Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership

18 July 2023 · 19 other contributors

Opened by Nigel Huddleston Con Droitwich and Evesham

BrexitBusiness & TradeAgriculture & Rural AffairsEnvironment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Nigel Huddleston raised concerns about comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-pacific partnership in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The Secretary of State for Business and Trade signed the accession protocol to CPTPP on 16 July 2023 in Auckland.
  • The UK will join a bloc with a combined GDP of 12 trillion, representing 15% of global GDP.
  • UK accession to CPTPP is expected to provide opportunities for British businesses abroad and support jobs at home.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Nigel Huddleston

The Secretary of State for Business and Trade signed the accession protocol to CPTPP on Sunday 16 July in Auckland. The UK will be the first new member since its creation, joining a bloc with a combined GDP of £12 trillion or 15% of global GDP. Accession sends a signal that the UK is using post-Brexit freedoms to boost the economy and secure its position as the second largest economy in CPTPP. It will provide opportunities for British businesses abroad and support jobs at home, with over 99% of current goods exports to CPTPP countries eligible for zero tariffs. Tariffs on whisky will be eliminated within 10 years and on cars within seven years. The agreement also includes provisions ensuring non-discriminatory treatment and greater transparency for services firms. Notably, the UK and Malaysia will now have a free trade agreement for the first time, providing access to a market worth £330 billion.

Other contributors (19)
  • Helen Morgan Lib Dem North Shropshire

    Question

    The CPTPP has controversial provisions that could undermine British health and safety standards, environmental protection, and animal welfare. Large companies can sue the UK Government privately if changes to laws or regulations affect their profits. Tariffs on palm oil imports from Malaysia will be reduced but there is no mechanism ensuring sustainability. The agreement excludes eggs from sensitive sectors, potentially allowing lower welfare standard imports. Concerns about the long-term impact on British farming and food production are raised.

    Minister reply

    The minister rebuked these criticisms as myths and emphasised that CPTPP does not alter UK's safety standards or requirements for import rules. He highlighted that the deal offers opportunities to engage with international partners on important issues like environment, including a commitment to tackle illegal deforestation within supply chains.

  • Ranil Jayawardena

    Question

    The deal benefits counties and nations across these isles by providing farmers an opportunity to export premium products to parts of the world that value them.

    Minister reply

    My right hon. Friend is correct, as this deal creates opportunities for food and beverages, including Scotch whisky, dairy produce, among others. The UK estimates CPTPP will bring benefits to every nation and region in the country.

  • Nick Thomas-Symonds Lab Torfaen

    Question

    I have met representatives from CPTPP signatories and made clear our commitment to driving up trade. However, we must scrutinise the full details of this agreement because with this Government, the devil is in the detail.

    Minister reply

    This is a great opportunity for businesses right across the UK as already, CPTPP countries sustain about one in 100 jobs in the UK and that will increase because of opportunities including investment.

  • David Mundell Con Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale

    Question

    This is an important trade deal as well as a geopolitical event that allows Britain’s shared values to be brought to the partnership.

    Minister reply

    My right hon. Friend is making a powerful and important point about the importance of pivoting to the Indo-Pacific, where there is so much global growth.

  • Richard Thomson

    Question

    This Government seem willing to sign up to any trade deals despite concerns regarding workers’ rights and domestic standards.

    Minister reply

    Again, I am disappointed to see the hon. Gentleman talk negatively about a deal that will benefit Scotland as well as all other parts of the United Kingdom.

  • Mark Menzies

    Question

    I warmly welcome this announcement and urge the Minister to make sure we are using the time between now and finally joining CPTPP to ramp up British industry presence.

    Minister reply

    Thank my hon. Friend for his work as a trade envoy, he makes an important point: signing the deal is one thing, but we need to ensure that it is used.

  • Darren Jones Lab Bristol North West

    Question

    UK car manufacturers are currently changing their supply chains for EU exports; under CPTPP they ought to buy parts from Vietnam. Will the Department publish guidance for business?

