UK-US Trade Deal

While supporting trade agreements in principle, Bill Esterson questions the prioritisation of negotiating with the US over mitigating losses from EU trade. He raises concerns about dispute mechanisms, environmental protections, workers' rights, and commitments to net zero by 2050. Esterson also queries whether chlorine-washed chicken will be permitted under a new agreement and demands assurances that public services like the NHS are protected against privatisation measures.

Congratulated Elizabeth Truss on her statement. Highlighted that UK exports currently attract half a billion pounds-worth of tariffs and removal of which will be an immediate boost to the UK economy. Also pointed out that current retaliatory tariffs due to EU-US steel disputes could be removed.

Questioned the modest economic benefits of the trade deal, noting potential risks and losses in GDP growth. Raised concerns about level playing field provisions and dispute resolution mechanisms being abandoned.

Asked if current restrictions or tariffs on food imports would be removed unless those imports meet UK animal welfare standards, to which Elizabeth Truss responded affirmatively.

Acknowledged previous support for trade deals and raised concerns about the impact of drug prices in the NHS. Suggested that political campaigning could influence the negotiation process.

Asked for assurance regarding malt whisky tariffs; Elizabeth Truss responded positively about opportunities for Scotch whisky exports to the US.

Welcomes increased trade but points out small economic benefits (0.16% GDP increase after 15 years), suggests seeking a more ambitious deal with the EU and supporting Heathrow's third runway.

Agrees that US is excited about the trade deal, presses for food standards to be maintained without forcing unwanted products on consumers.

Raises concerns about breastfeeding protection and lower nutrition standards in US formula compared to UK/EU, seeks assurances from the Government that commercial interests will not compromise this issue.

Welcomes the statement and asks for specifics on how the free trade deal will benefit mid Wales and her constituents, especially in relation to Welsh lamb and dairy products.

Highlights the negative impact of section 232 tariffs on UK steel industry, demands that all trade talks with the US should be suspended until these tariffs are removed.

Notes lessons from TTIP negotiations and seeks clarity on ensuring Parliament's consent when deal information is released for review by Congress, to minimise unhelpful speculation.

Asks the Minister if she will consider reversing the policy of not giving Members a vote on trade deals and questions how having no debate constitutes taking back control.

Notes that UK would have concluded a better deal with US as part of EU, asks about the impact of Northern Ireland protocol on trade deals and seeks reassurance on benefits for NI.

Welcomes commitment to environmental protections but seeks reassurance that food producers will face a level playing field once the deal is done.

Expresses concerns about digital services and tech companies' use of personal data, asks for guarantees on protection of UK consumers' personal data.

Highlights free trade as the greatest driver of global prosperity, looks forward to a massive global market open to high-tech businesses in west Oxfordshire.

Critiques economic benefits of the deal as small and negative compared to no-deal scenario with EU, questions the value of half a billion pounds against significant losses from no-deal EU.

Welcomes prospects for more engagement with US economy, suggests scope for marketing support for high-quality produce and advocates zero-tariff quota opening.

Asked about prioritising visa-free travel and form-free transportation of musical instruments and equipment for creatives in US trade negotiations.

Inquired how the Government would reflect the decentralised nature of public procurement in the US within a future free trade agreement, noting that much procurement is conducted at state and municipal levels.

Asked for clarity on whether any trade deal would exempt public services from liberalisation measures if an agreement could not be reached to exclude the NHS.

Highlighted that exports to the US are growing faster than those to the EU, particularly in the west midlands, and sought assurances about new market opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses.

Asked whether a UK-US deal would incorporate US section 230 provisions that could impede action against social media companies failing to act on harmful content, seeking confirmation that such an approach would not be accepted.

Welcomed the Secretary of State’s mention of Stoke-on-Trent ceramics industry and inquired about potential market access for various industries, including ceramics firms, to help level up opportunities.

Inquired how the US trade deal would benefit Milton Keynes’ thriving digital and data sector, which has been voted the best place outside London for business.

Expressed concern about US tariffs impacting textiles and cashmere in his constituency and sought reassurance that future trade deals would restrict such tariffs on whisky and other sectors.

Asked whether the timing of US presidential elections may give a fair wind to the urgency of resolving UK-US negotiations.

Welcomed visits by the Secretary of State and Minister of State, inquired about punitive tariffs removal for ceramics industry, and expressed hope that such would be part of negotiations.

Congratulated on bringing forward the statement regarding talks with the EU, highlighted opportunities for food, agricultural, and drink products exports to the US market.

Sought agreement that a future free trade agreement should foster closer diplomatic, military, cultural and commercial ties, welcoming any deal making it easier for American friends to buy British products.

Asked whether the removal of tariffs on English sparkling wine represents a great opportunity in negotiations.

Inquired about support for small and medium-sized renewable energy sector companies to get into supply chains, seeking assurance that the Department would look at specific businesses in Cleethorpes.