Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (Implementing) Bill - Opening debate on the CPTPP Implementation Bill

The MP supports the Secretary of State's argument that leaving the EU has enabled deeper economic ties with fast-growing economies. He agrees that the UK is now better positioned to pursue these opportunities.

The MP questions whether China's potential accession to CPTPP will be blocked or welcomed. He expresses concern about the lack of labour rights in the agreement and its implications for UK businesses competing with those from countries without such protections.

The MP seeks clarity on opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) under CPTPP and the work being done to open up these markets to them.

The MP criticises the Bill's failure to address the suspension of deals with Canada, potentially harming UK car exports. She challenges the Secretary on measures to support British car makers.

The MP reaffirms the Government's commitment to upholding high standards of animal welfare and public health, including prohibitions on hormone-treated beef, ractopamine-treated pork, and chlorine-washed poultry.

The MP requests a clearer indication of the contribution CPTPP will make to UK GDP from the Secretary of State.

The MP supports the potential for ASEAN nations to form a larger trading bloc and welcomes the opportunity for non-member countries like Thailand to join in the future.

The MP highlights the importance of Malaysian investment in UK, citing Brabazon on the edge of Bristol and Battersea power station as symbols of this investment. He supports a trade agreement that will secure these investments.

The MP inquires about the potential benefits for businesses, particularly those focused on renewable energy, in his constituency under CPTPP accession.

Calls for clarity from the Secretary of State regarding the collapse of FTA negotiations with Canada and its impact on exporters. Questions if the talks have really fallen apart, highlighting £750 million-worth of British car exports at stake.

Questions Gareth Thomas's previous vote against a UK-Canada deal, suggesting inconsistency in his support for the current CPTPP Bill.

Reassures cheese producers that tariff rate quota does not exceed past export levels, and therefore there is no need for concern over increased tariffs on dairy products.

Cites evidence from the Business and Trade Committee indicating that CPTPP membership will have no overall impact on UK farming, contrary to concerns raised by Gareth Thomas.

Critiques the outdated nature of trade figures referenced and argues that they should not be used as a basis for assessing the impact of CPTPP membership.

Asks if there will be a new impact assessment alongside the Bill, given concerns about outdated figures and their accuracy.

Argues that Gareth Thomas is being inconsistent in recognising opportunities from CPTPP membership while criticising its importance. Questions if it would be difficult to project accurately due to potential for new nations to join the bloc.

Asserts that diagonal cumulation as part of CPTPP is a huge boost to British businesses in terms of supply chains, despite concerns raised about its benefits.

Questions if Parliament should have greater ability to scrutinise trade deals before they are validated. Argues that the contribution of CPTPP to UK growth is negligible as explained.

Responds to concerns over higher food costs due to the Australia deal, citing examples such as cheaper Australian wine and increased exports of Scotch whisky benefiting from free trade deals.

Supports public concerns about environmental issues in trade negotiations, referencing both the Australia deal and CPTPP provisions.

Mr. Garnier intervenes to support the argument that continuing to import beef and meat from Australia, which has variable standards compared to UK's high standards, is not new but a long-standing practice under EU membership. He underscores the value of trade deals in creating mutual interest and opportunities.

The SNP believes that joining the CPTPP is a poor substitute for existing trade deals and could result in economic harm. They raise concerns about lower tariffs potentially undermining UK animal welfare standards, particularly in egg production, and worry about the impact of ISDS mechanisms on regulatory coherence.

Intervened to highlight that a health check certificate and consignment charge will be required for eggs imported from Europe but not from CPTPP countries, potentially creating an imbalance in the market.

Argued that Scotland benefits significantly from trade deals and mentioned substantial sales of Scottish whisky to Singapore and Malaysia. He also pointed out the economic support provided by English taxpayers through the Barnett formula.

Emphasised opportunities for Scotland in oil and gas industry with a deal worth £350 million signed between Brunei and Scottish companies. He also praised the contribution of SNP MPs to debates.

Supports CPTPP but raises concerns about scale, standards, and investor disputes. Emphasises the need for export growth and cross-party consensus on free trade agreements. Urges the Government to publish models of economic impact before Committee stage. Highlights potential challenges with China's ratification and suggests embedding other national interests into the treaty.

Welcomes UK’s accession to the CPTPP but expresses concerns about limited immediate economic benefits, fears of farming community regarding food imports from countries with lower standards, worries in creative industries over changes to copyright law lacking reciprocity for British artists, and geopolitical risks associated with China's potential accession. Emphasises need for parliamentary scrutiny of free trade agreements.

Mr McDonnell argued that the current scrutiny process is inadequate, lacking early input and potential vote at conclusion. He cited concerns about ISDS mechanisms which may undermine regulatory autonomy and public interest. Further issues raised include environmental protections, labour rights, and potential risks to health and employment.

[INTERVENTION] Mr Byrne supported McDonnell's arguments about ISDS mechanisms, highlighting the significant investment from countries like Canada in sectors such as water and the need for greater reassurance on this issue.

Mangnall intervenes to dispute Dyke's concerns about the CPTPP, citing a report by the Trade and Agriculture Commission that concludes the agreement does not require changes in statutory protection for animal or plant life health, welfare, or environmental protection. He urges Dyke to reassure her constituents based on this evidence.

Raises concerns about the over-estimation of CPTPP benefits by the Government. Emphasises the need for rigorous scrutiny and commitment to climate change, human rights, and labour conditions globally. Highlights the importance of supporting small and medium-sized businesses in expanding their export potential.

Challenges Tan Dhesi's reliance on forecast figures as empirical evidence, stating that trade agreements are typically undervalued due to underestimating the advantages businesses and communities can take from them.

He praised the CPTPP for enabling the UK to meet international obligations, unlocking growth and trade benefits. He highlighted Mexico as a key trading partner with robust labour rights protections in place under the CPTPP. Hands emphasised that 99% of current goods exports to CPTPP parties are eligible for zero tariffs and stressed the importance of maintaining high standards while expanding trade.

He sidestepped party politics to focus on Mexico as a significant economic partner. He questioned how labour rights would be enforced under the CPTPP despite all parties being ILO members.

He paid tribute to Hands for promoting UK-Asian trade and investment agreements, highlighting the importance of the deal with Malaysia during its 67th year of independence.

He questioned the logic behind including ISDS in the CPTPP but avoiding it in the UK-Canada trade deal, expressing concern over regulatory autonomy.