Oral QuestionDepartment for Business and Trade

What steps his Department is taking to support small and micro-businesses in rural areas.

Tabled: 14 May 2026Answered: 21 May 2026

Asked by

Tessa Munt

Liberal DemocratWells and Mendip Hills

Answering Minister

the Secretary of State for Business and Trade

Answer from Hansard

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Pat McFadden)

Yesterday, I met the civil service unions together with the new Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Queen’s Park and Maida Vale (Georgia Gould). We had a very positive discussion covering a whole range of issues. I made it clear that the days of Government Ministers waging culture wars against civil servants are over. Instead, we want a civil service that is motivated, valued and helps the Government to deliver their priorities. On the specific issue of pay, the Government will have more to say on civil service pay before the summer recess.