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Not specified in this excerpt - New Clause 12
19 March 2024
Lead MP
Iain Duncan Smith
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
No tags
Other Contributors: 29
At a Glance
Iain Duncan Smith raised concerns about not specified in this excerpt - new clause 12 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The lead MP proposes New Clause 12 to require an impact assessment of the effects on UK performers' rights. The amendment aims to ensure that the bill considers and protects the interests of performers in the UK, focusing on ensuring fair treatment and remuneration for their work.
Chingford and Woodford Green
The amendment seeks to mandate an impact assessment that evaluates the effects on UK performers’ rights, ensuring fair treatment and remuneration for their work. The clause is designed to protect and enhance the legal framework supporting performers.
Anthony Mangnall
Con
Fylde
Suggested using the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 as a mechanism for parliamentary scrutiny, offering a vote on trade deals.
Mark Garnier
Con
Wyre Forest
Highlighted that being part of CPTPP provides power to veto countries like China from joining the agreement.
Liam Byrne
Lab
Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North
Asked whether the Secretary of State would block China’s accession, noting her inability to give an unequivocal answer as a concern.
Shrewsbury and Atcham
Compared the UK's role in warning about China’s conduct with Lithuania, suggesting that studying Lithuania could provide lessons on confronting Chinese influence.
Bristol West
Agreed that CRaG needs strengthening to ensure automatic reports and votes for significant treaty changes or accessions.
John McDonnell
Lab
Hayes and Harlington
Invited Rosie Winterton to sign a prayer urging the Government to hold a debate on CPTPP as a whole, emphasising the need for comprehensive scrutiny.
Liam Byrne
Lab
Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North
Byrne argues that the lack of scrutiny on the CPTPP treaty is concerning, highlighting the Government’s own rule requiring a full debate before ratifying free trade agreements. He questions why the House cannot have a similar debate as the Lords and stresses the importance of discussing all 30 chapters of the treaty, not just the parts covered by the Bill. Byrne also raises concerns about ISDS clauses in the treaty and criticises the Government for failing to secure side letters that would protect against potential legal disputes with litigious investors.
Anthony Mangnall
Con
not specified
[INTERVENTION] Mangnall supports Byrne's call for a debate, emphasising that such debates are crucial not only to highlight controversies but also to justify and discuss issues of importance to constituents. He argues that failing to have these debates deprives MPs of the opportunity to persuade their constituents about the benefits of trade deals.
Brighton Kemptown
[INTERVENTION] Russell-Moyle supports Byrne's position on ISDS, questioning why New Zealand was able to secure protections that the UK could not. He suggests this is indicative of a lack of ambition or complacency among Ministers.
Liam Fox
Con
Billericay
Mr Fox argued against admitting China into the CPTPP, citing historical precedents from the WTO and concerns over China's economic policies and geopolitical behaviour. He emphasised that China’s admittance could undermine the principles of non-discrimination and transparency within the agreement.
Chingford and Woodford Green
[INTERVENTION] Mr Iain Duncan Smith interjected to support Mr Fox's argument, emphasising that initial hopes for China’s transformation due to trade liberalisation have not materialised. Instead, China's behaviour has worsened, making the debate on its admittance to CPTPP crucial.
Damien Egan
Lab
Bristol North East
Egan's speech detailed his constituency's history and the challenges faced by its residents. He emphasised the need for better economic support, improved healthcare access, more apprenticeships, and higher funding for education.
Anthony Mangnall
Con
Fylde
Mangnall acknowledges the importance of CPTTP and other trade deals in boosting GDP, increasing exports, and enhancing mobility for business people. He supports the economic benefits of joining CPTTP but opposes new clauses 1 and 4 because he believes Parliament should focus on reforming the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act to better scrutinise international treaties. He emphasises that international trade agreements are not within Parliament's hands due to the royal prerogative, but argues for meaningful debates within the CRaG period. Mangnall also supports giving Privy Counsellor status to members of the Business and Trade Committee to ensure proper briefing on these issues.
Sarah Green
Lib Dem
Chesham and Amersham
Proposed three new clauses to address trade policy concerns, emphasising the need for clarity in performers' rights, business cost assessment post-accession, and impact assessments for potential member countries.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Mr Duncan Smith interjected to emphasise the economic impact of China's use of slave or forced labour, particularly in the polysilicon industry, which undercuts fair trade practices.
Mark Garnier
Con
Wyre Forest
Mr Garnier raises the counter-argument that taking final decision away from negotiators could weaken their ability to negotiate strong deals.
Mr Mangnall points out that Indonesia is not part of CPTPP and highlights the Malaysian certification for more sustainable palm oil as an example of raising standards through trade agreements.
Stella Creasy
Lab Co-op
Walthamstow
I argue that joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) will not be a significant economic boon to Britain, particularly given the current damage caused by Brexit. The UK has already lost £140 billion in GDP due to Brexit, with Britons being an average of £2,000 worse off. New clause 9 seeks transparency on trade benefits and regulatory changes, ensuring that British businesses are not misled about potential improvements from joining the CPTPP.
Richard Thomson
SNP
Glasgow Central
Mr. Thomson supports new clause 10, expressing concern about potential adverse impacts on UK trade and GDP within six months of CPTPP implementation. He also highlights the need for better scrutiny and reporting mechanisms through amendments like new clauses 9, 1, and 4. He is concerned about investor-state dispute settlements without adequate safeguards.
Gareth Thomas
Lab Co-op
Harrow West
Supports Labour's amendments for enhanced parliamentary scrutiny, ISDS reform, environmental safeguards, food and animal welfare protections, and business support measures. Concerned about inadequate government response to these issues.
Lloyd Russell-Moyle
Lab Co-op
Brighton Kemptown
Intervenes to highlight how the Government has neglected creative industries, contrasting with support for other sectors. Supports more inclusive dialogue on trade and reduction of barriers.
Liam Byrne
Lab
Birmingham Hodge Hill
Intervenes to stress the importance of addressing modern slavery in supply chains through robust actions in trade agreements. Supports stronger adherence to ILO conventions.
Liam Byrne
Lab
Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North
Mr. Byrne expresses disappointment that a full debate under CRaG principles was not granted despite support from the Secretary of State, highlighting concerns about scrutiny for future treaties.
Brighton Kemptown
Asked about the inclusion of numbers on unsustainable palm oil and rainforest wood in the five-year report, indicating concerns about environmental impacts.
Dominic Raab
Con
Esher and Walton
Supports progressing CPTPP due to its strategic significance post-Brexit. Emphasises the importance of investor-state dispute resolution protections for UK businesses.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Expresses appreciation for the Secretary of State's remarks and inquires about engagement with businesses and the Ulster Farmers' Union in Northern Ireland.
Gareth Thomas
Lab Co-op
Harrow West
Mr. Gareth Thomas acknowledges the potential economic benefits and geopolitical advantages of joining CPTPP, yet expresses significant concerns over the provisions affecting NHS, environment, workers' rights, performers’ rights, environmental issues like deforestation and carbon emissions. He criticises the government's approach to consultation and promises made for scrutiny under CRaG.
Richard Thomson
SNP
Paisley and Renfrewshire North
Mr. Thomson opposes the CPTPP agreement, arguing that it offers a poor substitute for trade deals left behind due to Brexit. He criticises the agreement's small impact on UK exports, noting that the economic benefits are minimal and distant compared to what could have been achieved with EU membership. He also calls for better quantification of impacts across various sectors.
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