UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

Acknowledges that debates on trade deals have occurred before EU exit but expresses a desire for principle-driven discussions rather than just focusing on being in or out of the EU.

Questions the Secretary of State's figures, suggesting that little will change for businesses between end-December and early-January 2021 due to continuity in trade terms.

Emphasises the opportunity for British sparkling wine industry with 770 vineyards employing around 10,000 people, potentially expanding to employ up to 30,000 more.

Notes that the deal will only contribute a marginal growth of 0.05% over 15 years to Wales' economy based on WTO figures, criticising the government's policy for requiring numerous trade deals to offset losses from leaving single market and customs union.

Praises the deal for solidifying increased Japanese trade in Wales by £250 million, a 25% rise since 2018, highlighting its positive impact on Welsh economy.

Celebrates the donation of cherry trees to his constituency as part of the prosperity agreement with Japan and appreciates the symbolism of the trade deal.

Agrees on some points but suggests that pre-vote scrutiny would enhance debates, allowing for more informed discussions before votes rather than post facto analysis.

Welcomes the continuation of the Trade and Agriculture Commission as an expert group to ensure high animal welfare standards are maintained in future trade agreements, particularly with countries like Australia.

Emphasised the benefits of the UK-Japan trade agreement for Scotland, highlighting that it includes increased recognition of Scottish products like Scotch beef and whisky through geographically protected status. He noted the substantial trade relationship between Scotland and Japan, with £500 million-worth of trade last year.

Asked for more details on the success rate and time taken for applications for new food geographical indicators through the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture. She also inquired about the equivalent figures specifically for alcohol products under the agreement.

Thornberry highlights that trade deals with Japan lack enforceable commitments on climate change and workers' rights, and criticises the Secretary of State for exaggerating the benefits of the UK-Japan deal compared to the EU-Japan agreement. She requests specific figures from the Government regarding export growth but receives no satisfactory answer.

West supports Thornberry's position, emphasising the importance of workers' rights in trade negotiations based on Senator John Lewis’s views.

Congratulates the Secretary of State and her team on the success of negotiating the UK-Japan trade agreement. Highlights the importance of global trade liberalisation, particularly amid rising protectionism and failure of multilateral agreements like those at the WTO. Emphasises Japan's economic significance and its increased assertiveness in international relations, beneficial for bilateral security cooperation and global prosperity. Discusses the benefits of the UK’s independent trade policy post-Brexit, including improvements in mobility provisions for business travellers and data/digital aspects. Also mentions the potential strategic advantage of joining CPTPP to counterbalance China's influence in global trade.

Acknowledges the achievement but questions its worth given the downsides. Points out that UK GDP gain is only 0.07% and criticises the lack of analysis on losses from giving up EU-Japan trade benefits. Expresses concerns over jeopardising existing trade with the EU, which accounts for 46% of UK exports compared to Japan's 1.8%. Highlights the importance of Scotland’s trade flows and proposes rejoining the EU single market as part of an independence plan. Questions the practicality of exporting cheese to a largely lactose-intolerant Japanese population.

The Labour MP expressed concerns over data privacy due to the free flow of data between Japan and the UK, pointing out risks associated with US data protection laws. He also criticised the deal for its lack of concrete environmental provisions and questioned the Government's ambition towards joining CPTPP through the Pitcairn Islands, emphasising the potential undermining of high environmental standards and food safety. Additionally, he raised concerns about investor-state dispute settlement mechanisms giving private entities a stronger position over governments.

Congratulates the Secretary of State on achieving the deal, assures food standards and animal welfare will not be compromised. Contrasts the CEPA with EU's Japan agreement, highlighting improvements in digital, data, financial services, visa regulations, and intellectual property. Emphasises benefits for British businesses and geographical indicators such as traditional Grimsby smoked haddock.

Welcomes the CEPA while recognising ongoing work needed. Highlights the impact of Japanese companies on the UK’s manufacturing sector, urging joined-up government approach to future agreements. Stresses the importance of cultural and economic ties between Japan and the UK in the context of liberal democracies, advocating for unity against autocracies.

Mr Williams thanked the Select Committee on International Trade for their work and praised the openness of the Front-Bench team. He echoed the importance of trade links with Japan, reflecting positively on a previous rugby world cup hosted by Japan. Mr Williams also highlighted the role of liberalisation in setting an independent trading story post-Brexit. He rebutted accusations from the Opposition about lowering standards and emphasised the growth of Welsh-Japanese trade, noting that it had increased year-on-year since 2018. Additionally, he praised the recognition given to various Welsh products under the agreement.

Ms Owatemi congratulated the Department for International Trade on their achievements but raised concerns about the future of third-party cumulation and its impact on the automotive industry. She also questioned data protection provisions in CEPA, especially how they could affect NHS data storage and sharing. Ms Owatemi expressed worries over temporary tariff arrangements and their potential expiration without UK's CPTPP membership by 2024. Concerns were raised about animal welfare standards and the limited time given to scrutinise CEPA.

