph 49)
Government response. The government accepted the recommendation, stating it will engage with businesses and Pan-Euro-Mediterranean (PEM) members to consider the benefits of the UK joining the PEM convention, as outlined in its Trade Strategy.
Department for Business and Trade
11
Recommendation
6th Report – How to strengthen UK-EU re…
Accepted in Part
We recommend that the Government consults with the business community, unions, workers and consumer groups and identifies sectors of the economy where, over the next ten years, there could be mutual gains from maximising compatible regulation with the EU. This should include an assessment of the flexibilities the UK might …
Government response. The government acknowledges the importance of compatible regulation with the EU and states it will continue to engage with industry and consider consistent approaches where beneficial. However, it notes that recent summit outcomes did not include a commitment to negotiate …
Department for Business and Trade
12
Conclusion
6th Report – How to strengthen UK-EU re…
Accepted
Energy trade represents a major opportunity for enhanced UK-EU trade and cooperation. Given shared strategic objectives—reducing carbon emissions, improving energy security, and expanding renewables—both sides have a mutual interest in strengthening their partnership. (Conclusion, Paragraph 64) 46
Government response. The government welcomed the Committee's conclusion on energy cooperation and stated that the UK and EU agreed to stabilise the TCA's Energy Title, explore UK participation in EU electricity trading platforms, and strengthen cooperation on clean energy technologies.
Department for Business and Trade
13
Recommendation
6th Report – How to strengthen UK-EU re…
Accepted in Part
To achieve the shared strategic objectives of reducing carbon emissions, improving energy security, and expanding renewables, the UK and the EU must prioritise energy cooperation in upcoming discussions. There is a clear need to move beyond the current state of implementation of Trade and Cooperation Agreement’s current electricity trading provisions, …
Government response. The government accepted the recommendation in part, welcoming energy cooperation and stating that at the UK-EU Summit, agreements were made to stabilise the TCA Energy Title and explore UK participation in EU electricity trading platforms. They also agreed to strengthen …
Department for Business and Trade
14
Recommendation
6th Report – How to strengthen UK-EU re…
Accepted
To prevent the UK and EU’s respective Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism schemes from becoming barriers to trade in electricity and carbon- intensive goods, when doing so maximises export potential and reduces consumer costs, the Government should seek to link, and keep aligned, the UK Emissions Trading Scheme with the EU …
Government response. The government accepted the recommendation, stating that parameters for a new agreement to link the UK and EU Emissions Trading Schemes have been agreed, with technical negotiations to begin shortly. This agreement is expected to facilitate mutual CBAM exemptions and …
Department for Business and Trade
15
Recommendation
6th Report – How to strengthen UK-EU re…
Acknowledged
We note the extensive cooperation between the Government and the European Commission on the Data (Use and Access) Bill. We recommend that the Government monitors the EU’s Data Union Strategy upon its publication, assesses implications for UK policy, and take whatever steps are required to ensure a permanent data adequacy …
Government response. The government acknowledged the recommendation, stating it will follow the EU Data Union Strategy with interest and noting the 6-month extension to the UK's adequacy decisions. UK officials will continue to support the ongoing adequacy review process.
Department for Business and Trade
16
Recommendation
6th Report – How to strengthen UK-EU re…
Accepted
The Government should prioritise financial services in EU relations by using the EU-UK Financial Regulatory Forum to build on previous best practice and advance regulatory cooperation. (Recommendation, Paragraph 76)
Government response. The government accepted the recommendation, affirming its commitment to working with the EU on financial services and stating it will continue to use the UK-EU Financial Regulatory Forum to deepen regulatory cooperation, build trust, and support cross-border financial services trade.
Department for Business and Trade
17
Recommendation
6th Report – How to strengthen UK-EU re…
Accepted
To achieve the best outcomes in terms of innovation and in turn growth, we urge that the Government make the case for all elements of European Research Framework Programmes, including FP10, to be open to third- country participation, and urge the Government to engage with UK research communities to maximise …
Government response. The government accepted the recommendation, noting its strong cooperation in existing EU research programs and stating it has published a position paper on Framework Programme 10 (FP10). The UK is interested in associating with FP10, assuming it is open and …
Department for Business and Trade
18
Recommendation
6th Report – How to strengthen UK-EU re…
Accepted in Part
We recommend that the Government draws lessons from the slow pace of mutual professional qualification recognition negotiations to date, reassesses which mutual recognition agreements would contribute most to our mutual economic gain, and publishes a new roadmap of negotiating priorities for mutual recognition of qualifications. (Recommendation, Paragraph 86)
Government response. The government acknowledges limited progress on mutual professional qualification recognition and committed to establishing dedicated dialogues with the EU and working more closely with UK regulators to identify priority sectors for economic benefit. However, it does not explicitly commit to …
Department for Business and Trade
19
Conclusion
6th Report – How to strengthen UK-EU re…
Acknowledged
We recognise the importance of reducing barriers to trade for touring artists. Given the economic and cultural significance of these sectors, continued engagement between UK and EU regulatory bodies is necessary to facilitate smoother market access. (Recommendation, Paragraph 89) 47
Government response. The government committed with the EU at the Summit to support travel and cultural exchange for touring artists and will continue to engage with the EU and Member States, including through annual summits and industry stakeholders, to improve touring arrangements.
