Oral QuestionDepartment for Business and Trade

“If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.”

Tabled: 4 December 2025Answered: 11 December 2025

Asked by

Bobby Dean

Liberal Democrat — Carshalton and Wallington

Answering Minister

the Secretary of State for Business and Trade

Answer from Hansard

The Minister of State, Department for Business and Trade (Chris Bryant)

I apologise on behalf of the Secretary of State, who is striking deals in the United States of America. In recent weeks, we have announced £2.5 billion of investment in the UK’s first small modular reactor site at Wylfa, launched a critical minerals strategy and done a deal with the US on pharmaceuticals. Mr Speaker, in true Christmas spirit, I can assure you as Trade Minister that there is no tariff on gold, frankincense or myrrh, and Santa Claus can travel freely without a visa—although apparently, he knows when you’ve been bad or good, so be good for goodness’ sake!