Recommendations & Conclusions
19 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)
Read more
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)
Show less
Government response AI summary
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 build collective resilience.
Read full response →
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 …
Read more
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 forthcoming UK/EU summit. (Recommendation, Paragraph 18)
Show less
Government response AI summary
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 Europol and the EU Drugs …
Read full response →
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)
Read more
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)
Show less
Government response AI summary
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.
Read full response →
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 …
Read more
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 community and civil society, and ensuring Northern Ireland remains central to discussions on trade easements. (Recommendation, Paragraph 26)
Show less
Government response AI summary
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 to engage with Northern Ireland …
Read full response →
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)
Read more
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)
Show less
Government response AI summary
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 begin immediately to implement the …
Read full response →
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)
Read more
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)
Show less
Government response AI summary
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.
Read full response →
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)
Read more
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)
Show less
Government response AI summary
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.
Read full response →
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
Read more
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
Show less
Government response AI summary
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.
Read full response →
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 …
Read more
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 Emissions Trading Scheme. The Government should ensure action is in place to mitigate any impacts while the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism is in place and the UK’s is not. (Recommendation, Paragraph 66)
Show less
Government response AI summary
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 achieve economic benefits. The government …
Read full response →
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 AI summary
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.
Read full response →
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 …
Read more
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 UK participation. (Recommendation, Paragraph 81)
Show less
Government response AI summary
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 provides value, and will engage …
Read full response →
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 …
Read more
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 deeper understanding of shared European history and heritage, and enabling work and apprenticeship opportunities. Such an initiative would contribute to the long-term strengthening of trust and cooperation, which are essential foundations for international trade relations and mutual security. (Recommendation, Paragraph 94)
Show less
Government response AI summary
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.
Read full response →
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 AI summary
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.
Read full response →
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 …
Read more
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 private sector to identify problems that hamper exports and develop solutions more rapidly. (Recommendation, Paragraph 25) Opportunities for trade with Asia-Pacific
Show less
Government response AI summary
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 and finish groups.
Read full response →
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)
Read more
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)
Show less
Government response AI summary
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.
Read full response →
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)
Read more
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)
Show less
Government response AI summary
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 consistent approach.
Read full response →
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 …
Read more
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 set a clear strategic policy direction in its upcoming trade strategy. (Recommendation, Paragraph 64)
Show less
Government response AI summary
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.
Read full response →
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 …
Read more
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 Asia’s regional growth corridors. (Recommendation, Paragraph 65)
Show less
Government response AI summary
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 a solely export-driven model.
Read full response →
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 …
Read more
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 potential of the export opportunities the Government must undertake an analysis of DBT’s overseas based staff and compare this with the projected market growth in each market. The Department must then ensure resources are suitably realigned to meet strategic priorities and fully exploit the potential of growing markets. (Recommendation, Paragraph 66) 36
Show less
Government response AI summary
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 priorities.
Read full response →
Department for Business and Trade