Department for Business and Trade
20
Recommendation
6th Report – How to strengthen UK-EU re…
Accepted
The UK and the EU should consider the development of an ambitious, visa- based youth mobility scheme with a limited number of participants. This initiative would allow young people to spend up to 12 months in the UK or EU for cultural and educational exchange, facilitating language acquisition, fostering a …
Government response. The government agreed with the EU to work towards establishing a balanced, time-limited, and capped youth experience scheme, in line with existing UK schemes, to provide cultural and educational exchange opportunities. The exact parameters will be subject to negotiation.
Department for Business and Trade
21
Recommendation
6th Report – How to strengthen UK-EU re…
Accepted
The Committee urges the Government to pursue these opportunities urgently and decisively, ensuring Britain and Europe remain globally competitive and strategically aligned. (Recommendation, Paragraph 100) 48
Government response. The government stated it has already worked decisively to strengthen cooperation with the EU and will conclude further technical negotiations as swiftly as possible. They also highlighted broader global policy efforts to re-establish UK leadership on the international stage.
Department for Business and Trade
1
Recommendation
8th Report - Export led growth: Trade w…
Acknowledged
Asia-Pacific offers vast commercial potential for UK exports of both goods and services, but realising these opportunities for greater trade will depend on overcoming barriers through targeted regulatory diplomacy and sustained engagement through dialogues and trade frameworks. In particular, the Government must include robust and enforceable IP chapters in all …
Government response. The government agreed on the importance of trade dialogues for achieving trade outcomes and described its ongoing engagement with Asia-Pacific partners to address market access and regulatory environments. However, it did not explicitly commit to including robust IP chapters in …
Department for Business and Trade
2
Recommendation
8th Report - Export led growth: Trade w…
Accepted
The Government should use its full network of trade dialogues in Asia to push for real, commercially meaningful outcomes to drive down tariffs, remove regulatory uncertainty and improve intellectual property protection. In particular, the Department should explore wider use of ‘between the meeting’ task and finish groups that include the …
Government response. The government agrees on the importance of trade dialogues and states it already uses them to address market access barriers and engage with businesses at various levels, including ministerial dialogues, without committing to new methods like 'between the meeting' task …
Department for Business and Trade
3
Recommendation
8th Report - Export led growth: Trade w…
Acknowledged
The Government must continue its commitment to the Global Combat Air Programme as a conduit to build further on good relations with Japan, a key partner in the region. By recognising the power of such partnerships, and exploring where these can be grown, the UK is building a bedrock upon …
Government response. The government reaffirms its commitment to the Global Combat Air Programme and continued defence cooperation with Japan, highlighting ongoing annual steering panels. However, it only acknowledges the importance of stable funding without committing to the recommended longer-term funding cycles.
