British exports on Lords agenda
30 January 2015
Members of the House of Lords, including business journalists and business people, debated the government's support for British exports on Thursday 29 January.
Contributions throughout the debate stressed that exports are an important component of the UK's economic performance, and continued government support is needed to bridge the trade gap between UK exports and imports.
Examples of UK firms exporting their products were highlighted, from the creative to manufacturing industries. The government support they received in venturing into overseas markets was raised by some members as key to their success; members urged the government to continue and strengthen this support.
Members discussed the EU as the UK's main trading partner, and some argued the UK's membership was crucial for its exports. Other members spoke of emerging markets saying the UK should build on advantages it has in these countries.
Minister of State for Trade and Investment Lord Livingston of Parkhead (Conservative) responded for the government speaking of the challenges the UK faces while the economies of some trading partners continue to struggle. He highlighted that the UK is the world's sixth largest exporter and that the government will continue to be ambitious in building on this performance.
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