    Minister reply

    The hon. Gentleman is underestimating the opportunities, but he has given me the chance to point out one of the key benefits of CPTPP, which is cumulation, with products and parts being used—and still benefiting from lower tariffs.

  • Alun Cairns

    Question

    I congratulate the Minister as well as all the Ministers who have contributed to this significant moment. What action is he planning to take to promote the trade deal?

    Minister reply

    I thank my right hon. Friend, again I really appreciate the recognition that the deal will benefit all nations and regions of the UK.

  • Patrick Grady

    Question

    Even if the world was flat—the Pacific would still be very far away compared to Europe—how does the deal benefit fresh seafood producers?

    Minister reply

    Again, I am sorry to hear hon. Members conflate different points. We have left the European Union and CPTPP creates opportunities in areas of the world with considerable growth where we did not previously have deals.

  • Mark Pritchard Con The Wrekin

    Question

    I am delighted that the Government have signed up to this huge trade partnership. While it may not be in the convenient party political interests of some Opposition Members, it is very much in the national interest.

    Minister reply

    My hon. Friend makes an important point about the role that small and medium-sized enterprises can play.

  • Tan Dhesi Lab Slough

    Question

    Despite the Government's claims, CPTPP will contribute only 0.08% to UK GDP over a decade. The OBR forecast predicts that due to hard Brexit and lack of free-trade deals, UK exports are set to fall by £51 billion in 2023. How will the Minister compensate for this loss?

    Minister reply

    CPTPP will bring significant economic benefits worth billions of pounds across the UK. The deal is expected to create numerous jobs and opportunities despite what Opposition Members might claim.

  • Martin Vickers Con Brigg and Immingham

    Question

    How will businesses in the Yorkshire and Humber region be able to take advantage of the new trade deal?

    Minister reply

    The Government is working through export support services, trade advisers, and other programmes to ensure that businesses are aware of opportunities. This includes assisting companies large and small, especially those who have never exported before.

  • Margaret Ferrier

    Question

    What steps are being taken by Ministers to cultivate positive diplomatic relations in the Indo-Pacific region?

    Minister reply

    Ministers are actively engaging with various nations around the Indo-Pacific on issues such as the environment and labour rights. These discussions go beyond trade deals to cover a wide range of concerns.

  • James Sunderland

    Question

    What message does the Minister have for those who think Britain should not have a global role or is in permanent decline?

    Minister reply

    Life is better with the Conservatives in charge, and joining CPTPP shows that Britain is moving forward positively.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    How will the Department work with FCDO Ministers to ensure that such deals further international obligations?

    Minister reply

    The Government aims to make sure all regions benefit from CPTPP, including Northern Ireland. The Administration is committed to ensuring full advantage of this and future deals.

  • Bob Blackman Con Harrow East

    Question

    What are the advantages for services exports in London and the digital economy?

    Minister reply

    The UK is the second biggest service exporter globally, with more than 3,000 businesses owned by CPTPP members and over 100,000 jobs reliant on these. Benefits extend beyond London.

  • Karl McCartney

    Question

    Is there anything comparable in recent history or down the tracks as good as the agreement and partnership that has been entered into?

    Minister reply

    The Government is committed to working for our constituents, recognising benefits from Commonwealth countries and developing nations. There are many deals already signed and more being negotiated.

  • Tom Randall

    Question

    Does my hon. Friend agree that the era of Euro-jingoism is dead, with Britain now a true international trading power?

    Minister reply

    Europe will continue to be an important partner but there are vast opportunities globally that the UK wants to take advantage of, moving beyond just the EU.

Shadow Comment

Helen Morgan

The CPTPP contains controversial provisions that could undermine British health and safety standards, environmental protection, and animal welfare. Large companies may sue the UK Government in private if they believe changes to laws or regulations affect their profits. There is no mechanism ensuring imported palm oil is sustainably produced despite deforestation concerns. The agreement excludes eggs from sensitive sectors, potentially allowing imports of products produced under lower welfare standards. Concerns are raised about the long-term impact on British farming and food production, with an estimated increase in GDP by only 0.8% over a decade.

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