Answer from Hansard

The Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Peter Kyle)

It is good to be before you in a new role, Mr Speaker. In fact, even though I might not look it, we have an entirely fresh ministerial team before the House today. With your forbearance, may I offer the House’s congratulations to my hon. Friend the Member for Penistone and Stocksbridge (Dr Tidball) on becoming parliamentarian of the year at The Spectator awards yesterday. I reap the benefits of her as a Parliamentary Private Secretary, and I am very grateful for it. This Government are committed to harnessing the insight of a range of stakeholders in delivering the review into responsible business conduct, announced in the trade strategy. That includes producer countries and experts from the global south. As chair of the all-party parliamentary group on Fairtrade, my hon. Friend will be pleased to know that my officials have already held discussions with Fairtrade tea experts from India and Kenya. The Minister for Trade is also engaging with businesses, civil society and trade unions.