Praises the success of the UK-Japan trade deal, underlining its strategic importance for the country in a post-Brexit era. Highlights personal experience of attempting to export marmalade to Japan and the potential benefits for entrepreneurs now that a robust trade agreement is in place.

Points out the need for deeper parliamentary scrutiny on future trade deals, noting that other major bodies have stronger procedures in place compared to what exists currently within the UK.

Welcomes the agreement and thanks the Chair of the International Trade Committee. Emphasises the importance of the Trade and Agriculture Commission for proper scrutiny of future trade deals, especially concerning animal welfare standards. Also highlights the potential for increased agrifood exports to Japan.

Supports the trade agreement reached with Japan, appreciates Minister's openness to questions on digital and data policy. Raises concerns about scrutiny of data protection in trade agreements, noting that UK citizens' data could potentially be processed outside UK laws via routes involving Japan and US. Emphasises the importance of parliamentary decisions over trade agreements for changing data protection laws.

Acknowledges cultural connections between Aberdeen and Japan, citing Thomas Blake Glover's historical significance. Questions the worthiness of the trade deal, given that its benefits are minor compared to projected economic damage from Brexit on Aberdeen. Expresses concern about joining CPTPP and criticises the Government for disregarding Scotland's democratic views.

Japan is the UK's fourth largest export market, accounting for 2% of total exports in 2018. The Government should be congratulated on securing an FTA with Japan but needs to set out clear parameters for measuring success in future FTAs. Concerns about the speed and scrutiny of negotiations need addressing, as well as recognition of professional qualifications and services trade. The UK's accession to CPTPP is significant and raises questions about US-China relations. Parliamentary approval before signature of FTAs should be considered.

The deal with Japan, while welcome, needs more scrutiny for future agreements. The protection of geographical indicators is crucial, especially for Scotch whisky and local products like Orkney beef and cheddar. However, the impact on exports to the EU if a deal isn't concluded by year-end could be significant. Concerns about data protection clauses are raised, as they could affect future deals with the EU.

Commemorates the right hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland's speech on fish exports, appreciates being part of the International Trade Committee to look at trade deals with Japan, highlights the importance of the role that the Trade and Agriculture Commission will play in future deals, acknowledges the competence of Ministers in providing timely information for scrutiny, emphasises the value of the deal as a vote of confidence in the UK's ability outside the EU.

Expresses hope for economic opportunities and sovereignty post-Brexit, discusses underinvestment issues in her constituency leading to low GVA, highlights contributions of Welsh businesses to Japan worth about £300 million, emphasises the reduction of tariffs on agricultural products beneficial to Anglesey farmers, mentions potential growth in Japanese trade helping safeguard jobs.

Congratulates the Secretary of State for achieving a landmark trade deal with Japan, emphasises the importance of strong commercial foundations between allies, highlights data provision and financial services gains made in the deal, praises the British negotiating team for their constant availability to MPs during negotiations, looks forward to the UK entering into CPTPP.

Congratulates the Minister and International Trade Secretary on the UK-Japan deal, highlighting its significance for independent trading. Emphasises opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises in Stoke-on-Trent Central, mentioning Lucideon's commercial growth and improved access to the Japanese market. Stresses the importance of quality standards and brand recognition for local businesses such as Emma Bridgewater, Portmeirion, and Wade.

Intervenes to support Jo Gideon's speech, highlighting the success of Burleigh Pottery in exporting to Japan and agreeing that the deal is beneficial for both advanced ceramics and traditional tableware ceramics.

Praises the shared values between the UK and Japan, emphasising the importance of trade and investment in Stoke-on-Trent. Mentions local ceramic artists like Reiko Kaneko and Hitomi Hosono who have gained international recognition. Advocates for increasing exports to Japan through market presence and specialist support from DIT advisers.

While I welcome this deal and the recent announcement of the Canada deal being rolled over, it is not as groundbreaking as described. The impact assessment reveals that only 15% of the £16 billion increase in trade benefits UK exporters while Japanese exporters benefit by five times more. GDP growth is estimated at just 0.07%. There are economic costs for UK industries due to cheaper imports and job losses. Tariff reductions are similar to EU-Japan deal, with only minor concessions for UK exports like dried eggs and ostrich leather. The recognition of seven GIs in the UK-Japan deal is the same as in the EU-Japan deal without guarantees of success. Only partial access to 10 out of 25 tariff-free quotas for agricultural goods was secured.

Emphasised the significance of the UK-Japan deal, highlighting its rapid negotiation and comprehensive nature. He mentioned it secures existing EU agreements while going beyond them in areas such as digital services, data protection, financial services, geographical indicators, and rules of origin. Hands also praised the Trade Secretary's efforts and recognised contributions from former trade ministers.

Asked Greg Hands about future UK-Asia goals including accession to the trans-Pacific partnership, dialogue partner status with ASEAN, several bilateral market access initiatives, and partnership of the climate change summit in Glasgow. He highlighted this as part of Global Britain's strategy.

Asked Greg Hands about the deal's impact on professional qualifications mutual recognition and services trade, referencing meetings with various professional bodies to ensure mutual recognition of professional qualifications in future deals.