As always, Parliamentary questions allow a great opportunity for MPs to scrutinise Government departments and raise constituent concerns directly with those responsible.

This morning, the Secretary of State for International Trade, along with her Ministerial team, attended Parliament to report back on progress being made on trade deals with our global partners. Much has been said over recent weeks about the progress of these deals, especially those with India and the United States of America.

However, having heard from a number of constituents whose businesses relied on trade with Israel, I choose to press Ministers on the progress made towards a free trade deal with our partners in the Levant. This is of particular interest in the technology and medical sectors, two industries in which Israel has taken a leading role on the global stage recently.

Responding to my question, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Nigel Huddleston informed the house that progress was being made in a timely manner. I was pleased to learn that the first round of negotiations had been completed in September and that the Government recognises the importance of an upgraded innovation-focused deal.