SMEs: European Trade
20 May 2026 · Commons Chamber · 4 speeches · Official record
Commons debate API. Not a paper. A named member links to their Institrace record when we hold that seat.
I am afraid that I am not going to take any ideas from the Lib Dems on this matter-I think I can pretty much unite the House on that. One of the things I am very keen on is that we maintain our position as the second-largest art market in the world. That means that we have to negotiate better agreements, including with the European Union. That is one of the things we are doing at the moment. The hon. Gentleman makes a fair point about the de minimis rule, but I notice that other businesses in hi... Full speech
We are helping SMEs do more trade with European countries by taking down tariff and other trade barriers in our EU-UK summit, reducing red tape in individual countries, enabling easier business travel and allowing the mutual recognition of professional qualifications, both across the EU and bilaterally. I look forward to the hon. Gentleman welcoming that. Full speech
9. What steps his Department is taking to help small and medium-sized businesses trade with European nations. Full speech
I always welcome the cutting of red tape and I await the details excitedly. My North Cornwall constituent, Hannah Willow, runs two art businesses. Prior to Brexit, around 30% of her sales were to customers in Europe, but this has now fallen to 10%. As a result of recent tariffs on trade, her exports to the US have also declined by 20%. Now, adding insult to injury, the de minimis threshold will be removed from 1 July this year. That means that items valued at under €150 entering the EU will no l... Full speech