Department for Business and Trade
4
Recommendation
8th Report - Export led growth: Trade w…
Deferred
The UK should explore with Japan the potential to widen the partnership to include digital and cyber technologies, to explore potential ties to the AUKUS programme, and to develop joint exports to allies across the region. 34 Furthermore, the Government should quickly deepen the economic security dialogues with Asia Pacific …
Government response. The government's response focused on the importance of education exports and soft power strategy in the Asia-Pacific region, including ongoing engagement by the International Education Champion and the development of a Soft Power Strategy. This did not address the committee's …
Department for Business and Trade
5
Recommendation
8th Report - Export led growth: Trade w…
Acknowledged
Education and higher education are critical export sectors in Asia-Pacific and strategic enablers of the best possible export environment in the region. The Government’s trade strategy should confirm that education is a priority sector and the Industrial Strategy Council should ensure there is a cross-Whitehall dialogue that helps maximise the …
Government response. The government acknowledges the importance of education exports and is delivering through its International Education Strategy, having reappointed an education champion. It also notes that embassies have been instructed to consider deploying soft power, and a Soft Power Strategy is …
Department for Business and Trade
6
Conclusion
8th Report - Export led growth: Trade w…
Acknowledged
Asia is fast becoming a key market for digital trade, shaped by divergent data governance models and rapid technological transformation. While regulatory fragmentation poses challenges, it also creates a window for the UK to support greater alignment through trusted, collaborative partnerships. There is a clear opportunity to promote convergence—via CPTPP, …
Government response. The government acknowledges the importance of digital trade and states its Trade Strategy aims to explore deeper digital trade cooperation, including potentially acceding to DEPA and other agreements, while continuing to lead at the WTO. However, no firm commitments are …
Department for Business and Trade
7
Recommendation
8th Report - Export led growth: Trade w…
Acknowledged
As part of the new trade strategy, the Government should shift greater attention and resourcing toward joining open-ended digital agreements, such as DEPA, that better reflect the Indo-Pacific’s role as the engine of global digital growth, and offer faster, more flexible market access than traditional FTAs. (Recommendation, Paragraph 48)
Government response. The government states its Trade Strategy intends to explore deepening digital trade cooperation and agreements, including exploring accession to DEPA if in the national interest, but is not yet in a position to confirm seeking accession.
Department for Business and Trade
8
Recommendation
8th Report - Export led growth: Trade w…
Accepted
The Government should step up collaborative engagement to encourage greater alignment and interoperability in digital rules, while maintaining strong multilateral commitments. In particular, the Government must continue to support the WTO e-commerce moratorium and the Joint Statement Initiative on e-commerce. (Recommendation, Paragraph 49)
Government response. The government states that the UK is a leading voice at the WTO, actively supports the e-commerce moratorium, and has played a leading role in the E-Commerce Joint Initiative, having joined the resulting agreement in July 2024.
Department for Business and Trade
9
Recommendation
8th Report - Export led growth: Trade w…
Acknowledged
As part of its new trade strategy, the Government should clearly set out how it will promote the liberalisation and export of environmental goods and services, particularly in and to the fast-moving Asia-Pacific region. The strategy must be aligned with the UK’s industrial strategy, underpinned by clear commitments to assess …
Government response. The government outlined its general engagement with Asia-Pacific markets, including ministerial travel, CPTPP membership, and existing trade agreements, stating that its trade policy aims to generate UK growth through various levers. However, it did not specifically detail how it will …
Department for Business and Trade
10
Conclusion
8th Report - Export led growth: Trade w…
Accepted
The UK’s reputation as a reliable and constructive partner makes it well-placed to navigate Asia’s evolving trade landscape. However, the Committee heard that seizing these opportunities will require a more embedded and consistent approach, underpinned by policy certainty and sustained political engagement at the highest levels. (Conclusion, Paragraph 63)
Government response. The government stated its continued investment in building deep expertise and contacts in Asia-Pacific markets as part of the Global Trade Outlook 2025, aiming to deliver growth, aligning with the committee's observation on the need for a more embedded and …
Department for Business and Trade
11
Recommendation
8th Report - Export led growth: Trade w…
Accepted
The Committee, therefore, calls on the Government to provide long-term policy certainty to businesses navigating rising geo-political and regulatory complexity across the region to enable them to take up the opportunities that greater trade with Asia. It must also continue to engage, through all available channels, with Asian partners and …
Government response. The government states its Industrial Strategy provides long-term certainty and stability, and its Trade Strategy outlines policy priorities, committing to continue engagement with Asian partners. This indicates existing frameworks address the committee's call.
Department for Business and Trade
12
Recommendation
8th Report - Export led growth: Trade w…
Accepted
The Government should look to incorporate regular ministerial and official attendance at key events in Asian economic centres, such as GIFT City in India, where UK exports have the most potential to grow. Diplomatic trade policy should move beyond a centralised, export-driven model and aim to embed the UK in …
Government response. The government states that Ministers have already engaged extensively across Asia and will continue to do so, highlighting CPTPP membership and ASEAN partnership as ways it is embedding itself in key markets. It also confirms its trade policy goes beyond …
Department for Business and Trade
13
Recommendation
8th Report - Export led growth: Trade w…
Accepted
We agree with Douglas Alexander that the Government’s trade-focused resource must be matched to the potential of the export opportunities around the world. The Government must, therefore, invest properly in trade resources that are tailored to the needs of each significant Asian market. In order to match resources to the …
Government response. The government states it is already prioritizing support for businesses in high-opportunity markets and is reviewing the size and shape of its overseas network, informed by analysis from the Global Trade Outlook 2025, to ensure resources are focused on strategic …
Department for Business and Trade